Submited on: 02 Jan 2012 02:15:45 AM GMT
Published on: 02 Jan 2012 09:28:52 AM GMT
 
Biofilm and Vibrio
Posted by Dr. Joseph M Antony on 06 Jan 2012 04:10:43 PM GMT

1 Is the subject of the article within the scope of the subject category? Yes
2 Are the interpretations / conclusions sound and justified by the data? Partly
3 Is this a new and original contribution? Yes
4 Does this paper exemplify an awareness of other research on the topic? Yes
5 Are structure and length satisfactory? Yes
6 Can you suggest brief additions or amendments or an introductory statement that will increase the value of this paper for an international audience? Yes
7 Can you suggest any reductions in the paper, or deletions of parts? Yes
8 Is the quality of the diction satisfactory? Yes
9 Are the illustrations and tables necessary and acceptable? Yes
10 Are the references adequate and are they all necessary? Yes
11 Are the keywords and abstract or summary informative? Yes
  • Other Comments:

    The manuscript by Odeyemi is an interesting article highlighting an important aspect of environmental health that is a concern to researchers and tourists to Singapore. A quick Pubmed search reveals interesting work on Vibrio and human health in Singapore but the environmental health of the famed tourist spots such as Sentosa in Singapore with regard to Vibrio infection has not been studied and hence, this study by Odeyemi is valid and interesting and more data are needed to justify further research in this area.

     

    The manuscript is well written and gives details necessary to make the author’s interpretation. However, as a reviewer, I would like to know more details.

    1. Firstly, the paper mentions sea water collection. Where was the water sampled? Is this an area with human access? Is there sea water efflux to this area of sampling or is it stagnant? Has the local government monitored this area for bacterial presence and is Siloso beach deemed usable for humans?
    2. As the authors mention, biofilm producing bacteria make up over 60% of the disease-causing pathogens. Does the Vibrio spp. isolated from Siloso beach constitute a pathogenic form of Vibrio?

     

    Since this is a preliminary study, it is not expected for the author to provide detailed characteristics of the Vibrio spp isolated in this study. However, the implications of this study are tremendous since the impact on local health and tourism economy can be substantial if this Vibrio turns out to be a pathogenic strain that can form biofilms. However, at this juncture, it might be potentially harmful to tourism if this manuscript is attempting at best to create fear of potential harm to people using Siloso beach. In my opinion, a preliminary study such as this is not warranted for publication due to potential harmful implications of an incomplete study. 

  • Competing interests:
    None
  • Invited by the author to review this article? :
    No
  • Have you previously published on this or a similar topic?:
    Yes
  • References:
    Mathew JA (Microbiology, 2001) Bhaskar et al., (Food Micro 1998) Bhaskar et al., (Aquaculture 1995)
  • Experience and credentials in the specific area of science:

    Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology

  • How to cite:  Antony J M.Biofilm and Vibrio[Review of the article 'Biofilm Producing Vibrio Species Isolated from Siloso Beach, Singapore : A Preliminary Study ' by Odeyemi O].WebmedCentral 2012;3(1):WMCRW001338
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Report abuse