Application Of Hygienic Measures Research Articles

Is it time to switch to a formulation other than the live attenuated poliovirus vaccine to prevent poliomyelitis?

The polioviruses (PVs) are mainly transmitted by direct contact with an infected person through the fecal-oral route and respiratory secretions (or more rarely via contaminated water or food) and have a primary tropism for the gut. After their replication in the gut, in rare cases (far less than 1% of the infected individuals), PVs can spread to the central nervous system leading to flaccid paralysis, which can result in respiratory paralysis and death. By the middle of the 20th century, every year the wild polioviruses (WPVs) are supposed to have killed or paralyzed over half a million people. The introduction of the oral poliovirus vaccines (OPVs) through mass vaccination campaigns (combined with better application of hygiene measures), was a success story which enabled the World Health Organization (WHO) to set the global eradication of poliomyelitis as an objective. However this strategy of viral eradication has its limits as the majority of poliomyelitis cases today arise in individuals infected with circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) which regain pathogenicity following reversion or recombination. In recent years (between January 2018 and May 2023), the WHO recorded 8.8 times more cases of polio which were linked to the attenuated OPV vaccines (3,442 polio cases after reversion or recombination events) than cases linked to a WPV (390 cases). Recent knowledge of the evolution of RNA viruses and the exchange of genetic material among biological entities of the intestinal microbiota, call for a reassessment of the polio eradication vaccine strategies.

Stability of Hepatitis E Virus After Drying on Different Surfaces

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 is mainly transmitted by consumption of contaminated food produced from infected animals. However, transmission via contaminated surfaces has also to be considered. Here, the genotype 3c strain 47832c was dried on steel, wood, plastics and ceramics, stored at 23 °C or 3 °C for up to 8 weeks and remaining infectivity was titrated on cell culture. During the drying process, only a mean 0.2 log10 decrease of HEV infectivity was observed. At 23 °C, remaining infectious virus was detected until week 4 on most surfaces, but HEV was completely inactivated (> 4 log10 decrease) after 8 weeks. At 3 °C, HEV was detectable up to 8 weeks on most surfaces, with an average 2.3 log10 decrease. HEV showed the highest stability on plastics, which was lower on ceramics and steel, and lowest on wood. The addition of bovine serum albumin mimicking high protein load had only a slight stabilizing effect. In conclusion, HEV shows a high stability against drying and subsequent storage on different surfaces. Strict application of hygienic measures during food production is therefore crucial in order to prevent HEV persistence on surfaces and subsequent cross-contamination.

Staphylococcus aureus in poultry, with special emphasis on methicillin-resistant strain infection: A comprehensive review from one health perspective

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus normally present on the skin and internal organs of animals, birds, and humans. Under certain conditions, S. aureus could produce septicemia and affection of the skin, joints, and heart, as well as sepsis and death. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is associated with the presence of some virulent surface proteins and the production of some virulent toxins and enzymes. This pathogen is considered one of the most important and worldwide foodborne causes as it is incriminated in most cases of food poisoning. The hazardous use of antibiotics in the veterinary field leads to the development of multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains that can be transmitted to humans. The incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains has increased globally. These resistant strains have been detected in live animals, poultry, and humans. In addition, retail animal products, especially those of avian origin, are considered the main source of MRSA strains that can be easily transmitted to humans. MRSA infection is regarded as nosocomial or occupational. Humans get infected with MRSA strains through improper handling or preparation of contaminated animals or poultry carcasses or improper cooking with contaminated meat. Live birds also can transmit MRSA to close-contact workers in poultry farms. Transmission of MRSA infection in hospitals is from an infected individual to a healthy one. Prevention and control of MRSA are based on the application of hygienic measures in farms as well as proper processing, handling, and cooking of retail poultry products. The cooperation between veterinary and human practitioners is a must to avoid the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Accordingly, this review focused on the sources and transmission of MRSA infection, virulence and resistance factors, incidence and prevalence in poultry and different products, antibiotic resistance, and prevention and control strategies.

A Highlight on Avian Toxoplasmosis: One Health Disease with a Special Reference to the Current Egyptian Situation

This review article was developed to the infection of avian species with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), diagnosis, pet bird and human infection, and control methods with a special reference to the current status of infection among the Egyptian poultry farms and population. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a unicellular, protozoan parasite T. gondii. Different domesticated and wild animals, as well as birds can harbor T. gondii and may be a potential source of infection to humans. Avian species could be infected with T. gondii through the ingestion of contaminated food, soil, and water with oocysts shed in the excreta of infected animals, especially cats. Poor sanitation and hygienic conditions increase the risk of infection. Consumption of food or water, as well as undercooked poultry meat or meat products containing the oocysts of the parasite, are the main sources of human infection with T. gondi. Diagnosis of T. gondii in the infected host depends on the serological detection of specific antibodies and molecular detection of the parasite. Microscopic demonstration of the oocysts and other developmental stages of the parasite in the intestine, liver, brain, and skeletal muscles tissues is another means for rapid diagnosis. Generally, a high prevalence of the disease is also reported in pet birds. Toxoplasmosis in humans is associated with abortion, congenital disorders, stillbirth, and other complications, especially in immunocompromised patients. Application of hygienic measures, as well as public awareness, are essential for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis. In different Egyptian governorates, a high prevalence of T. gondii has been detected in animals, birds, and humans. High incidence of infection was recorded due to the contact with Toxoplasma oocysts shed mainly from infected cats or other carriers. Egyptian chicken and turkey flocks and backyard birds revealed the presence of different developmental stages of the parasite and even its antibodies. In addition, human populations showed signs of toxoplasmosis with severe complications.

Serodiagnosis Of Toxoplasmosis By Using ELISA And IgG Avidity Test In Relation To Some Risk Factors Among Women at Childbearing Agein Zakho City, Duhok Province/Iraq.

This study intended to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of 630 women at childbearing age, and to link the outcomes with some risk factors. The enrolled women visited Zakho Maternity Hospital from July 2018 to July 2019. Their ages ranged from 15 to 45 years. All samples were examined using ELISA to detect immunoglobulin G and M, in addition to performing IgG Avidity test for seropositive pregnant women. 
 The differences between seropositivity and age was significant (p<0.05), the highest rate (20.43%) for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in the age group 33-38 years. Women who had more contact with cats showed higher IgG and IgM seropositivity rates (16.45% and 1.26%, respectively). Married women had higher IgG Abs seropositivity than single ones (12.52% vs 6.31%, respectively), moreover, only married women were seropositive for IgM Abs. Pregnant women presented higher IgG Abs seropositivity than non-pregnant (15.21% versus 10.49%), with almost equal seropositivity for IgM Abs (0.65% and 0.86%, respectively). 
 Anti-Toxoplasma IgG Abs seropositivity was higher in women underwent miscarriages than those with normal pregnancies (18.44 vs. 8.81%), however IgM Abs was only found among women who had miscarriages (0.97%). Women with triple miscarriages presented the highest IgG Abs seropositivity (37.03%). Chronic infection was found in 68.75% of pregnant women, whereas acute infection was found in 31.25 %. Following up the pregnancy resulted in 15 healthy births, 9 miscarriages, and 10 women did not show up. 
 The findings of this study demonstrate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and risk factors in women at childbearing age, with the aim of decreasing infection rates through the health education and application of hygienic measures.

Vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in shrimp: Isolation, sequencing, and control

Background and Aim: Shrimp is one of the most commonly consumed types of seafood. It is a very nutritious healthy food. Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein and healthy fats. It also contains a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. On the negative side, it may be affected by many bacterial diseases which affect its health. Furthermore, it may be incriminated as a vector of foodborne illnesses that range from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening diseases. This study was designed to assess the clinical picture and zoonotic importance of vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in live shrimp and to study the antibacterial effect of citric acid (lemon juice) and acetic acid (vinegar) on these pathogens. Materials and Methods: A total of 170 live shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros) samples were collected from Suez City, Egypt. The samples were examined clinically, and then, they were enriched into alkaline peptone water and cultivated on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and ampicillin MacConkey agar for the isolation of Vibrio and Aeromonas species, respectively. The recovered isolates were confirmed biochemically and genotypically using duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The germicidal effects of vinegar and lemon on artificially contaminated shrimp samples with Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at different times (0.25, 1, 1.5, and 24 h) and temperatures (5° and 30°C) were studied. Results: The results revealed that some of the infected shrimp were hypoxic, lethargic with abnormal swimming behavior. In most cases, body appendages, telsons, uropods, and gills took black coloration. In addition, the hepatopancreas appeared soft, swollen, and congested. The prevalence rates of vibriosis in each of the musculature and hepatopancreas were 4.7%, while the prevalence rates of Aeromonas infection in the musculature and hepatopancreas were 11.8% and 11.2%, respectively. Duplex PCR showed that Aeromonas isolates gave double bands: 237 bp specific for gcat and 500 bp specific for 16S rRNA, while Vibrio spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides isolates gave single band at 500 bp. The effect of organic acid treatment showed that acetic acid (vinegar 5%) had increasing reduction rates that reached its maximum level after 24 h; where it caused (100% inhibition) for A. hydrophila at both temperatures and (33.63% and 60% inhibition) for V. parahaemolyticus at refrigerator and room temperatures, respectively. Moreover, acetic acid was more effective at room temperature than at refrigerator temperature. Concerning the effect of lemon juice (citric acid), it was more effective than acetic acid at short marination (0.25 and 1 h) at both temperatures for the two pathogens. Moreover, lemon was more effective at refrigerator temperature than at room temperature at the same aforementioned time. The difference between the reduction effects of the two acids on both pathogens was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Overall, the examined shrimp samples were found to be vectors for Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. Application of hygienic measures during handling and cooking of shrimp should be esteemed. The organic acid treatment trial showed that vinegar and lemon juice can be used as a safe and economic method to limit the microbial contamination in seafood.

The cholera epidemic as condenser of meanings: urban cultures, clinical narratives, and hygiene policies in Rosario, Argentina, 1886-1887.

This article investigates how the 1886-1887 cholera epidemic in Rosario, Argentina led to discrimination among city spaces associated with foci, the production of certain socio-moral images about the sectors most affected, and the development of emergency clinical practices. Based on analysis of the signifiers used to define areas of segregation, I seek to show how working-class living conditions were one of the most pressing problems of urban expansion, to identify tensions between the application of hygiene measures and the evacuation or eviction of working-class sectors and to examine the role of displacement in the definition of suburban spaces.

Multi-genotype cross-protection against Pepino mosaic virus in tomato

The viral pathogen Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) can cause serious problems in the crop tomato (Solanum lycopsericum). One strategy to control infections of this virus is the application of hygienic measures. Alternatively, tomato plants can be cross-protected by attenuated isolates of a PepMV genotype. After two weeks, these plants are cross-protected against virulent isolates of the same genotype. In this study, the effectivity of a multi-genotype cross-protection was assessed. In greenhouse experiments young tomato plants were inoculated with a mixture of attenuated isolates of the Peruvian (LP) and Chili-2 (CH2) genotype, named VX1 and VC1, respectively. Inoculated plants were challenged with virulent isolates of the EU and CH2 genotype. The mixture of attenuated isolates, named V10, prevented almost completely the appearance of viral symptoms like leaf and stem necrosis, stunting, loss of fruit quality and loss of yield, caused by the virulent isolates. In contrast, when only a single genotype (CH2) was used to cross-protect the plants, symptoms were not prevented after the challenge with the mixture of virulent isolates. This study offers perspectives for a large-scale application of a multi-genotype cross-protection against PepMV in tomato.

Thermal Inactivation and Growth Potential of Listeria Monocytogenes in Smoked Tench.

An experimental study for the evaluation of Listeria monocytogenes inactivation during a hot smoking process in tench was performed using Listeria innocua strains. Furthermore, the survival of L. monocytogenes in smoked tench was determined after post-processing in contaminated samples, evaluating the growth potential during storage. L innocua was not detected after the smoking process. In the challenge test, the growth potential of L. monocytogenes was 5.68 log colony forming unit g–1. The results showed that hot smoking at an inner temperature around 72°C is able to eliminate the microorganism. Nevertheless, the product is able to support the growth of the pathogen if post-process contamination occurs, as the food is suitable for Listeria multiplication. Product recontamination should be prevented by means of appropriate application of hygiene measures.

English

Hygiene conditions during milking are essential in dairy cattle to ensure the highest level of milk production. The aim of this work was to assess the efficacy of hygiene measures during the manual milking process with no pre- or post-milking antisepsis measure at the Sahelian experimental station of Toukounous (Niger), on the prevalence of California Mastitis Test (CMT)-positive cows, on the identity of bacterial pathogens recovered from positive milk samples and on the clonality of the Staphylococcus aureus isolated. The application of mammary gland washing prior to milking, of teat dipping with chlorhexidine after milking and of milkers’ hand washing and disinfection with sodium hypochlorite significantly decreased the number of CMT-positive cows. However, the percentages of bacteriologically positive milk samples and the relative isolation rates of S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci did not significantly differ according to the presence/absence of antisepsis measure. As for the clonality of the S. aureus isolates, the 53 S. aureus isolated in the absence of hygiene measures belonged to 10 pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprints, while, in comparison, only five PFGE fingerprints were identified amongst the 11 S. aureus isolated in the presence of hygiene measures. As a conclusion, the strict application of hygiene and disinfection during hand milking at Toukounous is a major contributor to the decrease of the percentage of CMT-positive cows and, therefore, of mastitis prevalence and incidence. The reasons for the persistence of the remaining S. aureus after application of hygiene measures may be numerous; one of them could be that they belong to more resistant clones.  Key words: Mastitis, antisepsis, manual milking, Azawak zebu, Niger.

Phytophthora × pelgrandis Causes Root and Collar Rot of Lavandula stoechas in Italy.

In 2007, Phytophthora isolates with atypical morphological and biological characteristics were found associated with root and collar rot of potted plants of Stoechas lavender (Lavandula stoechas) in an ornamental nursery in Italy. A polyphasic approach, including morphological and cultural observations, sequencing the ITS-rDNA region, the Pheca and the mitochondrial coxI genes, multiplex PCRs with primers specific for P. nicotianae or P. cactorum, as well as random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, was used to characterize these isolates. On the basis of morpho-cultural and molecular analyses, the isolates from Stoechas lavender were identified as Phytophthora × pelgrandis, a natural hybrid of P. nicotianae × P. cactorum previously reported in other European countries, the Americas, and Taiwan, as a pathogen of ornamentals and loquat plants. In pathogenicity tests using potted plants of Stoechas lavender, the P. × pelgrandis isolates, similarly to the parental species P. nicotianae, induced the symptoms observed on plants with natural infections and were reisolated only from artificially inoculated plants. Dispersal of P. × pelgrandis on this host could exacerbate the damage caused by Phytophthora root and collar rot, of which the main causal agent presently is P. nicotianae on lavender in Europe. Application of hygienic measures is important to reduce the proliferation and spread of the Phytophthora hybrids.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS A IN TUNISIA

Purpose: To establish the epidemiological profile of hepatitis A in Tunisia, to identify risk factors and propose a possible vaccination strategy. Methods: 351 patients were included in this study. They represented 5 different groups: 174 consecutive children and adolescents (mean age 9 yrs) who presented to the hospital laboratory, over aperiod of 2 months, for out-patient labs; 61 volunteer blood donors (mean age 22 yrs); 58 health professionals (mean age 32 yrs); 47 hemodialysis patients (mean age 60 yrs); and 11 cir-rhotics (mean age 47yrs). ELISA (Pasteur-Merieux) was used for detection of IgG anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies (Ab). Results: The total prevalence of anti-HAV Ab was 69%. The table below summarizes prevalence by group.TableIn the children and adolescents group, anti-HAV Ab prevalence increased with age: 8% in those 6 months to 5 yrs old (p = 0.003; odds ratio = 5.5); 32% in those 5 to 10 yrs old (p = 0.01; odds ratio = 2.1); 59% in those 10 to 15 yrs old, and reaching 76% in those 15 to 20 yrs old. We also found 4 independent risk factors associated with a high anti-HAV Ab prevalence: living in rural areas, origin from the North-West of the country, and past personal or family history of icterus or hepatitis (adjusted odds ratios were respectively: 5.24; 2.42; 9.87; and 3.08). Conclusions: Even though there is a general tendency towards a lower prevalence of HAV in Tunisia, and a shift of the age of contact with the virus towards adolescence, the fact that the prevalence is 76% in those 15 to 20 yrs old and reaches 100% in adults still places us in a highly endemic area. No vaccination strategy is justifiable at this time. Prevention depends on the application of hygiene measures, which remain unsatisfactory even with the continuous improvement of socio-economic conditions.

Evaluation of the Possibilities for Preventing Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Little is known about the best way to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis. Until recently, the major effort was directed at preventing the disease during pregnancy by the application of hygienic measures (primary prevention). With the advent of detecting congenital toxoplasmosis antenatally, another method for reducing the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis becomes possible (secondary prevention). In this study, we evaluate these two methods for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis. For 12 consecutive years, we studied the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in 11,286 consecutive pregnant women. The impact of primary prevention was studied by measuring the reduction in seroconversion when hygienic measures were systematically applied. Primary prevention reduces the seroconversion rate during pregnancy by 63% (P = 0.013). The effect of secondary prevention was studied in 76 pregnant women at risk of delivering a child with congenital toxoplasmosis. Secondary prevention by means of serological screening combined with prenatal diagnosis detected congenital toxoplasmosis correctly in eight infected fetuses. Secondary prevention reduced the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis an additional 40%. This reduction would predominantly be seen in the group of mildly to severely affected fetuses. From this study, the effectiveness of primary prevention is obvious. Health education on how to avoid toxoplasmosis during pregnancy should become standard obstetric care. Adequate serological screening and prenatal diagnosis can be helpful in reducing further the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis. Whether or not screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy should be combined with primary prevention depends on the importance of congenital toxoplasmosis as a health problem in a given geographic area.

Le Probleme De La Dissemination Des Salmonella Par Les Viandes De Boucherie Et Les Produits De Charcuterie

SummaryOne may summarize as follows the measures which can assure man a better protection against toxi-infections due to Salmonelloses of meat origin. The spread of Solmonclloses can be reduced by assuring animals hygienic conditions of environments, of food and of transportation. Classifying animal Salmonelloses with the diseases requiring compulsory notification may improve the efficiency of this effort. One can prevent infection of the healthy meat by the application of hygienic measures in all the steps involved in the handling of the meat from the slaughter house to the consumer including the transportation, the refrigeration, the packing-house, the kitchen and so on... and by establishing compulsory sanitary controle of all the employees dealing with the preparation and the sale of meat and its by products. However, this controle may not be possible without infringing on the principles of individual freedom.One can educate consumers with modern means (newspapers, radio, cinema) by stressing the advantages of refrigeration for the conservation of meat either fresh or prepared, and the dangers resulting from tardive consumption of raw or insufficiently cooked meat.At last, one can endeavour to discover the exact causes of intoxication and to prevent their occurrence by the association of the voluntary efforts of doctors, veterinaries, industrials and consumers.