Assessment Of Bacteriological Quality Research Articles

Hydrogeochemical analysis of groundwater quality during the pre- monsoon season of Manipur, India

ABSTRACT The water quality index (WQI) and irrigational index for groundwater were studied in the northeastern section of the Manipur Valley in northeast India. Water samples were collected in 2022 during the pre-monsoon season. To compute the water quality index for drinking water, the basic chemical parameters of total hardness, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Chlorine, and Hydrogen Carbonate were used. The assessment of bacteriological quality is also done, which is crucial for overall water quality evaluation, alongside physical and chemical analyze. For determining irrigation suitability, irrigational indices such as sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, and magnesium hazard were calculated. WQI, %Na+, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard, permeability Index and total hardness indicate that most water samples are harmless for irrigation and drinking purpose. They have affirmative relationships indicating that these characteristics are interdependent. Approximately 25% of the Piedmont zone groundwater is found to be unfit for agricultural and drinking usage. The encrustation of gypsum, halite, and evaporation into the Disang shares accelerate the dissolution of ions in Piedmont water, resulting in quality degradation. According to Gibbs plots, Durov Scatter Plot, and Hill Piper Trilinear Diagram of water dominated the rock-weathering process, while hydrochemical facies progressed from the beginning to the intermediate stage of Chadha’s graphical representation illustrates the progression of hydrochemical processes in surface water. Therefore, proper integrated water resource management and development are required for effective water resource utilization, particularly around the Piedmont zone. In recent years, the quality of groundwater has caused a significant deal of alarm, and an increasing number of studies relating to it have been published. The geological, structural, and geomorphological features in the intermontane Imphal Valley in Manipur, India, were identified using SRTM DEM data by QGIS Software. This area has simple geology and structural elements, making it an appropriate site to evaluate the use of remote sensing and GIS tools in geological studies. To prevent a water crisis, groundwater resources must be managed sustainably. The current study also concentrated on a bibliometric examination of groundwater management and access to gauge the state of the field. A bibliometric examination of these papers may offer insight into current research and trends. We are the first to join Groundwater Quality Assessment with bibliometric analysis. This prediction, if taken into consideration strategically during the planning of preventive measures for groundwater quality can help to analyze future evaluation to a great extent.

Physico-Chemical Parameters and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Some Domestic Water Sources in Pankshin LGA of Plateau State Nigeria

Due to human activity and other natural influences, drinking water is seldom found in 100% pure forms in nature. Drinking polluted water is a major source of sickness in underdeveloped nations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and standard methodologies for the investigation of water and wastewater were followed in the analysis of the collected water samples, which were conducted using automated instrumental methods. The obtained results indicated that the samples used had the following ranges of concentrations: SO42- ranges from ND to 19.00 mg/L; NO3- ranges from 4.40 to 100.32 mg/L; PO42- from 2.02-11,34 mg/L; pH 6.64 to 7.70; Cd from 0.0020 ± 0.001 to 0245 ± 0.01 mg/L; Ni, from 0.0074 ± 0.003 to 0.848 ± 0.021 mg/L; Cr, ND to 0.386 ± 0.082 mg/L; Pb ND to 0.428 ± 0.003 mg/L; total bacteria count TaBC, 4 x 102 to 3.3 x 104 CFU/mL. Most of the physicochemical parameters were above acceptable limits. The bacteriological study of the water samples also revealed that the water samples were all polluted with bacteria and coliforms. From the foregoing, these drinking water sources, therefore require treatment before consumption to minimize or avoid the incidences of water-related diseases.

Assessment of bacteriological quality and safety of raw meat at slaughterhouse and butchers’ shop (retail outlets) in Assosa Town, Beneshangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Contaminated meat has been implicated in many cases of foodborne illness and poses serious challenges in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the quality and safety of raw beef meat in Assosa Town. The finding showed that the mean of Aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) and S. aureus at retail outlets was 5.04 log10cfu/g and 3.84 log10cfu/g; 4.03 log10cfu/g and 3.5 log10cfu/g at slaughterhouse, respectively. The microbial load range of AMB at the butcher shop was 2.49-5.16 log10 cfu/g, while at the abattoir it was 2.75-7.52 log10 cfu/g out of 70 raw beef meat analyzed samples. Similar to this, the butcher shop and abattoir had S. aureus microbiological load ranges of 2.74 - 4.84 log10 cfu/g and 2.71-4.72 log10 cfu/g, respectively. In contrast, 25.7% and 34.3% of the samples in the abattoir and retail shop, respectively, were contaminated with Salmonella sp. For S. aureus, just 38.71% and 17.14%, respectively, of the samples at the retail and butcher shops were satisfactory. AMB found that 80% of the examined samples from butcher shops and 57.7% from abattoirs were satisfactory. Due to poor handling and environmental hygiene procedures by Assosa Town butchers, 77.1% of the meat contact surface and 82.9% of the carcass were exposed to flies. On the other hand, only 5.7%, 28.6%, and 22.9% of the butchers kept the carcass in the refrigerator, and wore gowns and hairnets, respectively. In slaughterhouses, the majority of respondents (87.5%) concur that there were certain challenges in achieving slaughtering in the working environment.

Bacteriological assessment of pipe-borne, borehole, and well water sources available to students in Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The provision of clean water, microorganisms-free water is crucial in preventing the transmission of waterborne diseases. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the bacteriological quality of water sources accessible to students within Nasarawa State University Keffi. Sixteen samples, comprising ten from piped source, three from boreholes, and three from wells, were subjected to bacteriological quality assessment. The total bacterial count was analyzed using the pour plate technique, while the total coliform count and bacteriological index were assessed through the most probable number technique. Among the various water sources examine, pipe-borne water exhibited the lower bacterial contamination with a mean of 0.6×106 CFU/100 mL in contrast to borehole and well water sources, which recorded mean of 1.6×106 and 3.2×106 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Additionally, pipe-borne water demonstrated the lowest mean total coliform count, registering 22 MPN/100 mL. Notably, Notably, the water samples were found to harbor bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aerogens, and Citrobacter sp. Alarming findings from this study highlight the unsuitability of most water samples for human consumption, as they fail to meet the quality standards established by the World Health Organization. Consequently, it is necessary to implement measures aimed at safeguarding water sources from contamination and curbing the proliferation of diseases. Furthermore, it is pertinent to prioritize adequate treatment of domestic water sources prior to consumption to ensure public health and well-being.

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Nigerian Indigenous Beverages Consumed in Calabar, Southern Nigeria

Aim: Locally prepared drinks and beverages are gradually replacing the conventional sugary carbonated soft drinks, particularly because of the health effects associated with some of the components in these drinks. This study was aimed at evaluating the bacteriological quality of locally produced drinks/beverages (kunu, zobo, tiger-nut and pineapple drinks), produced and sold in Calabar metropolis.
 Methodology: Samples (tiger-nut, zobo, kunu and pineapple drink) were collected from five different markets within the study area and evaluated using standard bacteriological techniques. Results: The mean aerobic bacterial ranged from 21.6 ± 0.8 x 105 CFU/mL to 208.8 ± 2.02 x 105 CFU/mL. The coliform counts ranged from 5.8 ± 0.49 x 105 CFU/mL to 187.2 ± 2.10 x 105 CFU/mL. The staphylococcal counts ranged from 29.8 ± 0.92 x 105 CFU/mL to 194.4 ± 1.64 x 105 CFU/mL. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci was the most predominant isolates (27.0%), followed by Escherichia coli (12.2%) and Enterobacter sp (10.4%). Other bacteria genera detected include Bacillus sp, Lactobacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Proteus sp, Micrococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Serratia sp, Citrobacter sp, and Streptococcus sp and Listeria sp.
 Conclusion: This study revealed that the bacteriological quality of the analyzed samples was above the acceptable standards and as such a potential risk to public health. Therefore, education for vendors on food safety and hygienic practices is essential to reduce contamination rate. Furthermore, regular inspection on food vending practices and safety of ready-to-eat foods is required to improve the health standards of consumers.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Heavy Metals Concentrations of Borehole Water Tanks in Wuse 1 District of Abuja, Nigeria

Borehole water is an alternative source of portable water readily available for domestic and commercial uses in Wuse 1 District of Abuja and Nigeria. The study evaluates the bacteriological quality and heavy metals concentrations of borehole tank water in Wuse 1 District. Sixty-three (63) water samples (27 Residential and 36 Commercial) were aseptically collected and analyzed following standard microbiological methods while analysis of heavy metals water sample was carried out using flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Model 220AS Autosampler). Out of the total water samples, E. coli, S. typhi, S. dysentriae and S. aerues were more isolated accounting for 3.2%, 11.3%, 5% and 3.8% respectively in which commercial borehole tank water showed in each case, higher occurrence of individual bacteria isolates The Physiochemical assessment showed no indication of industrial pollution. There was no significant difference in COD (P = 0.04). Heavy metals composition of borehole water in the district showed that Cadmium and Lead were scarcely detected. Zones which showed presence of cadmium in commercial water tanks were, Z5 and Z6 with 0.007ppm and 0.001ppm respectively, while those of residential water tanks were, Z1 with 0.001ppm. Overall copper concentration ranged from 0.01ppm to 0.108ppm, iron 0.22ppm to 1.75ppm, and manganese 0.01ppm to 0.11ppm, while that of zinc was 0.248ppm and 0.327ppm respectively. The study therefore recommends that borehole water from storage tanks be pre-treated by boiling before use, and also soil investigation is imperative to ascertain the elemental composition of a choice land before drilling.

Seasonal variations and health risk assessment of microbial contaminations of groundwater in selected coastal communities of Ghana

This study investigated seasonal variations in microbial contaminations of groundwater and associated health risks in four coastal communities (Essiama, Winneba, Accra, and Keta) in Ghana. Membrane filtration methods, sanitary risk inspection, and quantitative microbial risk assessment were employed, respectively, to (i) quantify bacteriological quality, (ii) identify risks to contamination, and (iii) assess health risks associated with Escherichia coli in groundwater. Results showed 70.00%, 53.33%, 70.37% and 90.00% of groundwater sources in Essiama, Winneba, Accra, and Keta, respectively, were at intermediate risk, whereas 3.33%, 40.00%, 14.81%, and 3.33%, respectively, were at high risk. Very high-risk levels of contamination were recorded only in Accra. The presence of animal wastes within a 10 m radius of groundwater collection point, bad drainage systems, collection of spilt water in apron area, the use of ropes and buckets when fetching groundwater, and absence of aprons and well covers put more than 60.00% of the groundwater points in two or more locations at risk of contaminations. Assessment of bacteriological quality of groundwater indicated that mean total coliforms and E. coli ranged, respectively, between 123.40-501.30 and 30.98–141.90 CFU/100 ml for the communities; the highest microbial counts for dry and wet seasons occurred in Winneba and Keta, respectively. Seasonal variations in E. coli counts in Winneba and Accra were significantly higher in the dry season than in the wet season; Essiama and Keta showed no significant seasonal variations. Exposure to E. coli O157:H7 through drinking groundwater ranged between 5 and 23 cells per day. Although exposure to E. coli O157:H7 through bathing was less than 1 cell per day in all communities, residents were exposed to one E. coli, at least, every 62, 141, 237, and 282 days in Winneba, Accra, Keta, and Essiama, respectively. The risk of infection and illness for all communities was 1 for drinking, whereas that for bathing ranged from 0.57 to 0.98. The estimated Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) exceeded the WHO-acceptable DALY. These findings show that groundwater resources in the selected coastal communities were prone to microbial contaminations, and this may be a setback to Sustainable Development Goals 6. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Stream and well water samples from two rural communities in Ekiti State, Nigeria: assessment of physicochemical parameters, bacteriological quality and public health significance

Infectious diseases caused by microorganisms are widespread health risks associated with drinking water. This study evaluated the physicochemical parameters and bacteriological quality of the stream and well water using standard protocols. The bacteria were identified by conventional and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility and location of antibiotic resistance markers (ARMs) were determined using disc diffusion and acridine orange, respectively. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Counts (THBC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Faecal Coliform Counts (FCC) from the stream water was 4.3 ± 0.3×106, 8.9 ± 0.0×105, and 3.5 ± 0.1×104 (CFU mL-1), respectively. The well water had mean TCC ranging between 2.8 ± 0.0×103 and 2.1 ± 0.1×104 (CFU mL-1). Six bacterial genera: Staphyloccocus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Shigella were isolated. The mean temperature of the water ranged from 26.0 ± 0.3oC to 27.0 ± 0.1oC. The highest mean dissolved oxygen, total hardness, sulphate and magnesium was 24.0 ± 1.0, 40.1 ± 0.8, 11.0± 1.0, and 67.0 ± 1.5 (mg L-1), respectively. The results showed that ≥ 66.7 S. aureus were Levofloxacin and Streptomycin sensitive; between 45.5 and 68.1% of the isolates were Gentamycin and Chloramphenicol resistant, while 81.8% exhibited multidrug resistance. Escherichia coli EcSW3, E. aerogenes EeWW2, K. pneumoniae KpSW3, and S. aureus SaSW had their entire ARMs located on the plasmids with the molecular sizes ˂ 2.027 Kbp. This study showed that the stream and well water harboured bacteria with some ARMs on plasmids, indicating the possibility of horizontal transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes among the bacteria. In addition, it showed the necessity to enlighten the rural populace on the importance of cleaning the surroundings near water sources so as to prevent water-borne diseases.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality and Physiochemical Parameters of Domestic Water Sources in Jenin Governorate: A Case Study.

Water quality of drinking water is a concern in Palestine due to possible pollution sources. There is a demand for investigating the quality of municipal water supply. This study aimed to assess the quality of domestic water in Jenin Governorate located in the north of the West Bank. The methodology of this research was based on field sampling and laboratory standard testing. The tested parameters included (1) physicochemical parameters of electrical conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, salinity, pH, and total alkalinity, (2) chemical contents including the contents of nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, aluminum, and fluoride, and (3) biological contents including total coliforms and fecal coliforms. The water quality parameters were compared with the acceptable limits set by local and international standards. The findings confirm that most of the values of the investigated parameters are within the acceptable standard limits. No pollution of heavy metals is detectable. On the other hand, there are limited pollution contents in terms of the total dissolved solid (TDS), total hardness, and calcium. Furthermore, the biological parameters indicate that there are low to very high risks in a fraction of the water quality samples in terms of total coliforms and fecal coliforms. This is believed to be due to the presence of septic tanks in the neighborhoods of the sampling locations. For these cases, biological disinfection treatments are recommended before human use with an essential need for the construction of urban sewer systems. Furthermore, water treatment for harness removal may be required.

Bacteriological quality assessment of poultry chicken meat and meat contact surfaces for the presence of targeted bacteria and determination of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp. in Pakistan

During the slaughtering process, the meat product cross-contaminates with the surrounding contact surfaces. This study aimed to assess the level of microbial contamination of poultry chicken meat and contact surfaces at poultry slaughterhouses in the Hyderabad and Jamshoro districts of Pakistan. A total of 38 slaughter shops were selected, and from each shop, three types of samples were collected. All the samples were assessed for the presence of three microbes, Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli by using some culture-based techniques, and for Salmonella, antibiotic resistance was also determined. Results revealed that Shigella was present in 86.8% of knives, 94.7% of chopping board and 97.3% of meat samples. While, the E. coli was present in 86.8% of knife, 97.3% of chopping board, and 97.3% of meat samples. Salmonella was detected in 97.3% of knives, 92% of chopping boards, and 97.3% of meat samples. All the isolates of Salmonella exhibited resistance to one or more antibiotics. Resistance to ampicillin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, erythromycin, neomycin, streptomycin, and sulphamethoxazole were evident in 91.7%, 25.6%, 32.1%, 40.3%, 33.9%, 34.8%, and 52.2% respectively. However, only 6.4% of isolates showed resistance to azithromycin (6.4%), and none of them showed resistance to ceftazidime. Moreover, 61.4% (67/109) of isolates were multiple drug-resistance (MDR). A high prevalence of Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli in meat and on contact surfaces can be considered a major risk for human health. It is vital to continue developing strategies to limit the danger of foodborne diseases in slaughtering facilities.

Assessment of Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water Sources in Kakamega County, Kenya

Water-borne diseases still present a major health burden in Africa. Large segments of the rural population here have no access to potable water. This study has been designed to assess the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in the study area. The study was conducted in Kakamega county covering the twelve sub-counties of Likuyani, Lugari, Malava, Navakholo, Lurambi, Ikolomani, Shinyalu, Mumias East, Mumias West, Matungu, Butere and Khwisero. Socio-demographic characteristics of the study populations were captured using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The Most Probable Number (MPN) method was used to determine the abundance of Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the water samples collected. Physico-chemical analyses (Temperature, pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids and Dissolved oxygen) were carried out. Free residual chlorine was determined by colorimetric method with DPD chlorine tablets. The analyses were conducted following guidelines of American Public Health Association and WHO. Only 17% (68/400) of the study population had access to piped water in the study area. Waste management practices of the localities was found poor as more than 62 % (248/400) of the respondents dispose waste materials in open fields. All drinking water sources investigated were contaminated with Total coliforms. There was a wide variation in Total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliform counts ranged from 0.0 - 3652.5 cfu/100 ml whereas E. coli ranged from 0.0 - 33.0 cfu/100 ml. Both Rivers/streams and unprotected dug wells recorded the highest number of Total coliforms and E. coli. Piped water, Rainwater collection and Boreholes recorded the lowest number of Total coliforms and E. coli. E. coli counts in most drinking water sources investigated exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by WHO/KEBS, implying that they are not safe for household applications without prior treatment. The results indicate that protected drinking water sources (piped water, boreholes, protected dug wells and protected springs) are subjected to a high level of fecal contamination in the study area. Construction flaws on casing, concrete covers, fences, diversion ditches, and protection of springs' eyes and other plumbing accessories could be one of the causes. Protected water sources may become contaminated for other reasons, such as a lack of frequent surveillance, disinfection, and correct maintenance. Poor sanitation practices, a lack of hygiene education, poor supervision and maintenance, and inconsistent water point disinfection can all be blamed for the high levels of E. coli. The recorded temperature and pH ranged between 19.9–27.2°C and 4.8 - 9.1, respectively. Turbidity and Electric conductivity of the water samples ranged, respectively, between 0.43–467.02 NTU and 18.7–510.7 μS/cm. Residual chlorine in piped water showed a range of 0.06-1.2 ppm. In addition, Total dissolved solids were found to be between 20.1 and 639.2 mg/l; whereas Dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.2- 15.4 mg/l. The results of the current investigation showed that some bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters of the various water sources had values above the maximum permissible limits advised by WHO/KEBS. The Water sector stakeholders in the area should put in place proper intervention measures which include raising public awareness on the water quality of drinking water sources and enhancing the current infrastructure in order to reduce any potential health hazards.

Assessment of physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water in Sapele local government area of Delta State, South-South, Nigeria

Abstract Drinking water quality for human consumption is a global matter of paramount importance. The study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water from five major sources in Sapele, Delta State. Using a convenient sampling method, 40 water samples were collected from river, rain, well, borehole, and sachet water sources and examined for physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics. The pH of the water sources examined ranged from 4.5 to 6.8, the total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged between 5 and 14,000 mg/l, the electrical conductivity (EC) ranged between 10 and 740 μS/cm, and the turbidity ranged between 0.01 and 23.9 NTU. Mean levels of chloride, calcium, iron, lead, copper, and cadmium were below the maximal permissible ceilings based on WHO and NSDWQ standards. The total coliform count ranged between 0 and 9,000 MN/100 ml, with the mean concentration ranging between 0.001 and 1,268.13 MPN/100 ml. Water samples from different sources had physicochemical parameters within the stipulated standards, but the biological parameters revealed water sources with contamination. It is recommended that consumers of water from these different sources employ measures to purify their drinking water to forestall potential health risks.

Assessment of bacteriological quality of water from different sources in Himachal Pradesh -Hamirpur study

Assessment of bacteriological quality of water from different sources in Himachal Pradesh -Hamirpur study

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Selected Tap Water from Male and Female Hostels within Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, FCT

Water is a resource that all living things require to survive. Water should have good physical, chemical and microbiological quality. The present study aimed to assess the quality of drinking water in Nile University male and female hostels which was determined by; examining the physicochemical parameters with reference to the standards set by the World Health organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Isolation and conventional identification of bacterial isolates using biochemical tests, the molecular identification and the antibiogram of bacteria isolates were carried out. A total of ten (10) water samples, five (5) samples each from the male and female hostels were aseptically collected in sterile sample bottles. Physicochemical parameters examined in each water sample were within the limits recommended with the exception of Total hardness in water samples (F1, F2, F3, F4, M1, M2, M5) and color in the water samples (F1, F2, F3, F5, M1, M2, M4, M5). Total bacterial counts in water samples ranged from (1.03 x 106 - 2.78 x 106 CFU/mL) in the female hostel water samples and ranged from 1.40 x 106 - 2.24 x 106 CFU/mL in the male hostel water samples. The total coliform counts in water samples ranged from 0 - 5.0 x 105 CFU/mL in the female hostel and 3.2 x 105 - 5.5 x 105 CFU/mL in the male hostel respectively. The probable organisms identified were various groups of microorganisms which included: Bacillus species, Staphylococcus species, Listeria species, Aeromonas species, Proteus species and Alcaligenes faecalis. However, the molecular identification of some of the bacterial isolates confirmed the presence of Alcaligenes faecalis in the sample F1, F2, M1 and M3. The most sensitive antibiotics against each bacterial isolates in water samples was Gentamicin at concentration of 10μg/mL, ciprofloxacin at concentration of 5μg/mL and nitrofurantoin at concentration of 10μg/mL. This study shows that ,although the organisms identified and confirmed are usually opportunistic and don’t necessarily cause major health hazards, the quality of the drinking water in the male and female hostels at Nile University of Nigeria needs to be managed better and treated more often to prevent the presence of any opportunistic microorganisms.

Assessment of Hygiene Practices and Bacteriological Quality of Raw Cow Milk of Selected Dairy Farm in Dessie, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the hygienic practices and bacteriological quality of milk in Dessie town, South Wollo zone in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. The data was generated by interviewing 60 dairy cow owners and farm attendants using semi-structured questionnaire regarding milking area and barn hygiene, hygienic practice of milker, cleaning of the udder and milking equipments. The result showed that the majority of the interviewers (98.34%) milked their cows in the barn, about 88.33% clean the barn daily and others clean once, twice and three times a week. All respondents washed their hands before milking. All respondents practiced udder washing before milking but only 30% of the respondents used towel for udder drying. Plastic utensils were mainly used for milking cows and used detergents and warm water for cleaning milking equipments. Lower number of respondents (36.66%) had a habit of consuming raw milk. From a total of 70 milk samples were collected from two milking points (the teat and milking bucket), The mean total bacterial count of milk samples collected directly from the teat and the milking buckets from current finding were 5.087log10 and 5.759log10 respectively. The mean difference (0.6728 ± 0.1579) indicated the increment of bacterial count from teat to the milking bucket. The results showed very significant difference between the two points (P<0.05). About 65.71% of milk samples collected directly from the teat and milking buckets at the farm were above the accepted level 105 according to the international milk quality standard. The high count of bacteria in the milk suggests a poor bacterial quality of milk and indicating poor hygienic quality of milk. Keeping the quality of the milk is the responsibility of dairy cow owners, institutions concerned and the government. This needs training of milk producers on the importance of milk hygiene and raising awareness on risks of consumption of raw milk.

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Ready-To-Eat Hawked Suya in Dutse Urban, Northwest Nigeria

Suya is a street-hawked food that offers a source of the nourishing menu for its consumers. In this study, the quality and safety of street hawked ready-to-eat suya in Dutse urban was assessed. Twenty skewers of suya were sampled from four sampling points (Hakimi Street, Yelwawa, Takuradua and Mobile base) where it is mostly sold. At each sampling point, five skewers of suya were obtained randomly from the suya vendors in sterile containers that were labeled A to T. Samples were immediately taken to the laboratory where standard methods were employed for the bacteriological assay. The total viable count (TVC) showed that the sample G (1.96 × 107 CFU/g) collected from Yelwawa had the highest load while sample P (8.60 × 106 CFU/g) collected from Takuradua recorded the lowest. Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Streptococcus spp. were detected in the samples. Across the sampling points, percentage of occurrence of bacteria isolated was highest for Escherichia coli (40%) and least for Bacillus spp. (10%). It can be concluded that all the sampled suya assayed in this study recorded bacteriological contaminants. Some of the bacteria isolated in the suya samples can potentially constitute a public health issue as their presence can cause food poisoning and food-borne diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that the producers of street vended suya should follow proper food safety measures during preparation to improve the food quality as well as to reduce imminent public health crisis upon its consumption. Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.12 (1) 2022: 25-30

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Cosmetic Products Sold in Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria

Cosmetics products are external preparations normally applied to human body parts mainly for beautification. These products are potential reservoirs of infection due to contamination by microbes. The bacteriological quality of different cosmetic products sold within Yola, Adamawa state Nigeria was determined by isolation and antibiotic susceptibility profiling of bacterial isolates. The work was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Modibbo Adama University Yola Adamawa state Nigeria between February 2021 and July 2021. A total of 30 samples from 5 different categories of cosmetics (powder, mascara, foundation, lipstick and body cream) were assessed. Detection and identification of bacteria were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial load was determined by direct colony count and the antibiotic susceptibility profile of each isolates was determined following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using fourteen antibiotics. Out of the 30 samples analyzed, 86.5 % were contaminated, with bacterial load ranging from 1.0 x 103 to 20.0 x 103 cfu/g. Bacterial isolates obtained includes Staphylococcus aureus (42.3 %), Escherichia coli (23 %) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.3 %), Klebsiella (7.7 %) and Salmonella (11.5 %). Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were mostly resistant. It was depicted that resistance to Chloramphenicol and tetracycline was 100 % while a significant number of the isolates were sensitive to Rifampicin, Amoxicillin and Norfloxacin. The various cosmetics found on the shelves of Yola market are contaminated with different pathogenic bacterial species with different occurrence rate as well as susceptibility pattern.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Street Food and Their Antibiotic Profiling

The microbial contamination of street foods has become an important public health issue in developing countries like India because of widespread food borne diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of street foods. A total of 120 samples (104 were street food samples and 16 were dish washing water samples) was collected and analyzed for total viable count (TVC). The isolation of pathogens was carried out on selective and differential media and was further identified on the basis of morphology and biochemical tests. Similarly, antibiotic profiling was performed by disk diffusion method. The results suggest that the highest TVC was found to be in panipuri (4.5±1.72×105 cfu/ml) followed by samosa (3.8±0.97×105 cfu/g), bhelpuri (3.2±0.77×105 cfu/g) and poha (3.1±0.78×105 cfu/g) while kachori samples showed least count (2.8±0.97×105 cfu/g). Similarly, the TVC of dish washing water (DWW) samples was 5.32±1.66×105 cfu/ml. Out of 120, 68 samples (56.67%) were found to be contaminated with S. aureus followed by E. coli (50%), Enterobacter sp. (36.67%), P. aeruginosa (26.67%) whereas Salmonella sp. was found in 20 samples (16.67%). The antibiotic susceptibility results suggest that S. aureus, E.coli and Enterobacter sp. showed 55%, 29.63% and 15.38% resistance to aztreonam while E. coli and Enterobacter sp. showed 7.41 % and 23.08% resistance to vancomycin and gatifloxacin respectively. These findings indicate considerable rate of contamination in street foods and DWW. The identified foodborne bacteria and antibiotics resistance isolates could pose a public health problem in that locality. Therefore, regular inspection, health education and training of vendors on food handling and safety practices are recommended.

Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Vended Water in Jerry Cans for Domestic Use in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The practice of vending water in plastic jerry cans for domestic use has become a major source of household drinking water in Zaria due to inadequate pipe-borne water. The unhygienic practice of the water vendors and poor sanitary condition of the jerry cans and the water sources are of public health concern. Accordingly, this research was conducted to examine the bacteriological quality of vended water from jerry cans in Zaria city, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Water samples from five different vendors from twenty different locations were collected and used for isolation and enumeration of bacterial loads. The isolation and biochemical characterizations of the isolates revealed the presence of seven genera represented by eight bacterial species namely: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium sp, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter freundi and Bacillus subtilis. Escherichia coli is the most predominant bacterial species among the vended water samples (44.44%) followed by S. typhi (18.52%) while Proteus mirabilis, Corynebacterium sp and Citrobacter freundi are the least prevalent with 3.70%. Most of the identified bacterial species in the samples were pathogenic. More so, the bacterial loads associated with the jerry cans water ranged between 1.0x106–8.0x106 CFU/mL from the plates count which is above WHO standard limit of ˂1.0x101 CFU/mL. It was therefore inferred that the bacterial counts associated with the jerry cans can pose public health risk. Proper sanitation and orientation on personal hygiene to the vendors are urgently needed.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Meat Safety and Sanitation among Carcass Handlers Operating and Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Meat Contact Surfaces at the Marrakech Slaughterhouse, Morocco.

According to the Moroccan Court of Auditors, the meats are prepared in slaughterhouses that do not meet the basic conditions required by Moroccan standards. This survey is being conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of handlers regarding the salubrity and hygiene of meat and to evaluate the bacteriological load of work surfaces in a slaughterhouse located in the Marrakech region. A total of 100 people working at the slaughterhouse participated in the study. The average values concerning the attitude and practice of the carcass handlers were, respectively, very satisfactory (65.7%) and acceptable (53.44%), while the average value of knowledge was generally low (39%). Bacterial load was assessed by the serial dilution method using the standard procedure. Seventy samples were taken from the hands of manipulators, knives, clothes, hooks, door handles, floor, and walls over an area of between 20 and 100 cm2. The total number of aerobic mesophiles (TAVCs), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella spp was determined for each sample. Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (42%), while Salmonella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the least bacterial isolates with 16% and 14%, respectively. Walls and knives were the most contaminated by E. coli at 90%. This survey reveals the importance of developing formal training for all slaughterhouse handlers regarding meat hygiene and safety during carcass processing to develop their knowledge and practices. Bacteriological results indicate a need to improve the available slaughter facilities and develop an appropriate slaughter process strategy to minimize the risk of carcass contamination.