Bacteriological Assessment Research Articles

The quality of public sources of drinking water in oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Background: Studies carried out in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have demonstrated a link between oil exploration and poor-quality drinking water. However, many of these studies have been limited by small coverage and focus on few parameters. This study thus aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the quality of public sources of drinking water in three gas flaring and three non-gas flaring communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Methods: A total of 13 samples were collected from the major sources of drinking water in six communities in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States, Nigeria. These were stored and transported in line with International standards to a certified environmental laboratory where physical, chemical, bacteriological and petro-chemical assessments were conducted for 27 parameters. Results: Some samples had a pH below the normal range for drinking water, with median pH value of 4.63. All chemical parameters assessed fell below the normal acceptable range with exception of magnesium which exceeded the acceptable range. There were11 samples (91.7%) with microbial contamination; total and faecal coliform demonstrated at values ranging between 15 and 90 most probably number (MPN)/100 ml for total coliform and 9 to 23 MPN/100 ml for faecal coliforms. Oil, grease and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were identified in water samples from all communities. Values for oil and grease ranged between <0.001 and 0.015 mg/l, while TPH values were between <0.001 and 0.046 mg/l. There was no significant difference between median values in gas flaring and non-gas flaring communities. Conclusion: Distortion of physico-chemical properties, and hydrocarbon and faecal contamination of drinking water are a major challenge in oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria irrespective of gas flaring status. This calls for urgent interventions to improve the quality of drinking water for the people of the Niger Delta.

English

Water quality was assessed from 11 hand dug wells in the Adentan Municipality using Water Quality Index (WQI) and bacteriological load as indicators. The sampling was conducted during the months of July to September, 2019. A total of 33 samples were taken from 11 hand dug wells at monthly intervals. Weighted Average Water Quality Index (WAWQI) was used to compute parameters which include temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total solids, biological oxygen demand, salinity and total alkalinity. Indicator fecal coliforms were also enumerated. All samples showed presence of E. coli and Salmonella in the dug wells with AD2 having the highest E. coli count of 1.32x103cfu/100 ml. AD11 had the least count of both E. coli and Salmonella (1.28x102 cfu/100 ml and 1.68x101 cfu/100 ml) respectively. The highest WQI value was recorded for AD7 and the lowest was recorded for AD9. 36.4% of the wells were graded as “A” whilst the remaining 63.6% were graded “B”. The combined results of WQI and bacteriological assessment shown that the water quality determined only by WQI (physico-chemical) parameters cannot reflect the true water quality status. Key words: Water quality index, bacteriology, weighted average water quality index, indicator.

Bacteriological Assessment of Hospital Air and Selected Surfaces in Three Referral Hospitals in Makurdi Middle Belt Nigeria

Hospital environment needs more attention because of the influx of people into the environment for medical checkup and other services. This study unveils the incidence of bacteria isolated from air and selected surfaces in three referral hospitals (City hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Wadata and Saint Theresa Hospital) in Makurdi Middle Belt Nigeria. Fifty (50) bacteria were isolated; hospital air (26%), bed rails (16%), door knobs (2%), floor (4%), nurse table top (10%), operation table (4%), sink (18%), stretchers (2%) and toilet seat (12%). In City Hospital, the bacteria isolated include Escherichia coli (6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2%), Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus spp (2%), from Federal Medical Centre, bacteria isolated were Klebsiella spp (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (4%), Staphylococcus spp (8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%) and E. coli (6%). In STH, bacteria isolated include E. coli (8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4%), Staphylococcus spp (8%) and Staphylococcus aureus (14%). The invitro antibiotics susceptibility pattern shows that Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed highest resistant to the antibiotics while Klebsiella spp was susceptible to majority of the antibiotics but resistant to cloxacillin and erythromycin. The study reveals Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus and other Staphylococcus spp as bacteria commonly associated with hospital environment. This study affirms the presence of resistant bacteria strains and highlighted world-wide problem of hospital borne infections as it concerns the study area and population. This report will create awareness and be a good guide to health care workers, patients and the public about the likeliness of contracting nosocomial infection and how to treat such infection. Major recommendations offered suggests that, healthcare workers should be more careful in carrying out their duty to avoid chance of being infected in the course of their work. Also, the in-vitro antibiotics susceptibility testing on the bacterial pathogens in the study will assist the clinicians in making improvement on the management of nosocomial infections.

Bacteriological assessment of tropical retail fresh-cut, ready-to-eat fruits in south-western Nigeria

Globally, more than 20 kinds of fruits are vended as minimally processed or fresh-cut fruits (FCFs). In Nigeria, pineapple (Ananas comosus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) are among the commonest FCFs retailed and consumed regularly. However, the consumption of FCFs vended in open markets may constitute health risks owing to microbial contamination. This study assessed the bacteriological safety of FCFs in urban markets across six south-western Nigerian states. One hundred and twenty pineapple and watermelon products, samples of fruit wash water and vendors’ hand swabs were randomly sampled in markets and analysed for bacterial contamination by standard bacterial culturing methods, followed by analyses of partial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences. Bacterial isolates were further screened for haemolysin and amylase production, as well as subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing against eight commonly administered antibiotics. Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Pantoea and Shigella were the enteric bacterial genera identified in the fruits. Within these genera, 11 species were detected including two potential pathogens, Enterobacter hormaechei and Enterobacter sichuanensis, that are reported for the first time in vended FCFs in Nigeria. Klebsiella pneumoniae was detected across all sampling points and sample types, suggesting its prevalence in the FCFs process chain. About 10% of 102 isolates obtained had haemolytic potentials against erythrocytes, while 9.8% produced amylase. About 76% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant strains. Co-resistance to ampicillin and gentamicin was the most prevalent resistance pattern observed. About 7% of all isolates including those of Escherichia coli, E. hormaechei, E. sichuanensis and Shigella flexneri were resistant to all the tested antibiotics. Hand swabs from fruit vendors and fruit wash water revealed phylotypes similar to those in the FCFs, suggesting their involvement as potential sources of contamination of the fruits. Appropriate food safety measures for handlers and consumers of FCFs are thus recommended.

Bacteriological and nutritional assessment of tiger nut milk (kunun-aya) consumed by students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nigeria

Tiger nut milk is a locally prepared indigenous non-alcoholic beverage that is widely produced and consumed in Nigeria most especially in the Northern part of Nigeria where it is referred to as kunu-aya. Twenty five (25) kunun-aya samples were obtained as freshly formulated beverages from five (5) different locations within Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. The samples were separately subjected to nutritional assessment (proximate analysis, minerals analysis and determination of vitamins content) and bacteriological assessment. The bacteria loads were determined in terms of total bacteria counts using standard methods involving pour plates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the bacteria isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The bacteria counts of the samples from all the locations revealed the total viable counts which ranged from 1.2 – 12.0 × 104cfu\ml, total coliform (0.8-6.6×104cfu\ml), total feacal count (1.0-11.0 x 104 cfu/ml) and total staphylococcus count [1.2-7.0x104 cfu/ml) Five species of bacteria were isolated and identified by standard microbiological methods and these were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Klebsiella spp and Proteus spp. Result of the proximate composition showed that moisture content ranged from 79.50-81.30%, crude protein( 6.84-7.1%), ash (1.87-2.01%),crude fat( 4.66-5.62%), Crude fiber( 0.70-1.24%) Carbohydrate (2.0-4.50%). Energy values ranged from 77-97(cal). The mineral [mg/l] analysis was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method and the result revealed Ca (5.13-8.7), K (0.42-0.53), Na (0.23-0.64), Mg [1.14-2.6], Fe (0.61-0.86). These results provided information about the nutritional value and confirm that tiger milk is an interesting healthy beverage but its contamination with potentially pathogenic bacteria poses a great threat to the consumer.

Bacteriological and nutritional assessment of tiger nut milk (kunun-aya) consumed by students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nigeria

Bacteriological and nutritional assessment of tiger nut milk (kunun-aya) consumed by students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nigeria

Bacteriological Assessment of Selected Hand-Pumped Boreholes Water Sources in Malete Environs, Kwara State Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Ground water is an important source of water for domestic use, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. Groundwater is generally very clean but can become polluted with nutrients and toxic chemicals when surface water carrying these substances drains into the groundwater environment. This study assessed the microbial quality of water (hand-pumped boreholes) at six areas in Malete environs. Water samples were collected in triplicates and subjected to physicochemical (temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, salinity and hardness), microbiological (heterotrophic and coliform counts) and molecular analysis using standard methods. The temperature generally ranged from 26.45±0.20 to 29.3±0.19 ºC, pH ranged between 7.6 ± 0.00 and 8.2 ± 0.012. Turbidity was generally &amp;lt;5 NTU, conductivity was &amp;lt;250µS/cm and hardness was &amp;lt;150 mg/L. The values were within acceptable range stated by World Health Oganization (WHO) and the National Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Escherichia coli, Stapylococus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca were found in some water samples. Faecal coliform was found in 83.3% of the hand-pumped boreholes, these high prevalence of contaminated water is attributable to the largely contaminated environments around some of the wells which was littered with various forms of refuse. Public awareness on the dangers associated with the construction of hand-pumped boreholes at a distance less than 15 meters away from the septic tank should be increased. Also hand-pumped boreholes water samples that do not meet the standard should be treated before consumption.

Bacteriological assessment of some borehole water samples in Mile 50, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Water as excellent natural resource is meant to be of high quality to reduce the outbreak of water-borne diseases. Bacteriological load of some borehole water samples in Mile 50 Abakaliki were carried out to determine their potability. Fifteen borehole water samples were sampled during rainy and dry season from June to July and November to December 2018 respectively. The total bacterial count was determined by tenfold serial dilution method using peptone water. Eight bacterial species namely Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexineri, Proteus vulgaris and Klebsiella pneumoniaewere isolated using standard analytical procedures. The bacterium that had the highest frequency of occurrence during both rainy and dry season’s was K. pneumoniae with percentage frequency of 21.81% and 20.79% respectively, and P. vulgaris had the least value of 6.96% during rainy season. E. coli and S. aureus have the least value of 5.94% during dry season. Amoxicillin (30ug) was mostly resisted by the bacterial isolates why being was more susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (10ug) among the antibiotics used for susceptibility test. Two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the level of significance among the bacteriological analyses of both seasons. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about the present situation of the borehole waters and the necessity for further treatment of water by consumers, before it can be used for both drinking and domestic purposes to prevent disease outbreak in the area.

Bacterial Assessment of Unpasteurized Fruit Juices Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study assessed the bacterial quality of fresh fruit juices sold in some restaurants in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A total of twenty (20) fruit juice samples were collected from four (4) different types of fruit juices sold at four (4) different restaurants. The fruits that were used for this study are: Orange, Watermelon, Pineapple and Tiger nuts. Samples of the fruit juices were collected for bacteriological assessment using heterotrophic plate count and most probable number techniques, while CHRO Magar for E. coli and other coliforms was used for the detection of E. coli. The results showed that E. coli, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, Streptococcus spp and Staphylococcus spp were present in the fruit juices. The results of the heterotrophic plate count showed that the bacterial count ranged from 2.7 x 102 (Orange) to 7.1 x 103 (Tiger nuts), while the results of the total coliform count ranged from 11 MPN/100 ml to 28 MPN/100 ml. However, the study revealed that the total E. coli count ranged from 0 to 7. The number of E. coli in each of the fruit juices and restaurants ranged from 6 to 13, Bacillus spp 12 to 19, Klebsiella spp 4 to 10, Streptococcus spp 6 to 11 and Staphylococcus spp 4 to 13. Bacillus spp had the highest percentage (31.4%), followed by Staphylococcus spp (20.1%). The highest percentage of bacteria was recovered from Tiger nuts (29.4%), followed by Watermelon (28.4%). Regular monitoring of the quality of fresh fruit juices sold in restaurants in Port Harcourt and other parts of Nigeria should therefore be enforced.

Physicochemical, Bacteriological and Biochemical Assessment of Water Samples from Unprotected Wells in Lagos State Metropolis

Aims: This study presents the results of the physicochemical parameter data and water quality index use to assess the quality of unprotected well water in Lagos southwest, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: 20 water samples were collected from selected locations namely; PPL, Okokomaiko, Cassidy, Iba express and Iba junction and they were analyzed for 7 physical parameters (temperature of the water, temperature of air, colour, odor, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids) and 7 chemical parameters (pH, iron, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Chloride, organic matter and residual chlorine).&#x0D; Results: The result showed that 5 (25%) samples had pH below the NSDWQ limit for drinking water quality and 10 (50%) samples had conductivity that were above the standard limit. 15 (75%) samples had Total dissolve solid that were above the standard limit. All other physicochemical parameters were within the NSDWQ. Microbiological analyses were done to assess the total plate count and the coliform count of the water samples and the results showed that 9 samples had colonies that were too numerous to count exceeding the permissible limit of 100 CFU/ml set by WHO. The coliform count of the water samples showed that the MPN per 100 ml of all the water samples were above the WHO limit by having results greater than 1. The IMViC result showed that Klebsiella species and Enterobacter species were found in 6 plates (30%), Citrobacter species were found in 7 plates (35%) and Escherichia species were found in 7 plates (35%).&#x0D; Conclusions: This result highlight that the well water in these areas are not safe for human consumption without additional treatment such as boiling or addition of disinfectants, therefore there is need to enlighten the consumers around these researched study areas to at least disinfect and filtrate their well water before drinking in order to avoid outbreak of waterborne diseases. Physicochemical

4-month moxifloxacin containing regimens in the treatment of patients with sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in South India - a randomised clinical trial.

Shortening tuberculosis (TB) treatment duration is a research priority. We tested the efficacy and safety of 3- and 4-month regimens containing moxifloxacin in a randomised clinical trial in pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in South India. New, sputum-positive, adult, HIV-negative, non-diabetic PTB patients were randomised to 3- or 4-month moxifloxacin regimens [moxifloxacin (M), isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R), pyrazinamide (Z) and ethambutol (E)] or to a control regimen (2H3 R3 Z3 E3 /4R3 H3 ) [C]. The 4 test regimens were 3R7 H7 Z7 E7 M7 [M3], 2R7 H7 Z7 E7 M7 /2R7 H7 M7 [M4], 2R7 H7 Z7 E7 M7 /2R3 H3 M3 [M4-I] or 2R7 H7 Z7 E7 M7 /2R3 H3 E3 M3 [M4-IE]. Treatment was directly observed. Clinical and bacteriological assessments were done monthly during treatment and for 24months post-treatment. The primary end point was TB recurrence post-treatment. Of 1371 patients, randomised, modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was done in 1329 and per-protocol (PP) analysis in 1223 patients. Regimen M3 was terminated due to high TB recurrence rates. 'Favourable' response at end of treatment was 96-100% in the moxifloxacin regimensand 93% in the control regimen. Among these, the TB recurrence occurred in 4.1% in the M4 regimen and in 4.5% in the control regimen and demonstrated equivalence within a 5% margin (95% CI -3.68, 4.55). Similar findings were observed in modified ITT analysis. The TB recurrence rates in the M4-I and M4-IE regimens did not show equivalence with the control regimen. Sixteen (1.4%) of 1087 patients in the moxifloxacin regimens required treatment modification. The 4-month daily moxifloxacin regimen [M4] was found to be equivalent and as safe as the 6-month thrice-weekly control regimen.

Bacteriospermia and Sperm Quality of Cryopreserved Bull Semen Used in Artificial Insemination of Cows in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

The objectives of this trial were to estimate prevalence of bacteriospermia, to determine the bacterial load, and to isolate the types of bacteria as well as to assess the association between bacterial load and sperm quality traits in cryopreserved bull semen in field conditions in the South Wollo Zone. A total of 309 cryopreserved straws of semen from the Holstein Friesian (HF)-cross bull (n = 180 straws) and pure Jersey bull (n = 129 straws) were investigated. Bacteriological assessments of the presence of aerobic bacteria, estimation of bacterial count and bacterial isolation, as well as semen quality were performed. Aerobic bacterial contamination was prevalent in 38.8% of the semen straws. No significant difference in the prevalence of bacteriospermia was observed among bulls although the HF-cross bull had a higher prevalence (40.0%). But, significant difference in prevalence of bacteriospermia was found among semen ejaculates of the same bull. The risk of bacteriospermia in the HF-cross bull was higher (Odds ratio = 1.86, 95% CI = 0.168–20.26) compared to Jersey although not significant. Overall average bacterial load of 50.38 ± 16.29 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (from nil to 1318.20 CFU/ml) was found. No significant difference in bacterial count among bulls and their ejaculates was observed. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that the proportions of motility, live, and normal morphology were negatively influenced by an increase in the bacterial contamination of semen. In this study, three isolates of coagualse-negative Staphylococcus species and one isolate of Corynebacterium species were found. Average percentages of sperm motility (48.35 ± 1.23), live (66.08 ± 1.0), and normal morphology (80.62 ± 1.24) were observed. It was concluded that cryopreservation does not guarantee the quality of semen from bacterial contamination. Hence, meticulous care should be adopted to prevent contamination of semen by bacteria during collection, transportation, processing, and storage times.

Bacteriological Risk Assessment of Borehole Sources of Drinking Water in Some Part of Port Harcourt Metropolis of Niger Delta, Nigeria

Safe drinking water is still a challenging public health issue in the midst of lots of borehole water in-use in our various communities..

Bacteriological Assessment of Toilet Seats in a Nigerian University

Exposure to enteric pathogens through direct contact with contaminated toilets surfaces and associated water is one of the major sources of disease transmission in public settings. The bacterial profile of toilet seats in students’ dormitories was investigated to determine the pattern of bacterial contamination of public toilet seats in a university setting. Samples were collected from the male and female hostels in the University, and Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count (THBC) as well as Fecal Coliform Counts (FCC) were carried out using standard microbiological procedures. The male hostels had a mean THBC of 11.4 ± 4.9 x 105 cfu/ml and 2.7 ± 0.7 x105 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples collected from the toilet bowl (WC), respectively. The female hostels on the other hand had a mean THBC of 7.7 ± 0.6 x 105 cfu/ml and 2.0 ± 2.7 x 105 cfu/ml for the water and swab samples from the WC, respectively. The result also revealed that the water in the WC accounted for 80.7% of the bacterial isolates while the toilet seat surfaces accounted for 19.3%. However, there was a statistical difference in the bacterial counts between the male and female hostels as well as the water and swab samples from the WC (p &lt; 0.05). A total of thirty seven isolates (37) belonging to five (5) genera were identified as Staphylococcus spp. (32.4%), Bacillus spp (32.4%), Klebsiella spp (13.5%), Escherichia coli (13.5%), as well as Coccobacilli (8.2%). This research has shown the pattern of bacterial contamination of toilet seats and the potential pathogenic bacteria that may pose health challenges. Reduction in the number of students per toilet as well as proper sanitary practice is recommended, to prevent toilet associated infections amongst students.

Physico-chemical and bacteriological quality assessment of surface water at Lake Tonga in Algeria

Maintaining standard water quality of aquatic ecosystems requires continuous monitoring of water physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics. This study aimed at assessing water physicochemical and microbiological proprieties of Lake Tonga (northeastern Algeria). Water samples were collected monthly (January–June) from three different stations at different depths. Several physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, hardness, biological oxygen demand (BOD5), concentrations of suspended solid materials, dry residuals, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrites, nitrates, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium and sulfur dioxide) and bacterial group sdensity (total heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal Streptococci) were measured. Physicochemical analysis of Tonga Lake water revealed a slightly alkaline environment pH (6.5 < pH < 8.5), electrical conductivity < 1500 μS/cm, turbidity > 7.02 NTU, dry residues < 2000 mg/L, suspended solid materials (11.8 mg/L, < 30 mg/L), dissolved oxygen < 5 mg/L, phosphates > 5 mg/L, BOD5 < 5 mg/L, nitrate < 50 mg/L, nitrite > 0.1 mg/L, and NH4+ > 0.5 mg/L, Ca2+ < 200 mg/L, Mg2+ < 150 mg/L, Cl–> 500 mg/L, K+ > 20 mg/L and sulfates < 200 mg/L. In addition, microbiological results indicated the presence of different groups of faecal bacteria with an average of 32.3 × 10³ CFU/100 mL for total heterotrophic bacteria, 24 × 10³ CFU/100 mL for total and faecal coliforms, and 37 × 10³ CFU/100 mL for faecal Streptococci. Tonga Lake is currently in an eutrophication state and further severe ecosystem degradations may occur if the appropriate management measures are not taken in short term.

A Rare Cause of Retropharyngeal Abscess: Cervical Pott’s Disease

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Tuberculosis is known to affect almost every organ in the body, but its manifestations in the head and the neck region are quite rare. Tuberculous retropharyngeal abscesses are exceptional. They are usually secondary to tuberculosis of the spine.We report one case of cervical Pott’s disease revealed by a retropharyngeal abscess. The clinical presentation was dysphagia with bilateral neck swelling. Radiological findings suggested the diagnosis, showing a retropharyngeal collection with vertebral osteolysis. The histological assessment confirmed the diagnosis showing several granulomas with central caseous necrosis. The evolution was favorable after drainage and anti-tuberculosis drugs.Vertebral tuberculosis is rare. Cervical Pott’s disease is exceptional, and retropharyngeal abscesses can be the revealing feature of this condition. Symptoms are not specific. The diagnosis is based on radiological and bacteriological assessment. Treatment implicates a multidisciplinary team, first the evacuation of the collection, then anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy

Neurological and Bacteriological assessment of suspected meningitis cases at Suez Canal University Hospital

Neurological and Bacteriological assessment of suspected meningitis cases at Suez Canal University Hospital

Bacteriological Assessment of Middle Ear Effusions and Nasopharyngeal Swabs in Children with Acute Otitis Media

Bacteriological Assessment of Middle Ear Effusions and Nasopharyngeal Swabs in Children with Acute Otitis Media

Sensory, Deterioration and Bacteriological Assessment of Some Ready to Eat Poultry Products

This study was carried out to assess the quality of some RTE (ready to eat) chicken meat products collected from different poultry meat processing plants in Menofia and Gharbia governorate. a A total of 60 commercially produced RTE poultry products such as chicken ham, chicken shawarma, chicken with herps, smoked turkey and turkey smoked lobes (12 each) were collected from supermarkets and examined for sensory, deterioration criteria and bacteriological quality. The results revealed that the sensory panel scores of all examined RTE poultry meat products samples were generally low especially in chicken with herps, chicken ham and smoked turkey RTE poultry meat products. Moreover, pH values of most of the examined samples were relatively alkaline whereas the lowest value was recorded in smoked turkey samples and highest value was observed in chicken with herps samples. In addition, higher thiobarbituric acid (smoked turkey) and slightly increases of total volatile basic nitrogen values (chicken with herps) were recorded in most of the examined samples. All investigated bacterial counts were significantly high in all examined RTE poultry meat products samples. Staph. aureus was isolated from chicken ham and E. coli strains were isolated from chicken shawarma, smoked turkey and turkey smoked lobes. However, E. coli O157:H7 and salmonella strains failed to be isolated from all the examined samples. It could be concluded that all the examined RTE poultry meat products were deteriorated in terms of sensory, chemical and bacteriological terms and exceeded the limit described by E.S. (3493/2005) for cooked poultry meat products. In addition, these samples were probably produced and prepared under bad hygienic measures which could be responsible for lowering their quality and reduce shelf life.

NUMBER OF COMMON BILE DUCT STONES WITHOUT CHOLANGITIS CORRELATES WITH BACTERIOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF BILE

Abstract. Aim: to determine the factors influencing on bacteribilia in patients with benign obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary tract (BOEBT).&#x0D; Materials and Methods. A study of 30 cases of BOEBT with bacteriologic bile assessment was performed. A comparison of the incidence of different factors in patients with or without bacteriobilia was done.&#x0D; Results. Positive bile culture was in 22 (73.3%) patients. The most common were E. coli and Klebsiella (68.2%). There was no difference (p&lt;0.05) in sex, age, bilirubin level, gallbladder condition, common bile duct size, major duodenal papilla (MDP) size, common bile duct stones, sludge, Mirizzi syndrome, impacted stone in MDP. Significant differences were found in number of common bile duct stones: 1-2 stones (p&lt;0,001) and multiple stones (p&lt;0,05).&#x0D; Conclusions. Risk factors for bacteriobilia is 1-2 stones in the common bile duct (p&lt;0,001). Multiple stones (≥3) are not associated with bacteriobilia (p&lt;0,05).