Level Of Bacterial Contamination Research Articles

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminating leafy vegetables in Saudi Arabia's eastern region.

Food-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections that may critically impact human health. The objectives of this study were to determine the microbial contamination level of green leafy vegetables and their antibiotic resistance pattern. Sixty-three samples of leafy vegetables were collected from Dammam Central Fruit and Vegetables Market from January to June 2023. The vegetables included lettuce (Lactuca sativa), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Samples were tested by standard microbiological techniques for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Eight types of bacteria belonging to six different genera were detected. Enterobacteriaceae family was represented by four genera: Klebsiella, Proteus, Morganella, and Enterobacter. The other two genera were Pseudomonas and Aeromonas. Enterobacter cloacae was the most abundant organism, followed by Pseudomonas putida and Aeromonas sobria. On the other hand, Morganella morganii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Proteus mirabilis were the least abundant. The three vegetable types had different levels of bacterial contamination. All isolated organisms were sensitive to penicillin, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, and fluoroquinolone. However, Klebsiella oxytoca, M. morganii, and K. pneumonia showed resistance to ampicillin. A. hydrophila, Morganella morganii, and E. cloacae showed resistance to amoxicillin. M. morganii and E. cloacae were found to be resistant to cefalotin. Moreover, A. hydrophila, M. morganii, and E. cloacae were resistant to cefoxitin. Again, A. hydrophila was found to be resistant to imipenem. Only M. morganii was resistant to Ciprofloxacin. Two isolates, P. mirabilis and M. morganii were resistant to tigecycline. Another two, M. morganii and P. mirabilis were resistant to Nitrofurantoin. Only M. morganii was found to be resistant to trimethoprim. This study aligns with the broad consensus in the literature about the significance of bacterial contamination in vegetables and the public health implications. The unique focus on antibiotic resistance patterns adds an essential dimension to the existing body of knowledge.

Assessment of bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundAround the world, food-borne illnesses are still a frequent and significant hazard to public health. Human infection outbreaks brought on by eating raw fruits have happened more frequently. Fruits have been connected in recent years to a number of outbreaks of food-borne illness around the globe, including in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out using fruits gathered from Addis Ababa local marketplaces. Convenient sampling were applied. With the assumption that each vendor provided 30 samples, a total of 120 fruit samples were gathered. Fruit samples were gathered in a plastic bag that had been sanitized and then brought to the lab for bacterial and parasitological investigation. All of the samples were checked for intestinal parasites and bacterial contamination. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. The Pearson's Chi-square test was used to assess categorical variables. The student's t-test was utilized to compare continuous variables, which were represented as the mean ± standard deviation. Using both univariate and multivariate analysis, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Statistical significance was defined as a P < 0.05.ResultsThere was a 100 (83.3%) level of bacterial contamination. While Salmonella and Shigella species were not recovered, S. aureus isolates 16 (13.3%) were the most common bacterial contamination, followed by E. coli isolates 8 (6.7%). The samples of bananas, mangos, papayas, and avocados from all four sites had total coliform (TCC) bacteria ranging from 2.1 × 103 to 3.2 × 104, 8.3x 102 to 1.8x 105CFU/g, 1.6x 102 to 3.7 x 104, and 1.2x 102 to 3.8 x 104 CFU/g, in that order. No parasites were found in this investigation.Conclusion and recommendationIt is usually recommended that customers in this research region wash and handle infected fruits properly to prevent bacterial illnesses. In addition, fruit dealers should have their bacterial contaminations routinely inspected. Large-scale research is advised to support this discovery.

MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF STUDENT HOSTELS AND CANTEENS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS: RISKS ON STUDENTS’ HEALTH

Microbial air contaminants affect the quality of air we breathe and these microbial air contaminants can settle on body parts, clothes, food etc. which poses a serious threat to human health. Therefore, the level of bacterial contamination in various in-door air of the students’ hostels and canteens of Kaduna State University (KASU) and their antibiotics susceptibility patterns was studied. A total of 44 samples were collected from the rooms (18), toilets (18) of the students hostels and canteen (8) of KASU; using the settle plate method. Gram staining and standard biochemical methods were used to identify the bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility testing was determined by disc diffusion method. The bacteria load was between 1.2 x 103 to 6.7 x 103 cfu/ml3. A total of 30 bacteria isolates were identified, Staphylococcus aureus had the highest (9, 30%) occurrence, followed by Streptococcus spp (6, 20%), Bacillus subtilis and Clostridium spp had similar (4, 13.2%) occurrence, The antibiotic susceptibility testing carried out revealed that the Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria isolates were more susceptible to vancomycin (75%, 43.5%), tetracycline (75%, 47.8%) and gentamicin (50%, 43.5%) while high resistance was observed with chloramphenicol (100%, 73.9%), ceftriaxone (100%, 100%), cefoxitin (100%, 73.9%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (100%, 87%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (100%, 78%). All the indoor samples were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and there was high level of multidrug resistance. This is very dangerous to the students’ health because it can be a source of transmission infections and antibiotic resistant bacterial strains.

Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops.

Eye infections from bacterial contamination of bulk-refillable liquid soap dispensers and artificial tear eye drops continue to occur, resulting in adverse health outcomes that include impaired vision or eye enucleation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a common cause of eye infections, can grow in eye drop containers and refillable soap dispensers to high numbers. To assess the risk of eye infection, a quantitative microbial risk assessment for P. aeruginosa was conducted to predict the probability of an eye infection for two potential exposure scenarios: (i) individuals using bacteria-contaminated eye drops and (ii) contact lens wearers washing their hands with bacteria-contaminated liquid soap prior to placing the lens. The median risk of an eye infection using contaminated eye drops and hand soap for both single and multiple exposure events (per day) ranged from 10-1 to 10-4, with contaminated eye drops having the greater risk. The concentration of P. aeruginosa was identified as the parameter contributing the greatest variance on eye infection risk; therefore, the prevalence and level of bacterial contamination of the product would have the greatest influence on health risk. Using eye drops in a single-use container or with preservatives can mitigate bacterial growth, and using non-refillable soap dispensers is recommended to reduce contamination of hand soap. Given the opportunistic nature of P. aeruginosa and its ability to thrive in unique environments, additional safeguards to mitigate bacterial growth and exposure are warranted.IMPORTANCEPseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a pathogen that can persist in a variety of unusual environments and continues to pose a significant risk for public health. This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) estimates the potential human health risks, specifically for eye infections, associated with exposure to P. aeruginosa in bacteria-contaminated artificial tear eye drops and hand soap. This study applies the risk assessment framework of QMRA to evaluate eye infection risks through both consumer products. The study examines the prevalence of this pathogen in eye drops and soap, as well as the critical need to implement measures that will mitigate bacterial exposure (e.g., single-use soap dispensers and eye drops with preservatives). Additionally, limitations and challenges are discussed, including the need to incorporate data regarding consumer practices, which may improve exposure assessments and health risk estimates.

Bacterial contamination of disinfectants: prevalence and students’ compliance with infection control practices

Contaminated disinfectants have been occasional vehicles of healthcare associated infections. To determine the presence and level of bacterial contamination of disinfectants used to decontaminate suction devices and to assess the extent to which students comply with infection control practices. A two-part cross-sectional descriptive study consisting of microbiological testing of disinfectants and a questionnaire based observation of students Unannounced observation of students disinfecting suction devices were recorded using a questionnaire. The process involved collecting a prepared disinfectant from a storage bin using a kitchen measuring jug. Specimens of disinfectants and swabs of jugs were collected for aerobic culture. Data pertaining to compliance with infection control practices was gathered. Only 33.6% of the students were observed unannounced. An overwhelming majority (84.9%) of students disinfected suction devices; 52% cleaned and disinfected the external surface of suction hoses and the spittoon bowl; 18.6% allowed the disinfectant to remain in the system long enough, and 14% advised their patients not to close their lips around the suction device. The majority of disinfectant samples (56.3%) as well jugs (55.6%) were contaminated with bacteria. Bacterial contamination of disinfectants was common in addition to poor compliance with infection control practices.

Exploration of the shelf-life difference between chilled beef and pork with similar initial levels of bacterial contamination

This study compared the shelf-life of beef and pork longissimus lumborum muscles (loins) that had the same initial bacterial loads and were held under the same chilled storage conditions. To identify the underlying pathways, comparisons were conducted from the perspective of the spoilage indicators; protease/lipase activity, and the volatile organic compounds (VOC) generated over 28 d of chilled storage. The initial total viable microbial count (TVC) on Day 0 for both type of meat was 4.3 log10 CFU/g. It was found that the TVC of beef and pork did not differ throughout the total chilled storage period and both ultimately exceeded 7 log10 CFU/g after 28 d. Based on total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) guidelines, pork was spoilt after 21 d of chilled storage and therefore 7 d earlier than beef. Changes in the concentration of VOC spoilage biomarkers, including 1-octen-3-ol, 1-octanol, nonanal, and others, confirmed that pork had a shorter shelf-life than beef. An important reason for the difference in shelf-life between the two types of meat was that pork had a higher protease activity, although the beef had higher levels of total lipase activity. These findings help us understand the differences in the spoilage process of raw meat from different species and explore specific measures to control the spoilage of beef or pork.

Bacteriological study of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) gonads associated with seawater physico-chemistry and environmental factors in the Mediterranean Sea of Morocco

The preservation of marine ecosystems and the safety of harvested seafood have elicited global concern. In this study, we evaluated bacterial contamination levels in sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus gonads with relation to environmental factors and the physicochemical parameters of seawater. This investigation aimed to assess bacterial contamination levels of Total Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria (TAMB), Enterobacteriaceae (ETB), Fecal Coliforms (FC), Staphylococcus aureus(STAPH), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Salmonella spp. (SALM) in sea urchin gonads collected from the Tangier coast between December 2020 and November 2021, per Moroccan regulations (NM 08.7.040). Twenty-one physicochemical, environmental, and biological parameters were assessed in 360 samples of P. lividus from four seasons. The results of these parameters were processed using multivariate statistical approaches. It was found that almost all biological parameters had concentrations below Moroccan regulatory limits, except for FC in July (173 CFU/g). Furthermore, E. coli and SALM were absent. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the F1 component was associated with a combination of environmental, microbiological, and anthropogenic factors. These associations contributed to 59.02% of all data variations and were strongly influenced by seasonality. The F2 component contributed to 26.33% of all data variations. These findings may aid decision-makers in the protection of public health in sensitive locations such as the Tangier coast in northern Morocco.

Bacteriological Contamination Level of Foods and Water Sold With Escherichia Coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus Aureus, Coliforms and Vibrio Cholera in Food Establishments in Nairobi City Kenya

Purpose: Food borne illnesses are major health burden leading to high morbidity and mortality. It is a growing public health concerns worldwide resulting from food and water contaminated by pathogenic microorganism, toxins or chemical hazards. It is estimated that 10 to 20% of food borne illness are contracted from food establishments. The main aim was to determine bacteriological contamination levels of foods and water sold with Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms and Vibrio cholerae in food establishments in Embakasi South Nairobi City County Kenya.
 Methodology: The study design was descriptive analytical design. The Samples were collected in selected food establishments (Cafeteria, Hotels, Restaurants and food Kiosks) in Embakasi South Sub county Nairobi City County. The study collected 274 samples of food and water randomly sampled and collected using sterile food bags and water bottles within selected establishments and transported to the laboratory in cool boxes packed with ice packs. The samples were analyzed within 6 hours after collection. Microbiological analysis of food and water were borrowed from WHO and bacteriological analytical manual of foods to identify and isolate coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.
 Results: It was found that some foods and water sold and consumed in the selected food establishments was contaminated with food borne microorganisms. Escherichia coli isolated in 137 food samples were at 24.1%, Vibrio cholera at 23.4%, Staphylococcus aureus at 32.8%, and Salmonella spp at 4.4%. Total coliforms detected in 137 samples of water were at 43.8% where 32.8% of them were Escherichia coli.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study concluded there was high level of bacterial contamination of foods and water consumed in selected foods establishments. Nairobi City County health officers should enhance regular sampling of foods and water for microbial quality, health education on sources of food contamination at food eateries and establishments to prevent food and water contamination which later lead to food borne illness outbreak.

Bacterial contamination in neonatal intensive care units in Misurata, Libya: analysis of causative organisms, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial susceptibility

Abstract Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) play a critical role in treating life-threatening conditions. The presence of bacteria on objects and instruments in ICUs is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination on objects and instruments frequently touched by healthcare workers (HCWs) and in contact with neonates. Resistance profile and biofilm producibility were also measured. Methods: A total of 150 swabs were collected from various surfaces in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of three hospitals in the city of Misurata, Libya. These samples formed the basis of the study. Standard techniques were used to isolate, identify, and determine biofilm formation ability and antibiotic susceptibility of the bacterial isolates. Results: Out of the 150 samples, bacterial growth was observed in 100. The most commonly isolated potential pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a rate of 31.33%, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (18%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.33%), E. coli (4.66%), and finally Acinetobacter baumanni (3.33%) of the total swabs taken. Bed, ICU floor, doorknob, ICU window, and CPAP were the main sources of bacterial contamination in the ICU unit. Among the S. aureus isolates, 50% (7 out of 14) were found to be methicillin resistant. Most of the bacterial isolates showed resistance to Cefotaxime and Augmentin. The gram-negative bacteria showed high adhesion ability (70.9 %) significantly (P= 0.035) more than S. aureus isolates (35.7%). Conclusion: The study revealed a high level of bacterial contamination on objects and instruments in the NICU. The isolated pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumanni pose a significant risk of hospital-acquired infections. The extremely high prevalence of beta-lactam antibiotics resistance among isolated bacteria accounts for a great public health danger.

Bacterial Quality and Molecular Detection of Food Poisoning Virulence Genes Isolated from Nasser Lake Fish, Aswan, Egypt.

The microbial analysis of fish is critical for ensuring overall health. Uncooked fish can serve as a conduit for transmitting several types of microbes; the current investigation sought to assess the bacterial levels in various kinds of fish from Nasser Lake, Aswan, Egypt, considered the chief source of potable water in Egypt. Two hundred and fifty fish samples, including 50 of each Oreochromis niloticus, Sander lucioperca, Lates niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Mormyrus kannume, from Nasser Lake, Aswan, Egypt, were collected to detect the bacterial load, isolation, and identification of Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus and their virulence genes. The findings revealed that Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus exhibited higher bacterial loads than other fish species. Incidences of bacterial contamination among examined fishes were 28.8%, 20.4%, and 16% for Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, respectively. Additionally, PCR analysis detected the presence of aerA (60%) and Act (40%) genes in A. hydrophila, rpoB (70%) and LasB (30%) genes in P. aeruginosa, and ToxR (70%) and tdh (50%) genes in V. parahaemolyticus. The study suggested that the bacterial contamination levels in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus could be notably more significant than in other species that could potentially be harmful to the consumers, especially considering the identification of particular bacteria known to cause foodborne illnesses. Further recommendations emphasized that regular monitoring and assessments are required to preserve their quality.

Microbial risk assessment of dairy products from retail marketplaces in Basrah province, Iraq.

Milk-borne bacteria cause degradation of milk products and constitute a significant risk to public health. The objectives of the present study are to determine the microbiological quality of dairy products and to investigate pathogenic microorganisms. A total of 60 samples of raw milk, homemade cheese, and yogurt were randomly selected from different retail marketplaces in Basrah. The bacteriological and biochemical tests were utilized to identify the pathogens in dairy samples, as well as the molecular technique was used as an accurate diagnostic test. The prevalence of contamination of milk products with various isolates was estimated as 50% (95% Cl: 36.8-63.2). The mean of total bacteria count for cheese was 7.29 ± 2.70, raw milk 4.62 ± 2.86, and yogurt 2.87 ± 1.05, with a significant p-value (p = 0.001). The mean count of aerobic spore-forming (ASF) contaminated raw milk was analyzed as 3.77 ± 1.18 and less contamination detected in the yogurt samples with mean of ASF was estimated as 2.52 ± 1.47 SD log 10 CFU/ml. A range of important microorganisms to human health were identified by employing the VITEK_2 system and sequencing 16S rDNA gene, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aerogenosa, and Bacillus cereus. The study indicates that there is a high level of bacterial contamination in dairy products with different bacteria species, which is medically important. Therefore, food safety management must be implemented to reduce biological risks carried by dairy products and ensure healthy food for consumers.

Beneficial effect of probiotics supplementation on quality of edible fresh table eggs during storage.

This study discussed the effect of probiotic supplementation on laying hens' diets and the enhancement of egg quality during the cold storage period. To study the efficacy of the addition of probiotics to hen diets in terms of improving the egg's quality during the cold storage period and protection against enteric pathogens. 100 table eggs were collected from farms of laying hens on a battery system, 46 weeks old HylineW36 white in Sharkia Government. The collected eggs were separated into 2 groups (50 each); the control group from hens fed on diets without probiotics, and the probiotic group from hens fed on diets with (100 g/ton) of supplemented probiotics preparation. All groups were separated into 5 sub-groups for the examinations; on the fresh day, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days on cold storage at 4°C. Chemical, physical, and microbiological examinations were done for internal egg contents and eggshells. Our results showed that probiotics supplements have advantageous effects on the quality of eggs during cold storage periods. Also, microbiological examination proved that eggshells from hens fed on diets with probiotics supplemented (100 g/ton) have decreased the level of bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Escherichia coli than hens fed on a regular diet. It could be shown that the probiotics supplementation may decrease and reduce the effect of the storage period on the quality of shell, albumen, and yolk.

Analysis Of Bacterial Contamination By Total Plate Number (ALT) Method In Smoked Fish At One Of The Market Traders

Bacterial contamination can come from the environment as a result of food production processes in the form of biological, chemical and foreign matter contaminants that can interfere with, harm and endanger human health. One of the problems in the processed food sector is the high level of bacterial contamination in the food served on the market. The condition of open food is also the main factor causing food to be contaminated with bacteria. The Total Plate Count (ALT) or total plate count (TPC) is an examination used to determine the number of microorganisms both bacteria and fungi using solid media with the final result being colonies. The aim of the study was to determine bacterial contamination and to determine the total plate number (ALT) of bacterial colonies in smoked fish sold at Ngemplak Market, Tulungagung. This research used a Simple Random Design (RAS) method with four treatments and 3 repetitions. The results showed that for menot fish it was 16.2 x 105 cfu/g, for tuna it was 10.5 x 105 cfu/g, for tuna it was 9.4 x 105 cfu/g, for bader fish it was 16.4 x 105 cfu/g. g, and in whitefish 20.5 x 105 cfu/g. The conclusion is that the bacterial contamination of smoked fish sold at the Ngemplak Market using the ALT method exceeds the normal limit value set by SNI 2725:2013.

Bacterial bioburden of duodenoscope elevator mechanism in different reprocessing stages

Over the past decade, infections linked to duodenoscopes have become a significant concern, primarily due to the intricate design of the elevator mechanism. Currently, there is limited evidence regarding the bacterial contamination level of the elevator mechanism after clinical use and throughout its various reprocessing stages. This study utilized the swab culture technique to examine the bacterial contamination on the duodenoscope elevator mechanism after clinical use and after 3 reprocessing stages at a Center of tertiary hospital. Our findings revealed severe bacterial contamination after clinical usage, emphasizing that the effectiveness of manual cleaning greatly influences the subsequent high-level disinfection quality.

Bacterial contamination of curing light guides: prevalence and students’ knowledge and awareness of measures to maintain sterility

It is generally accepted that inadequately sterilized dental curing light guides pose risks of infection and cross contamination.To determine the presence and level of bacterial contamination among curing light guides used by students during patient care at a dental school in South Africa and to describe students’ knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. A two-part descriptive study consisting of microbiological testing and a cross-sectional survey. Swabs were collected from curing light guide tips before and after use for aerobic culture and a questionnaire was used to collect data pertaining to students’ knowledge and awareness of measures used to maintain their sterility. The prevalence of contamination increased after use (54.5% vs 45.5%). Grades of bacterial growth higher than 1+ were not detected. Isolated bacteria were contaminants. The response rate for the questionnaire was 42.5%. Fifth-year students were overall more knowledgeable than fourth-year students (81.6% vs 67.5%) and were more aware of the existence of the different types of disposable barriers (27.5% vs 12.8%) and the impact of infection control barriers on curing light intensity (52.4% vs 15%). Contamination occurred despite high levels of knowledge and awareness of the risk.

Effect of Different Plant Extracts on Microbial Population in The Frozen African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Semen.

Fish sperm cryopreservation has been attempted on roughly freshwater and marine species since 1953. This study sought to assess the potential of various plant extracts to function as natural antimicrobial agents in the frozen semen of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Diluted sperm was packaged in 0.25ml straws and left for 10min equilibration at 4°C. Following equilibration, the straws were exposed to liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 min and plunged into the liquid nitrogen (-196°C) and then thawed in a water bath at 35°C for 20s. Sperm samples were put into sterile 1.5 ml tubes immediately after thawing and the microbial count was detected with classical microbiological culture method. In the results of microbiological analyses, these tree plant extracts especially Echinacea purpurea were found highly effective for decreasing bacterial contamination levels of African catfish (C. gariepinus) semen. These plant extracts may have the potential for antibacterial effect, and they can be useful for the dilution of semen.

Evidence of bacterial contamination at different locations of the Central Abattoir Akinyele, Oyo State

Carcass and products derived from any abattoir are declared safe and fit for human consumption only if the maximum bacterial contamination limit is not exceeded. This study was designed to compare the level of bacterial contamination at different points of Akinyele Central Abattoir, Oyo State. Samples were collected from the drains, floors, walls, soil and water sources for microbiological analysis. The results presented varying degrees of contamination of sampled points due to identifying Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter sp., Clostridium sp., and Staphylococcus sp., all of public health importance. However, the soil had the highest total bacterial load of 6.158±0.132 ×105/cfu/ml, followed by the slaughter floor (5.008±0.176 ×105/cfu/ml) and source of water (4.650±0.109 ×105/cfu/ml). This study demonstrated that the hygiene and sanitary levels of the abattoir have been compromised. It is hereby recommended that proper hygienic and precautionary measures should be instituted and implemented at this abattoir.

Immobilization of Bacteriophages in Ex Tempore Hydrogel for the Treatment of Burn Wound Infection.

The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major problem for anti-bacterial therapy. This problem may be solved by using bacteriophages-viruses that can attack and destroy bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. In this article, the authors compared the efficacy of topical bacteriophage therapy and systemic antibiotic therapy in the treatment of wound infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens in patients with limited (less than 5% of the body surface) full-thickness burns. Patients in the study group (n = 30) were treated with PVA-based hydrogel dressings saturated ex tempore with a bacteriophage suspension characterized by its lytic activity against the bacteria colonizing the wound. Patients in the control group (n = 30) were treated using etiotropic systemic antibiotic therapy, and the wounds were covered with gauze bandages soaked in an aqueous solution of povidone-iodine. An assessment of the decrease in the level of bacterial contamination of the recipient wounds in both groups was conducted after 7 days, and after that, free skin grafting was performed. On day 14 after free skin grafting, patients in both groups underwent incisional biopsy. The study group demonstrated an increase in the indices of proliferative activity (Ki-67), and angiogenesis (CD-31, VEGF) in the area of engraftment of the split-thickness skin grafts. The results indicate that PVA-based hydrogel wound dressings can be used as bacteriophage carriers for local antimicrobial therapy ahead of free skin grafting.

Bacterial Contamination in Total Joint Replacement: Should We Change into a New Set of Clean Scrub Suits Whenever Entering the Operating Room?

The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to investigate the level and probability of bacterial contamination on scrub suits over time for medical personnel working inside and/or outside the operating room (OR) area; (2) to discuss the protective role of cover gowns against bacterial contamination; and (3) to consider the necessity of changing into clean suits whenever entering the OR in terms of preventing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total joint replacement (TJR). The bacterial colony count was examined on the chest area of the scrub suits worn during various daily clinical practices. The genus/species of the contaminants were identified by matrix-assisted laser deposition ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The scrub suits worn outside the OR area showed a greater level of bacterial contamination than those worn inside the OR area, although the colony counts tended to increase over time both in and out of the area. The probability of contamination involving coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) (known as the primary cause of PJI) did not increase significantly in the scrubs worn inside the OR area, but did increase significantly after a long-time departure from the OR area. Our results suggest that wearing scrub suits outside and/or the long duration of wearing the same suits can significantly increase the level and probability of any bacterial contamination (including CNS) on scrub suits. We also found that wearing a cover gown over scrub suits outside the OR area may have only a limited protective role against bacterial contamination.

Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms Associated with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Unizik, Awka Campus, Nigeria

Millions of individuals use automated teller machines (ATM) every single day.Anyone can use this machine, regardless of their class, age, or race. The hands, which are naturally 'vaults' of germs, serve as the contact site for all ATM machines. For a thorough evaluation of any potential microbiological contamination on the campus of UNIZIK Awka, a thorough survey was conducted. In order to evaluate, identify, and assess the level of bacterial contamination of microoganisms and their potential as reservoirs of microbes, a sample of ATMs on campus were employed as a case study. Each ATM's screen, buttons, floor, user's hand, and exposed plate all received swabs. The samples were placed in nutrient agar after being collected. The results showed the presence of increased bacterial count subsequently, most pathogens on characterization revealed the genus of the particular organisms Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacteria, E. coli, Salmonella Shigella, and Klebsiella spp. The study showed the potential hazard inherent in ATM machine usage and draws attention to our level of hand hygiene compliance.