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Department of Microbiology

Department of Microbiology

The Microbiology Department is one of the fundamental scientific pillars of the Libyan Biotechnology Research Center, established in 2001 as a specialized research platform dedicated to the study of microorganisms and their direct impact on human, animal, and plant health, as well as their role in food safety and environmental sustainability. The department focuses on conducting advanced scientific research to address health and environmental challenges caused by pathogenic microorganisms while exploring the potential of beneficial species for agricultural, industrial, and food applications.
Main Research Areas:
1. Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance: Monitoring antibiotic-resistant bacteria prevalent in Libyan hospitals, particularly in intensive care units.
2. Pathogen Detection and Epidemiology: Studying the presence and spread of pathogenic microorganisms in food, water, the environment, and other biological sources.
3. Natural Antimicrobial Studies: Investigating the effects of medicinal plant extracts on specific pathogenic bacterial strains.
4. Food Spoilage Research: Identifying bacterial and fungal agents responsible for food spoilage and developing biotechnological solutions to reduce economic losses.
5. Beneficial Microorganism Applications: Isolating beneficial bacterial and fungal species from soil, studying their potential for biological pest control, and utilizing them in the production of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and other biotechnological applications.

Research Projects

Prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria in Intensive Care Units at Tripoli Hospitals, Libya

1. Introduction
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious global public health threats, particularly in hospital settings. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) represent high-risk environments for the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria due to the frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, invasive procedures, prolonged hospital stays, and critically ill patients with weakened immune systems.
MDR bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus have been increasingly reported worldwide, causing severe infections with limited therapeutic options. In Libya, data on the prevalence and patterns of MDR bacteria in ICUs are limited, highlighting the need for systematic surveillance studies.This study aims to determine the prevalence of MDR bacteria in ICUs at Tripoli Hospitals and provide essential data to support infection control and antibiotic stewardship programs.

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Microbiological Quality Study of Powder Infant formula (PIF) in Local Libyan Markets

1. Introduction
Powder Infant formula (PIF) is an essential nutritional substitute for infants who cannot be breastfed. Ensuring its microbiological safety is crucial because infants are highly vulnerable to foodborne infections. Contaminated infant formula has been associated with serious outbreaks caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Although PIF is produced under strict hygienic conditions, contamination can occur during production, packaging, storage, transportation, or handling in retail shops. Poor environmental hygiene and inadequate storage temperature can promote microbial growth and increase health risks.
In Libya, the consumption of PIF is widespread, but few studies have been conducted to evaluate its microbiological safety. This study aims to assess the bacterial contamination of PIF in local markets across different Libyan cities, identify the pathogenic bacteria present, and determine their potential public health implications.

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Kinetics of Maternal Antibody Decline to Avian Influenza H9N2 in Commercial Broiler Chickens

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Characterization and Evaluation of Local Bacillus thuringiensis Strains for the Biological Control of Agricultural Insect Pests

Numerous microorganisms have been employed in the management of agricultural pests; however, the emphasis on the commercial aspects of these biocontrol agents has only intensified over the last two decades. This shift is a direct result of scientific advancements in biological control and increasing public concern regarding the hazards of chemical pesticides. Known the adverse effects associated with chemical control over the past fifty years, including risks to human health, disruptions of ecological balance and biodiversity (such as impacts on natural enemy populations and soil microbiota, and the emergence of pesticide resistance in pest populations, there is an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. This has led to the promotion of biopesticides, or biological control, which utilizes living organisms or their derivatives to suppress and manage pest populations.

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Isolation and identification of bacteria from traditionally produced fermented milk (Laban)

Fermented milk is a nutrient-rich food that widespread over the world since ancient time. However, despite advancements in the scientific knowledge and technology that lead to production of safe fermented milk, many consumers in Libya still prefer traditionally produced fermented milk for its distinctive taste and flavour. According to some previous studies, this traditional product may pose a risk to public health. Therefore, this research project aims to:

  1. Evaluate the microbial quality of traditionally produced fermented milk using serological and molecular methods.
  2. Isolate and identify strains of lactic acid bacteria from traditionally produced fermented milk and compare the isolated strains with those found in fermented milk produced by modern methods.
  3. Evaluate any pathogenic strains may isolated from traditionally produced fermented milk for its antibiotic resistance.
  4. Compare the characteristics of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from traditionally produced fermented milk with those of certain probiotic strains.