The unwanted occurrence of antibiotics in the environment is an emerging concern of non-target toxicity and antimicrobial resistance. Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is a low-cost and ecofriendly wastewater remediation strategy; however, the effect of immobilized bacteria on its efficacy during the remediation of ciprofloxacin (CIP)-contaminated water has not been documented. In this study, Phragmites australis was planted to develop FTW, and it was augmented with a bacterial consortium (Acinetobacter lwoffii ACRH76, Bacillus pumulis C2A1, and Acinetobacter sp. HN3), with and without immobilization for the remediation of CIP-contaminated (100 mg L⁻¹) water. The augmentation of bacteria (immobilized or in suspension) in the FTWs significantly increased the elimination of CIP from the water. Maximum removal of CIP (97%), COD (92%), BOD (93%), and TOC (90%) from the water was observed in the FTWs having immobilized bacteria. This research revealed that the FTWs have tremendous potential to remove the CIP from the water and its removal efficiency can be enhanced via immobilized bacterial augmentation strategies.

Antibiotic contamination of water is an emerging global issue with severe implications for both public health and the environment. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which is broadly used in human and veterinary medicines around the world to treat various bacterial infections. The presence of CIP in the aquatic environment poses serious health problems to human beings and other living entities. Floating treatment wetland (FTW) is a low-cost and eco-friendly wastewater remediation technology. In the current study, the Canna indica. (Indian shot) was vegetated in a floatable mat to develop FTWs. A consortium of three bacterial strains, Acinetobacter lwoffii ACRH76, Bacillus pumulis C2A1, and Acinetobacter sp. HN3, was immobilized on iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄-NPs) and augmented in the FTWs for the remediation of CIP-contaminated (100 mg/L) water. The augmentation of bacteria (immobilized or free) in the FTWs significantly enhanced the removal of CIP from water. The maximum reduction in CIP (98%), chemical oxygen demand (COD; 90%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD; 93%) and total organic carbon (TOC; 95%) was observed in FTWs that had Fe₃O_4-NP supported bacteria. This study reveals that FTWs have a great potential to remove the CIP from contaminated water, albeit its CIP removal efficiency was substantially enhanced by augmentation with Fe₃O₄-NPs supported bacteria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a globally significant pathogen responsible for chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In Pakistan, where approximately 3% of the population is affected, HBV is considered endemic. Key risk factors include unsafe medical practices, needle reuse, and poor hygiene in healthcare and community settings. This study aimed to assess the correlation between HBV DNA quantification using real-time PCR and two chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA)-based serological markers—hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and anti-hepatitis B e antibodies (Anti-HBeAb)—among patients with chronic hepatitis B in District Swabi, Pakistan. A total of 100 serum samples were collected from patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B at tertiary and rural healthcare centers. HBV DNA levels were measured using real-time PCR, while HBeAg and Anti-HBeAb levels were analyzed using CLIA. Most patients (89%) exhibited low HBeAg titers (1.6–5.0 IU/mL), suggesting minimal viral replication. Only a small proportion showed moderate (5–10 IU/mL; 2%), strong (20.1–30.0 IU/mL; 3%), or very strong (>30 IU/mL; 1%) reactivity. Anti-HBeAb was commonly detected, indicating potential viral seroconversion. The correlation between HBeAg and HBV DNA levels was found to be variable, with weak concordance in several cases. CLIA-based detection of HBeAg and Anti-HBeAb may serve as a cost-effective alternative to molecular assays in low-resource settings. However, due to their limited predictive value for viral load, they are best used in conjunction with molecular diagnostics for accurate disease staging and treatment monitoring.

The escalating resistance of bacterial pathogens to multiple classes of antibiotics poses a major public health threat. This study evaluated the antibacterial potential of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi isolated from hospitalized patients at Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan. Methanol and ethanol extracts were prepared from leaves and seeds, and their antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. All extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects against the tested isolates, with methanolic leaf extracts showing the highest antibacterial activity. The crude extracts were further fractionated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the antibacterial activity of individual fractions was evaluated. Several fractions exhibited strong inhibition zones, particularly those derived from methanol leaf extracts. The findings highlight the potential of M. oleifera, especially its leaves, as a natural source of bioactive compounds effective against MDR Enterobacteriaceae. Further phytochemical characterization and in vivo studies are recommended to develop novel plant-based antimicrobial therapies.