Abstract: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing technologies have revolutionized the study of the gut microbiota, allowing for detailed characterization of microbial communities. Techniques such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing enable researchers to identify and quantify bacterial populations in fecal samples with high precision. In this study, biochemical and molecular analyses of Bacillus spp in infant fecal samples in selected IDP camps in Guma local government area, Benue State, North central Nigeria was carried out. Stool samples were randomly collected from infants aged 7 to 12 months using sterile, leak-proof containers. Participants were each provided with an ice bag containing an emesis basin (Ref. 104AA200, PRIM S.A Spain), a 50-mL sterile sampling bottle (Ref. 409526.1, Deltalab, Spain), and a sterile spatula (Ref. 441142.2, Deltalab, Spain). A total of two hundred (200) stool samples were collected from ten sampling locations, 20 samples per location in the three IDP camps. Each sample was sealed and appropriately labeled and transported to the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Joseph Sawuan Tarka University Makurdi for bacteriological evaluation. DNA was extracted from a sample using a modified protocol. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed in a thermocycler (model). The sequence library was prepared using the Oxford nanopore (ONT) SQK-RBK114-24 protocol. Biochemical tests presented confirmed the rod-shaped isolates as Bacillus spp. The isolates tested positive to catalase, citrate, nitrate reduction, mannitol, glucose and gram reaction while taking its normal rod shape structure. Seven (7) samples analyzed genotypically using PCR were confirmed as Bacillus spp. Results revealed the presence of three species of Bacillus; Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis in the seven samples. Bacillus siamensis strain Bk6y1 and Bacillus velezensis strain GBWR73 were strains of B. siamensis and velezensis respectively. They were obtained from samples at Daudu camp 1 and Uikpiam camp respectively. Bacillus subtilis dominated the samples (5 out of 7) with different strains at Daudu camp 1 and 2. The strains were: B. subtilis strain CS-P-4, B. subtilis strain BS34A, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis AZFS, B. subtilis strain HSB2 and B. subtilis strain PSBC28. Sequence results of the 16sRNA revealed the isolates as three species of Bacillus. They were Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus velezensis. Bacillus subtilis dominated the samples with different strains including B. subtilis strain CS-P-4, B. subtilis strain BS34A, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis AZFS, B. subtilis strain HSB2 and B. subtilis strain PSBC28.
Keywords: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), Microbiology Laboratory, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Title: Biochemical and Molecular Analyses of Bacillus spp in Infant Fecal Samples in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
Author: Ihula D. Hembadoon, Ihula JP., Ubogu M., Olasan O. J.
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025
Page No: 17-24
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 15-October-2025
