Recent advances in degradation of N,N-diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET)-an emerging environmental contaminant: a review.

N,N-Diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET) is a commonly used insect repellent, which acts as an organic chemical contaminant in water and considered as an emerging contaminant which has been observed worldwide. It gets discharged into the environment through sewage waste. The various methods have been used to degrade DEET, such as UV based, ozonation, photocatalytic degradation, and biodegradation (based on the metabolic activity of fungi and bacteria). However, less research has been done on the degradation of DEET by deploying nanoparticles. Therefore, biodegradation and nanotechnology-based methods can be the potential solution to remediate DEET from the environment. This review is an attempt to analyze the routes of entry of DEET into the atmosphere and its environmental health consequences and to explore physical, chemical, and biological methods of degradation. Furthermore, it focuses on the various methods used for the biodegradation of the DEET, including their environmental consequences. Future research is needed with the application of biological methods for the degradation of DEET. Metabolic pathway for biodegradation was explored for the new potent microbial strains by the application of physical, chemical, and microbial genomics; molecular biology; genetic engineering; and genome sequencing methods.

Navigating the Post-COVID-19 Immunological Era: Understanding Long COVID-19 and Immune Response.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world unprecedentedly, with both positive and negative impacts. COVID-19 significantly impacted the immune system, and understanding the immunological consequences of COVID-19 is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively explore and provide insights into the immunological aspects of long COVID-19, a phenomenon where individuals continue to experience a range of symptoms and complications, even after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection has subsided. The immune system responds to the initial infection by producing various immune cells and molecules, including antibodies, T cells, and cytokines. However, in some patients, this immune response becomes dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent symptoms. Long COVID-19 encompasses diverse persistent symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. In the post-COVID-19 immunological era, long COVID-19 and its impact on immune response have become a significant concern. Post-COVID-19 immune pathology, including autoimmunity and immune-mediated disorders, has also been reported in some patients. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of long COVID-19, its relationship to immunological responses, and the impact of post-COVID-19 immune pathology on patient outcomes. Additionally, the review addresses the current and potential treatments for long COVID-19, including immunomodulatory therapies, rehabilitation programs, and mental health support, all of which aim to improve the quality of life for individuals with long COVID-19. Understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and long COVID-19 is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and providing optimal care in the post-COVID-19 era.

Microbe-Plant Interactions Targeting Metal Stress: New Dimensions for Bioremediation Applications.

In the age of industrialization, numerous non-biodegradable pollutants like plastics, HMs, polychlorinated biphenyls, and various agrochemicals are a serious concern. These harmful toxic compounds pose a serious threat to food security because they enter the food chain through agricultural land and water. Physical and chemical techniques are used to remove HMs from contaminated soil. Microbial-metal interaction, a novel but underutilized strategy, might be used to lessen the stress caused by metals on plants. For reclaiming areas with high levels of heavy metal contamination, bioremediation is effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, the mechanism of action of endophytic bacteria that promote plant growth and survival in polluted soils-known as heavy metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting (HMT-PGP) microorganisms-and their function in the control of plant metal stress are examined. Numerous bacterial species, such as Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas, as well as a few fungi, such as Mucor, Talaromyces, Trichoderma, and Archaea, such as Natrialba and Haloferax, have also been identified as potent bioresources for biological clean-up. In this study, we additionally emphasize the role of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in supporting the economical and environmentally friendly bioremediation of heavy hazardous metals. This study also emphasizes future potential and constraints, integrated metabolomics approaches, and the use of nanoparticles in microbial bioremediation for HMs.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity, Release Behavior and Phytopathogens Control by Mancozeb-Loaded Guar Gum Nanoemulsions for Sustainable Agriculture.

Chemical fungicides are the backbone of modern agriculture, but an alternative formulation is necessary for sustainable crop production to address human health issues and soil/water environmental pollution. So, a green chemistry approach was used to form guar gum nanoemulsions (NEs) of 186.5-394.1 nm containing the chemical fungicide mancozeb and was characterized using various physio-chemical techniques. An 84.5% inhibition was shown by 1.5 mg/mL mancozeb-loaded NEs (GG-1.5) against A. alternata, comparable to commercial mancozeb (86.5 ± 0.7%). The highest mycelial inhibition was exhibited against S. lycopersici and S. sclerotiorum. In tomatoes and potatoes, NEs showed superior antifungal efficacy in pot conditions besides plant growth parameters (germination percentage, root/shoot ratio and dry biomass). About 98% of the commercial mancozeb was released in just two h, while only about 43% of mancozeb was released from nanoemulsions (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) for the same time. The most significant results for cell viability were seen at 1.0 mg/mL concentration of treatment, where wide gaps in cell viability were observed for commercial mancozeb (21.67%) and NEs treatments (63.83-71.88%). Thus, this study may help to combat the soil and water pollution menace of harmful chemical pesticides besides protecting vegetable crops.

Perspectives of nanomaterials in microbial remediation of heavy metals and their environmental consequences: A review.

Nanomaterials (NMs) have diverse applications in various sectors, such as decontaminating heavy metals from drinking water, wastewater, and soil. Their degradation efficiency can be enhanced through the application of microbes. As microbial strain releases enzymes, which leads to the degradation of HMs. Therefore, nanotechnology and microbial-assisted remediation-based methods help us develop a remediation process with practical utility, speed, and less environmental toxicity. This review focuses on the success achieved for the bioremediation of heavy metals by nanoparticles and microbial strains and in their integrated approach. Still, the use of NMs and heavy metals (HMs) can negatively affect the health of living organisms. This review describes various aspects of the bioremediation of heavy materials using microbial nanotechnology. Their safe and specific use supported by bio-based technology paves the way for their better remediation. We discuss the utility of nanomaterials for removing heavy metals from wastewater, toxicity studies and issues to the environment with their practical implications. Nanomaterial assisted heavy metal degradation coupled with microbial technology and disposal issues are described along with detection methods. Environmental impact of nanomaterials is also discussed based on the recent work conducted by the researchers. Therefore, this review opens new avenues for future research with an impact on the environment and toxicity issues. Also, applying new biotechnological tools will help us develop better heavy metal degradation routes.

A comprehensive review on the metal-based green valorized nanocomposite for the remediation of emerging colored organic waste.

In today's era, "green" synthesis is an emerging research trend. It has gained widespread attention owing to its dynamic behavior, reliability, simplicity, sustainability, and environment friendly approach for fabricating various nanomaterials. Green fabrication of metal/metal oxides nanomaterials, hybrid materials, and other metal-based nanocomposite can be utilized to remove toxic colored aqueous pollutants. Nanomaterials synthesized by using green approach is considered to be the significant tool to minimize unwanted or harmful by-products otherwise released from traditional synthesis methods. Various kinds of biosynthesized nanomaterials, such as animal waste and plant-based, have been successfully applied and well documented in the literature. However, their application part, especially for the cure of colored organic polluted water, has not been reported as a single review article. Therefore, the current work aims to assemble reports on using novel biosynthesized green metal-based nanomaterials to exclude harmful dyes from polluted water.

Characterization and biodegradation of paracetamol by biomass of Bacillus licheniformis strain PPY-2 isolated from wastewater.

Industrialization leads to the entry of diverse xenobiotic compounds into the environment. One such compound is paracetamol (APAP), which is emerging as a pharmaceutical and personal care pollutant (PPCP). In this study, the APAP degrading bacterium was isolated by enrichment culture method from the sewage sample. The microscopy, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyzed the isolate PPY-2, which belongs to Bacillus licheniformis, and GenBank assigned accession number MN744328. Physiological and batch culture degradation studies have indicated that the strain involved in the degradation of APAP. The optimum pH for degradation of the PPY-2 was 7.7, whereas the temperature was 25 °C, agitation speed was 142 rpm, and concentration of APAP was 621 mg/L reported, and the optimum temperatures were 42 °C and 32 °C, respectively. Biomass kinetic was studied at optimal physical conditions, which suggested that the specific growth rate (µ) was 721 mg/L. The GC-MS chromatogram peaks have detected metabolites, viz., oxalic acid, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl cyclohexanone, and phenothiazine. The study confirmed that Bacillus licheniformis strain PPY-2 exhibits metabolic potential to biodegradation APAP and can be further deployed in bioremediation.

Advances in Biopolymeric Nanopesticides: A New Eco-Friendly/Eco-Protective Perspective in Precision Agriculture.

Pesticides are essential to contemporary agriculture and are required to safeguard plants from hazardous pests, diseases, and weeds. In addition to harming the environment, overusing these pesticides causes pests to become resistant over time. Alternative methods and agrochemicals are therefore required to combat resistance. A potential solution to pesticide resistance and other issues may be found in nanotechnology. Due to their small size, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, and ability to offer novel crop protection techniques, nanoformulations, primarily biopolymer-based ones, can address specific agricultural concerns. Several biopolymers can be employed to load pesticides, including starch, cellulose, chitosan, pectin, agar, and alginate. Other biopolymeric nanomaterials can load pesticides for targeted delivery, including gums, carrageenan, galactomannans, and tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP). Aside from presenting other benefits, such as reduced toxicity, increased stability/shelf life, and improved pesticide solubility, biopolymeric systems are also cost-effective; readily available; biocompatible; biodegradable; and biosafe (i.e., releasing associated active compounds gradually, without endangering the environment) and have a low carbon footprint. Additionally, biopolymeric nanoformulations support plant growth while improving soil aeration and microbial activity, which may favor the environment. The present review provides a thorough analysis of the toxicity and release behavior of biopolymeric nanopesticides for targeted delivery in precision crop protection.

Characteristics and growth kinetics of biomass of Citrobacter freundii strains PYI-2 and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 during the biodegradation of Ibuprofen / Características y cinética de crecimiento de la biomasa de las cepas PYI-2 de Citrobacter freundii y la cepa YPI-2 de Citrobacter portucalensis durante la biodegradación del ibuprofeno

Ibuprofen (IBU) is the third most commonly used analgesic drug in the world. It enters the water system as a result of human excretion-based wastewater discharges. Hence, it attracts the attention of environmentalists for its ecological fate and degradation behavior. In this study, the two IBU degrading bacterial strains, Citrobacter freundii strain PYI-2 (MT039504) and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 (MN744335), were isolated from industrial wastewater samples using an enrichment culture method, identified, and characterized. Physiological and batch culture degradation studies have indicated that these strains involved in IBU degradation and the intermediates produced during the process were analyzed. These strains degrade IBU in the batch culture. The optimum pH was reported for degradation of the PYI2 strain (6.9) and YPI2 strain (5.8), and the optimum temperatures were 42°C and 32°C, respectively. Biomass kinetic analysis of these strains was performed based on physical parameters (temperature, pH, and rpm) and confirmed by the experimental study. As indicated in the GC-MS chromatogram peaks, viz., hydroxyibuprofen, 2-(4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid), 1,4-hydroquinone, and 2-hydroxy-1,4-quinol various intermediates compounds of degradation pathway were observed. Finally, through the GC-MS data, the metabolic pathway for degradation was predicted. In the study, it was confirmed that Citrobacter freundii strain PYI-2 and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 exhibit metabolic potential for the biodegradation of IBU and can be further deployed in bioremediation.(AU)

Characteristics and growth kinetics of biomass of Citrobacter freundii strains PYI-2 and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 during the biodegradation of Ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen (IBU) is the third most commonly used analgesic drug in the world. It enters the water system as a result of human excretion-based wastewater discharges. Hence, it attracts the attention of environmentalists for its ecological fate and degradation behavior. In this study, the two IBU degrading bacterial strains, Citrobacter freundii strain PYI-2 (MT039504) and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 (MN744335), were isolated from industrial wastewater samples using an enrichment culture method, identified, and characterized. Physiological and batch culture degradation studies have indicated that these strains involved in IBU degradation and the intermediates produced during the process were analyzed. These strains degrade IBU in the batch culture. The optimum pH was reported for degradation of the PYI2 strain (6.9) and YPI2 strain (5.8), and the optimum temperatures were 42°C and 32°C, respectively. Biomass kinetic analysis of these strains was performed based on physical parameters (temperature, pH, and rpm) and confirmed by the experimental study. As indicated in the GC-MS chromatogram peaks, viz., hydroxyibuprofen, 2-(4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid), 1,4-hydroquinone, and 2-hydroxy-1,4-quinol various intermediates compounds of degradation pathway were observed. Finally, through the GC-MS data, the metabolic pathway for degradation was predicted. In the study, it was confirmed that Citrobacter freundii strain PYI-2 and Citrobacter portucalensis strain YPI-2 exhibit metabolic potential for the biodegradation of IBU and can be further deployed in bioremediation.

Male systemic lupus erythematosus: Two distinct presentations.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) multisystem autoimmune disease is characterised by a series of exacerbations and remissions. Tissues of multiple-organ systems are affected by autoantibodies. We report here two cases of SLE in male patients. Being rarer in males, diagnosis is often delayed and associated with poorer outcomes. An alert primary care physician can be instrumental in early diagnosis and ensuring better outcomes.

Rodenticide-induced acute liver failure - Uncommon presentation of commonly available poison.

Rodenticide or 'rat poison' is easily available in a predominantly agrarian economy such as India. Metal phosphides or yellow phosphorous are two common rodenticides. Acute liver failure caused by accidental or suicidal poisoning with rodenticides has been infrequently reported in literature. Liver transplantation offers the best chances of survival in severe intoxication. However, the availability of liver transplantation in resource-limited settings presents a challenge. N-acetyl cysteine has been successfully used in paracetamol poisoning. Its use in rodenticide-induced acute liver failure is not so well known. We report three cases of rodenticide-related acute liver failure, one of them being a pregnant lady. All three patients were given N-acetyl cysteine and two patients improved. It is possible that the administration of N-acetyl cysteine contributed to the improvement in these two.

Insights of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease outbreak, management and treatment.

Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases poses a threat to living organisms, and led to serious concern to humankind and public health. The last two decades, viral epidemics such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) reported in the years 2002-2003, and H1N1 influenza (Swine flu) in 2009, middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) from Saudi Arabia in 2012, Ebola virus in 2014-2016, and Zika virus in 2015. The recent outbreak of 2019-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2), novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, or 2019 disease, COVID-19) in Dec 2019, from, Wuhan city of China, has severe implications of health concerns to the whole world, due to global spread and high health risk. More than 423349 deaths had occurred globally and is still increasing every day. The whole world is under a health emergency, and people are advised to stay at their homes to avoid the spread of person-to-person infection, and advised to maintain social distancing. The advancement in clinical diagnosis techniques like Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), immunological, microscopy, and geographic information system (GIS) mapping technology helped in tacking the rapid diagnosis and tracking viral infection in a short period. In the same way, artificial intelligence (AI), combinatorial chemistry, and deep learning approaches help to find novel therapeutics in less time and wide applicability in biomedical research. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has started the clinical trials of investigation COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, we can expect vaccines to be available for this deadly disease in the coming few months.

Biodegradation and Kinetic Analysis of Acetaminophen with Co-culture of Bacterial Strains Isolated from Sewage Wastewater.

Acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical pollutants in the environment and has been classified under among the emerging organic pollutants (EOPs). The increasing concentration of it in our environment is not only harmful to the ecosystem, but also to the humans as well. In this study, the microscopy, biochemical test and 16S rRNA sequencing the characterization of APAP as the sole degrading stains viz. Staphylococcus sciuri strain DPP1 (MN744326), Bacillus subtilis strain DPP3 (MN744327), Bacillus paralicheniformis strain DKP1 (MN744324), Enterococcus faecium strain DKP2 (MN744325) and DDP2 (MT705211) were performed. Haldane's growth kinetic model was used to identify specific growth rate and observed for DPP1 (485 mg/L), DPP3 (593 mg/L), DKP1 (477 mg/L), DKP2 (702 mg/L) and DDP2 (685 mg/L). The maximum specific growth rate was reported for the stains viz. DPP1, DPP3, DKP1, DKP2, and DDP2, was in order of 0.076, 0.223, 0.259, 0.179, and 0.141, respectively. The Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used to identify the effect of physical parameters on degradation using mathematical modeling. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the strains DPP1, DPP3, DKP1, DKP2, and DDP2 had significant F-value and regression coefficient (R2) value of 0.01%, 0.06%, 0.37%, and 0.18%, respectively. The co-culture of the five strains has utilized 1200 mg/L of APAP within 70 h while individual strains took 10 days. The intermediate metabolites like 4-aminophenol, benzamide, (R)-2-methylpentanoic acid, methylene-3-vinyl cyclohexane, and 1,5-hexadiene were identified by GC-MS. The degradation metabolic pathway was predicted by the intermediates by GC-MS, and PathPred based analysis.

Dataset on modeling and optimization analysis of biodegradation of paracetamol.

This article contains the experimental and statistical data related to degradation of acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) by bacterial strains. The strains used in this study were isolated from wastewater by enrichment culture method. The optimization was important to identify the physical conditions at which the strain degraded the APAP effectively. Therefore, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to know the influence of physical parameters (viz. pH, temperature, agitation speed, and concentration) on the degradation of APAP. The effects of the physical factor on the degradation process were investigated by a mathematical model, and this had indicated that all physical factors having some effect on the biodegradation of the APAP. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the strains DPP1, DPP3, DKP1, and DKP2 had the F-value of 12.89, 6.45, 4.58, and 5.31, respectively. This indicated, the model was significant with regression coefficient (R) value of 0.01%, 0.06%, 0.37%, and 0.18%, respectively. The experimental values, predicted data, and ANOVA analysis has suggested that the model was satisfactory.

Ibuprofen as an emerging organic contaminant in environment, distribution and remediation.

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are the one of sub-class under emerging organic contaminants (EOCs). Ibuprofen is the world's third most consumable drug. This drug enters into our water system through human pharmaceutical use. It attracts the attention of environmentalist on the basis of risk associated, presence and transformation in the environment. The detection and removal are the two key area where we need to focus. The concentration of such compounds in waterbodies detected through conventional and also by the advanced methods. This review we described the available technologies including chemical, physical and biological methods, etc used the for removal of Ibuprofen. The pure culture based method, mixed culture approach and activated sludge culture approach focused and pathway of degradation of ibuprofen was deciphered by using the various methods of structure determination. The various degradation methods used for Ibuprofen are discussed. The advanced methods coupled with physical, chemical, biological, chemical methods like ozonolysis, oxidation and adsorption, nanotechnology based methods, nanocatalysis and use of nonosensors to detect the presence of small amount in waterbodies can enhance the future degradation of this drug. It is necessary to develop the new detection methods to enhance the detection of such pollutants. With the developments in new detection methods based on GC-MS//MS, HPLC, LC/MS and nanotechnology based sensors makes easier detection of these compounds which can detect even very minute amount with great sensitivity and in less time. Also, the isolation and characterization of more potent microbial strains and nano-photocatalysis will significantly increase the future degradation of such harmful compounds from the environment.

Degradation study of lindane by novel strains Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to isolate and characterize the bacterial strains from lindane-contaminated soil and they were also assessed for their lindane-degrading potential. METHODS: In this study the enrichment culture method was used for isolation of  lindane degrading bacterial isolates, in which the mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with different concentrations of lindane was used. Further, the screening for the potential lindane degrading isolates was done using the spray plate method and colorimetric dechlorinase enzyme assay. The selected isolates were also studied for their growth response under varying range of temperature, pH, and NaCl. The finally selected isolates DAB-1Y and DAB-1W showing best lindane degradation activity was further subjected to biochemical characterization, microscopy, degradation/kinetic study, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The strain identification were performed using the biochemical characterization, microscopy and the species identifies by 16S rDNA sequence of the two isolates using the standard 16S primers, the 16 S rRNA partial sequence was analyzed through BLAST analysis and phylogenetic tree was generated based on UGPMA clustering method using MEGA7 software. This shows the phylogenetic relationship with the related strains. The two isolates of this study were finally characterized as Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W, and their 16S rRNA sequence was submitted to GenBank database with accession numbers, KJ811539 and KX986577, respectively. RESULTS: Out of the 20 isolates, the isolates DAB-1Y and DAB-1W exhibited best lindane-degrading activity of 94 and 98%, respectively, recorded after 8 days of incubation. The optimum growth was observed at temperature 30 °C, pH 7, and 5% NaCl observed for both isolates. Of the four isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, isomer α and γ were the fastest degrading isomers, which were degraded up to 86 and 94% by isolates DAB-1Y and up to 93 and 98% by DAB-1W, respectively, reported after 8 days incubation. Isomer ß was highly recalcitrant in which maximum 35 and 32% lindane degradation was observed even after 28 days incubation by isolates, DAB-1Y and DAB-1W, respectively. At lower lindane concentrations (1-10 mg/L), specific growth rate increased with increase in lindane concentration, maximum being 0.008 and 0.006/day for DAB-1Y and DAB-1W, respectively. The 16 S rRNA partial sequence of isolate DAB-1Y showed similarity with Kocuria sp. by BLAST analysis and was named as Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and DAB-IW with Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W. The 16S rDNA sequence of isolate DAB-1Y and DAB-1W was submitted to online at National Centre of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with GenBank accession numbers, KJ811539 and KX986577, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that Kocuria sp. DAB-1Y and Staphylococcus sp. DAB-1W were found efficient in bioremediation of gamma-HCH and can be utilized further for biodegradation of environmental contamination of lindane and can be utilized in bioremediation program.

Intercondylar humerus fracture- parallel plating and its results.

BACKGROUND: Intercondylar fracture of humerus is one of the commonest fractures of young adult and counts for about 30% of all elbow fractures. The treatment of these fractures continues to present challenges despite advances in internal fixation. Although orthogonal plating use to provid adequate functional results in these fractures, parallel plating is said to be mechanically more stable construct thus allowing early mobilization and better range of motion. AIM: AIM of the study is to assess the clinical as well functional results of these fractures treated with parallel plating. STUDY AND DESIGN: Prospective study in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 fresh patients of intercondylar fracture of humerus from Jan 2013 to May 2014 were included in the study and were treated with parallel plating. These patients were followed at 3, 6, 12, 24 weeks and at 1year of follow up and assessed in terms of time for union, range of motion, MAYO score, DASH score and complication rate. RESULTS: At final follow up Mayo score was 96.32±04.96 from 5.00±01.26 and DASH SCORE was 31.42±2.04 which dropped from 150±05.34, Range of motion improved from 21.38±05.70 to 116.1±07.92 with 100% union rate and complications less than 19%. CONCLUSION: Parallel plating for intercondylar fracture of humerus is excellent method of fixation and results are similar to those treated with orthogonal plating.

Characterization of native Bacillus thuringiensis strains by PCR-RAPD based fingerprinting.

Seventy isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis were isolated from soil samples collected from cotton fields. These isolates were characterized by randomly amplified poylmorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to determine their genetic diversity pattern based on their source of origin. Different random decamer primers were used for RAPD amplification, which generated a total of 1935 fragments; of these 1865 were polymorphic and 68 monomorphic. The primers OPA03, OPA08, OPD14, OPD19, OPD20, OPE17 and OPD19 produced 100% polymorphic fragments, whereas primers OPC06, OPC20 and OPD17 produced 20, 31 and 17 monomorphic fragments, respectively. When the RAPD banding pattern data was subjected to dendrogram construction, the 70 isolates fell into two separate clusters, cluster I and cluster II, which includes 26 and 44 B. thuringiensis isolates, respectively. These two main clusters were further divided into four subclusters at Eucledian distance of 150 and 80% similarity index. All primers showed amplification and indicated the good diversity of B. thuringiensis isolates. The RAPD pattern showed 4-10 bands per isolate, with MWt in the range of 0.4-3.5 Kb and an average of 193.5 fragments were produced per primer. The primer OPE17 was found to be the most discriminatory as it produced 286 polymorphic bands.