Bacteriological Tests Research Articles

Prevalence of the microbiological causes of canine otitis externa and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacterial strains.

Otitis externa is a canine disease of multifactorial etiology in which bacteria plays a significant role. Due to the predominant bacterial etiology otitis is usually treated with antibiotics. However, non-prudent use of antibiotics promotes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria thus compromising the therapy effectiveness. Currently, the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health. For this reason, the aim of the study was to investigate prevalence of the microbiological causes of canine otitis externa and the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacterial strains. The research and sampling were conducted at Veterinary Clinics for small pets in Serbia. Samples were sent to laboratory for bacteriological and mycological testing. Additionally, the sensitivity of the isolated bacteria to antibiotics was evaluated using disc diffusion method. Sixty dogs with otitis externa clinical symptoms were included in the study. Out of a total of 53 positive samples for pathogen presence, bacteria were present in 40. The most prevalent bacteria was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus spp., while Malassezia pachydermatis was the only isolated yeast pathogen occurring in 36 samples. Generally, the lowest resistance against all bacteria showed enrofloxacin. On the contrary, high resistance to penicillin and amoxicillin was a common finding for G+ and G- bacteria. These results indicate the need for laboratory testing in terms of isolation, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, not only in the case of otitis externa in dogs, but in all diseases when it is possible, in order to enhance antimicrobial stewardship and consequently to contribute AMR reduction.

Postpasteurization Testing of Human Milk Sterility at Human Milk Banks in Resource-Limited Settings: An Alternative to Standard Microbiological Quality Testing.

Introduction: Pasteurized donor human milk provides nutrition and bioactive factors for infant growth and health when a mother's own milk is not available. Bacteriological testing is recommended for each pasteurized batch of donor milk before distribution to ensure that the milk is safe for use. Charm Peel Plates (CPPs) are a simplified, easy-to-use culture method for detecting microorganisms in milk and milk products. This study investigates the feasibility of using CPPs as an alternative test for current standard postpasteurization screening by human milk banks (HMBs), particularly those in resource-limited settings. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the CPP versus the 5% horse blood agar (HBA) plate (standard South African National Health Laboratory Service method) for detecting bacterial growth in pasteurized human milk samples. Methods: For each of the 50 pasteurized donor milk samples, 100-μL aliquots were cultured on routine HBA and 1 mL on CPPs for the total bacterial colony count. Any positive growth was identified using VITEK® 2 (bioMérieux). To demonstrate the ability of CPPs to support bacterial growth, four spiked samples were tested. Results: Concurrent negative test results were reported for 49/50 (98%) samples with only one positive test with HBA. Conclusions and Recommendations: The CPP is equivalent to HBA for detection of bacterial growth. Additional advantages of CPPs are ease of use and cost-effectiveness. The CPP is therefore recommended as a point-of-care, bacteriological screening method for donor human milk by HMBs, particularly those in resource-limited settings.

Baseline and seasonal trends of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis from clinical samples in Japan

Outbreaks of Bacillus cereus bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a concern in Japanese medical settings. This study determined baseline values for B.cereus detection in clinical samples that are useful as reference values for hospitals when assessing the need for intervention. A retrospective analysis of B.cereus detection in the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance data from 2008 to 2014 was performed; it included 950 individual hospitals across the country. Bacillus spp. were detected in 0.54% of the clinical specimens submitted for bacteriological testing. Specimens positive for Bacillus spp. were mainly blood (24.6%), stool (26.5%), and respiratory specimens (23.3%). Identification of Bacillus spp. at the species level (i.e., B.cereus or B.subtilis) was reported in 55.3%, 14.7%, and 15.4% of cases, of which 88.9%, 48.3%, and 33.1% were B.cereus in blood, stool, and respiratory specimens, respectively. Of the 4105 hospital-years, 75.7% had blood specimens with Bacillus spp., with a median of 0.85 blood specimens/100 beds annually (interquartile range, 0.17-2.10). The B.cereus detection showed significant summer seasonality, regardless of specimen type or geographic distribution. The B.subtilis detection did not show seasonality, and its detection remained constant throughout the year. The seasonality of Bacillus spp. reflects the high proportion of B.cereus. The increased detection rate of Bacillus spp. during summer should be interpreted as a risk factor for B.cereus BSIs. A post-summer decrease in Bacillus spp. should not be interpreted as an effect of interventions.

An Eco-Benign Biomimetic Approach for the Synthesis of Ni/ZnO Nanocomposite: Photocatalytic and Antioxidant Activities.

With the increasing demand for wastewater treatment and multidrug resistance among pathogens, it was necessary to develop an efficient catalyst with enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. The present study proposes a facile and green strategy for synthesizing zinc oxide (ZnO) decorated nickel (Ni) nanomaterials. The synthesized Ni/ZnO nanocomposite displays a high crystallinity and spherical morphology, which was systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, FT-IR, UV-visible spectroscopy, EDX, HRTEM, and XPS techniques. In addition, the bacteriological tests indicated that Ni/ZnO nanocomposite exhibits potent antibacterial activity against human pathogens, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The inhibition zone observed in light and dark conditions for E. coli was 16 (±0.3) mm and 8 (±0.4) mm, respectively, which confirms the high efficacy of the nanocomposite in the presence of light compared to dark conditions. The detailed inhibition mechanism of said bacterium and damage were also studied through fluorescence spectroscopy and SEM analysis, respectively. Evaluation of antioxidant activity based on free radical scavenging activity revealed that the Ni/ZnO nanocomposite effectively scavenges DPPH. In the photocatalytic performance, the Ni/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a remarkable degradation ability under the optimized condition, which was attributed to their controllable size, high surface area, and exceptional morphology. Good selectivity, high photodegradation, and antibacterial activities and satisfactory hemolytic behavior of the as-prepared nanocomposite make them able to become a potential candidate for superior biological performance and environmental remediation.

Prevalence study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Teaching Tikrit Hospital from different sources.

In the current study,it was isolated 117 samples from different sources ,the isolates were identification using bacteriological and biochemical tests,(bacteria swabs uptaked from wound, otitis media ,stool and urine and), ,out of 117 samples. only 18 specimens was positive for P.aeruginosa (14%) in the otitis media,(14%) in the stool,(3%) in the wound and (0%) in the urine.all bacterial isolates identified through the using of bacterial and biochemical test ,.P.aeruginosa isolates showed highy resistance to most used antibiotics especially Ceftriaxon (CRO), Erythromycin (E), Cefixime (CFM)100% followed by Cefepime (FEP), Carbenicillin (PY)44%, Tobramycin (TOB)22% and Piperacillin (PRL)16.66% but Norfloxacin (NOR) show the attractive activities against all P.aeruginosa isolates ,the resistance was 0%.
 Conclusion: P.aeruginosa isolated in low prevalence in the Teaching Tikrit Hospital only in 15,38% ,all bacterial isolates was multi drug resistance (MDR) ,and resist to most used antibiotics expect Norfloxacin (NOR).

Treatment of Surface Water Runoff in Igala-Mela, Kogi State Nigeria Using Local Materials

Purpose: Water is life and majority of the sicknesses in the world today is either contracted through water or air. There is need to reduce the spread of these diseases that spread by lack of drinkable water available to people. Some areas in Nigeria experiences scarcity of water fit for domestic use, such areas as Igala-Mella area of Kogi State and extended to environs in Nnsuka Enugu State faces this challenge of access to safe water. Most people in the study area obtain drinking water from storm water which is polluted by dust and animal droppings. In view of this, this study is geared to harvesting the storm water, fabricate mini pilot plant, and use locally available material and extract of neem tree which serves as antibacterial to kill the bacterial present in the water.
 Methodology: The pilot plant was fabricated to allow the flow of water under gravity. It has the storage, aeration, chemical inject, stirrer formulated and the filter bed. All the material used were sourced locally. The raw water was fed into the storage, opened to allow to flow through the stages as arranged in the mini pilot plant with the neem extract added. At the end, the treated water was collected. The raw water was tested before treatment to determine the level of contamination. After treatment, the pure water was subjected to quality test.
 Findings: The result shows that there is an improvement in the water quality characteristics as there is reduction in the color, taste, PH, other chemicals such as; Zn, Fe, Nitrate, Nitrite, Potassium, Nitrogen, Phosphate, Cadmium, Lead were reduced after test. Bacteriological test such as oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, shegella, salmonella sp shows reduction in the treated water.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This shows that with mini pilot plant and the extract can be used to treat raw water at household level using this mini plant and the neem tree extract.

FREQUENCY OF SKIN MANIFESTATIONS IN PATIENTS ON CHEMOTHERAPY

The study's objective was to determine the frequency of skin manifestations in patients on chemotherapy. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 patients on chemotherapy with post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation not responsive to other treatments were included at the Department of Dermatology, Unit-1, Jinnah Hospital Lahore from April 2016 to September 2016. Patients of both genders and any age and on chemotherapy, at least after their first dosage, were included. Patients having skin manifestation before chemotherapy, patients with a history of HCV, those having diabetes mellitus (Fasting BSR > 100 mg/dl), andpatients having other connective tissue diseases, SLE, DLE, etc., were excluded. A dermatologic examination was performed, and biopsy, mycological and bacteriological tests were conducted if necessary. Skin manifestations were labelled. A total of 170 chemotherapy patients participated in this trial. There were 58 (34.1 percent) females and 112 (65.9%) males. Fifty-three people (31.2%) had no skin manifestations, 61 people (34.9%) had one, 40 people(23.5%) had two, and 16 people (9.4%) had three skin manifestations. A total of 75 patients (44.1%) are under the age of 30, 40 patients (23.5%) are between the ages of 31 and 45, and 55 patients (32.4%) are over the age of 45. In 2 cases, acral erythema was seen (1.2 percent ). In 21 cases, dry skin was seen (12.4 percent ). There was alopecia in 93 individuals (54.7 percent ). Sixteen patients still had the eruption (9.4 percent ). Three of the patients had acne(1.8 percent ). In 7 cases, purpura was present (4.1 percent ). In 47 cases, mucositis was found (27.6 percent ). Age and gender had no impact on the number of cutaneous manifestations. People receiving chemotherapy frequently get cutaneous symptoms. Alopecia, mucositis, and xerosis were among the most typical cutaneous signs.

Bacteriological profile of the nasopharynx in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Caring for people with diabetes is a challenge for doctors. GPs should be diagnostically vigilant and pay attention even to unusual symptoms reported by the patient, as they can progress quickly, impeding effective treatment. Targeted treatment of the bacteriological infection improves the prognosis in this group of patients. Its condition is to perform bacteriological tests. Statistics show that the infectious flora differ between people with diabetes and the general population. The aim of the study was to evaluate in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes without symptoms of active infection, the following: 1) composition of microflora in the nasal cavity and throat, with particular emphasis on the frequency and type of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms; 2) carrier status of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the nose, and its relationship to diabetes control/ other comorbidities predisposing to immuno-suppression. The study included 88 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who were interviewed in the form of a questionnaire. Patients with additional systemic diseases and taking antibiotics within the last 6 weeks were excluded from the study. Microbiological tests required the collection of nasal and throat swabs from all enrolled patients. The bacteriological analysis included 176 nasal and throat swabs taken from 88 patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 627 species of microorganisms were identified, and 90 potentially pathogenic strains present in the nasal cavity and throat of the subjects were isolated and identified. People with type 2 diabetes who do not show symptoms of infection are often carriers of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx.

HUBUNGAN JARAK DAN SANITASI KANDANG DENGAN KEBERADAAN BAKTERI COLIFORM AIR SUMUR DI DESA BANGKAHAN KECAMATAN KAMPUNG MELAYU KOTA BENGKULU

ABSTRACT
 Dug wells are a means of providing clean water that is always used by the community, dug wells are very easily polluted due to seepage from animal waste disposal sites. The presence of bacteria in well water is an indication of bacteriology. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the distance of cattle pens, sanitation of livestock pens, and the bacteriological quality of community dug well water in Bangkahan Village, Kampung Melayu District, Bengkulu City in 2022. This type of research used a cross sectional correlation study to see the relationship between cage spacing, cage sanitation on coliform bacteria in dug well water. The number of population in the study was 17, purposive sampling using the Slovin formula from 15 samples taken 7 dug wells. Measurement of cage distance using a meter, bacteriological testing of well water in the laboratory. The results showed that 7 samples of dug wells were examined, 6 dug wells were contaminated with coliform bacteria. The results of the correlation test showed that there was a relationship between the distance between the cage and the coliform bacteria in dug wells, a value of 0.864, that the relationship between the two variables was very strong, and the sanitation of the cage with coliform bacteria in well water had no relationship with a value of 0.215. The relationship between the two variables was low. It is recommended to the Health Office to conduct counseling to the people of Bangkahan Village about the distance of the cages that meet the requirements and always carry out bacteriological examinations of well water. 
 Keywords: Distance, Sanitation, Coliform Bacteria

Assessment of Histamine Levels and Histamine-producing Bacteria in <i>Euthynnus affinis</i> Marketed in Tanga and Mtwara Coastal Areas, Tanzania

Histamine (scombrotoxin) food poisoning is a community health risk associated with consumption of some marine fish species and it has been proposed that some anaerobic bacteria contribute to this form of food poisoning. However, histamine levels and histamine producing bacteria in fish marketed in Tanzania have not been appraised. This study was conducted to determine histamine levels and histamine-producing bacteria in the <i>E. affinis</i> (tuna) value chain in Tanga and Mtwara regions. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was used to determine histamine levels, Bacteriology and biochemical tests were employed to determine histamine-producing bacteria. A total of 64 tuna fish samples were collected from deep sea fish market and Sahare Tanga and ferry market, Mtwara coasts. The mean level of histamine was found to be 86.4±43.9 in Tanga and 64.8±47.5 in Mtwara and the overall mean was 77.1±46.4. All fish 64 samples were positive for histamine; however, the mean level was within the recommended limit for consumed fishery products according to European Union regulation of 200 mg/kg (m) to 400 mg/kg (m) (EC, 2005).<i> Klebsiella spp, pseudomonas spp, </i>and <i>proteus spp</i> were isolated and confirmed as histamine-producing bacteria based on bacteriology and biochemical characteristics. It concluded that although within the recommended levels, all fish samples were positive to histamine and three bacterial species associated with its production isolated. To prevent raising histamine to concern levels, maintenance of hygiene and low temperature along the production chain should be observed.

Results of bacteriological tests of rainbow trout (&lt;I&gt;Onchorinchus mykiss&lt;/I&gt;) bioassaywhen using the grug «SmartBiotic»

Fish and fish products are perishable products. Therefore, if the conditions of cultivation, preparation, storage and transportation are not observed, the risk of contamination of fish with microorganisms increases. In case of doubt about the degree of freshness of fish according to organoleptic indicators, laboratory tests are carried out, one of which is bacterioscopy of smears-prints of bioassays, used in cases of suspected contamination of fish with microorganisms. The evaluation of the results of the bacteriological study is carried out by the intensity of coloring and the number of cocci, sticks in the prepared smears-prints.Bacteriological tests of smears-prints of fish muscle tissue was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of the Department of Veterinary and Sanitary Examination of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution "SPbGUVM" according to generally accepted methods in accordance with the "On the safety of fish and fish products". The essence of bacteriological research lies in the fact that two smears are made on the slides, the preparations are dried in the air, fixed with a triple holding over the flame of an alcohol lamp and stained by Gramm. They view several fields of vision and calculate the arithmetic mean number of microbes in one field of view.

Prevalence and identification of caprine pasteurellosis in pneumonic goats in Bangladesh.

This research aimed to assess the prevalence of caprine pasteurellosis, isolate and identify pasteurellosis (Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) in pneumonic goats, and discover the main bacterial cause of pneumonia. One hundred and five samples (94 nasal swabs and 11 lung tissues) from goats suspected of having pneumonia were taken and transferred aseptically to the laboratory. Following the processing of the collected samples, Pasteurella spp. was isolated with the aid of plate culture methods. Biochemical characteristics were used to identify all bacterial isolates, which were then verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also carried out to evaluate the sensitivity profiles of various antibiotics. The Pasteurella haemolytica serotype-specific antigen (PHSSA) gene was used to identify isolates of M. haemolytica, and the KMT1 gene was used to identify isolates of P. multocida. From the 105 clinically suspicious samples, 51 (48.57%) were identified to be Pasteurella spp. through bacteriological testing and also by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Of these, 47.87% (45/94) were nasal swabs, and 54.55% (6/11) were lung tissues. Among confirmed samples, 70.59% (36/51) were identified as M. haemolytica, and 29.41% (15/51) were identified as P. multocida. Resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, gentamicin, and ceftriaxone was found in 50%-83% of the isolates. In addition, PCR identified the PHSSA and KMT1 genes from isolates of P. multocida and M. haemolytica, respectively. The present study revealed that M. haemolytica and P. multocida primarily caused pasteurellosis in pneumonic goats in Bangladesh. However, when treating these animals, the proper choice of antimicrobials should be made to control this disease.

The first report of the clinical diagnosis and surgical management of pyometra in two cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Two female adult cheetahs, residents of the same sanctuary, presented several weeks subsequent to being mated with the same male. Their presenting histories included lethargy and inappetence in both; one female had vaginal discharge, and the other had apparent abdominal pain. Clinical signs supported by laboratory data established a diagnosis of pyometra in both and concurrent septic peritonitis in one case. Diagnosis was facilitated by transabdominal ultrasonography showing a fluid-distended and thickened uterus in both and intraperitoneal fluid accumulation, characterised by abdominocentesis as an exudate, in one case. Peripheral blood smears and haematology showed septicaemia that supported rapid surgical intervention by ovariohysterectomy in both cases. The reported retrospective endocrinological, cytological and bacteriological testing and macro- and histo-pathological investigations and findings confirmed the diagnosis. Pyometra has been widely described in many other wild and domestic carnivores, but there are no previous reports of either the clinical manifestation or management of uterine infections in cheetahs. The subsequent successful induction and anaesthetic protocol and the chosen surgical method for ovariohysterectomy are detailed. Post-operative recovery was rapid in both cases and both were discharged and reportedly healthy at a two-year follow-up. The report discusses the pertinent findings in these cases in relation to the literature describing pyometra, its diagnosis and management in both domestic and other wild carnivores. The report is intended to inform those in the field of management of captive cheetahs to improve their health and welfare and instruct veterinarians in the appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic management of uterine disease in this vulnerable species.

Bacterial Contamination and Antimicrobial Resistance in Drinking Water From Food and Drinking Establishments in Shashemane Town, Ethiopia

We investigated the bacteriological quality of drinking water and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial isolates in food and drinking establishments in Shashemane town, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022. One hundred water samples were collected from the tap water and storage containers of 50 selected establishments. All the collected samples were analyzed for bacteriological and antimicrobial susceptibility tests using standard procedures. The study found approximately 80% of water samples from the tap and all water samples (100%) from storage containers were contaminated with total coliforms. E. coli was detected in 20% and 26% of water samples from the tap and storage containers, respectively. A total of 68 bacterial isolates were identified, including E. coli (33.8%), Staphylococcus (25%), Salmonella (17.64%), Klebsiella (11.76%), Shigella (10.29%), and Pseudomonas (1.4%). The highest resistance by the isolates was observed against ampicillin (96%), followed by amoxicillin (94%), cotrimoxazole (76.8%), chloramphenicol (36%), gentamycin (23%), ciprofloxacin (23%), and ceftriaxone (12%). The study concluded that drinking water in food and drinking establishments was found vulnerable to microbiological contamination and it is a health risk to consumers. The level of contamination in stored water was found higher than tap water. In addition, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in both tap water and stored water. Therefore, awareness should be given to food handlers and owners of the establishments on hygienic water handling practices by the regulatory bodies of Shashemane town and stakeholders.

Микробиологическая характеристика хронического риносинусита у детей с муковисцидозом в сравнении с другими локусами респираторного тракта

One of the main factors determining the severity of the course and prognosis in cystic fibrosis (CF) is the severity of the infectious and inflammatory process and the species composition of the microflora in the lower respiratory tract (LRT). Studies show the important role of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses as a source and reservoir of microflora. Objective. To assess the species composition and correlation of microflora from the various parts of the upper and lower respiratory tract in children with cystic fibrosis. Patients and methods. 94 patients aged 2 to 18 years diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with cystic fibrosis which had surgical intervention were included. The species composition of microflora was obtained from paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity, evaluated intraoperatively, from trachea during intubation in comparison with the actual (1-3 weeks before the intervention ) results of bacteriological test of induced sputum and / or material from the posterior pharyngeal wall, as well as the most "clinically significant" microflora in the anamnesis. Statistical analysis was carried out in order to search for correlations of the species composition of the bacterial flora between these parts of the respiratory tract. Results. The analysis showed no correlation between the microflora of different parts, except for the correlation between the most "clinically significant" microflora in anamnesis and obtained intraoperatively from paranasal sinuses in relation to two prognostically unfavorable species of bacteria: Sternotrophomonas maltophilia ( p = 0.001) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.047). In 13 (81.3%) of the 16 patients which had in anamnesis P. aeruginosa and was isolated from the maxillary sinus intraoperatively, its eradication was ascertained. Conclusion. The revealed positive correlation between the isolation of P. aeruginosa ever in anamnesis from low respiratory tract (LRT) and its presence in the paranasal sinuses during intraoperative sampling of the material indicates the important role of paranasal sinuses as a reservoir of pathogenic microflora and the possibility of long-term preservation of infectious agents after eradication courses of treatment and the achievement of eradication. Keywords: cystic fibrosis, children, chronic rhinosinusitis, microflora, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, paranasal sinuses

Revisiting the Problem of Finding Effective Sepsis Treatment Solutions.

We studied the effect of a preparation containing ultralow doses of formic aldehyde on the course of experimental sepsis caused by intraperitoneal injection of two different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1623 and 5266) to C57BL/6 male mice. Microscopy and quantitative bacteriological tests in the dynamics of the infectious process demonstrated a positive effect of the drug: 100% survival of animals, preserved histological structure of the studied organs (lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, and adrenal glands), a sharp decrease in the level of contamination of the blood and organ homogenates during the first hours after infection, and complete absence of bacteria in inoculates on day 7 after infection. These findings suggest the effectiveness of ultralow doses of formic acid aldehyde in the composition of the medicinal product in the treatment of experimental sepsis caused by P. aeruginosa strains 1623 and 5266 in mice.

How CAFOs affect Escherichia coli contents in surrounding water sources

Commercial Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) produce large quantities of waste material from the animals being housed in them. These feedlots found across the United States contain livestock that produce waste that results in hazardous runoff. Water sources surrounding CAFOs become contaminated making the water unusable for humans, livestock, and uninhabitable for aquatic life. This study examines how CAFOs affect water sources by testing for Escherichia Coli (E. coli) content in bodies of water near CAFOs. We hypothesized that the level of E. coli content in water samples near CAFO sites will be higher than in water samples not near CAFOs sites. To test our hypothesis, private drinking water bacteriological tests were performed on water samples sourced within one mile of a CAFO and then compared to water samples sourced more than five miles from the nearest CAFO. We found an increase in the E. coli concentration in water source samples closer to CAFOs. This research is crucial to understanding the impact that CAFOs have on the environment. It also provides important information for those living near CAFOs so that they can make informed decisions regarding their use of nearby water sources.

Microbiological and Physico-chemical Assessment of Drinking Water in Bharatpur Metropolis

Objectives: To understand microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water in Bharatpur metropolis. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 500 water samples (200 Municipal-supplied tap water, 200 hand-pump water and 100 open-well water) were collected from Bharatpur and processed for the investigation of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters. Physico-chemical parameters were analyzed by using an ENPHO water kit. The pH, arsenic and free residual chlorine (FRC) values of all the samples were within Nepal Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) 2062, whereas the concentrations of total hardness, ammonia, iron and nitrite didn’t meet the recommended limit in some of the samples. For bacteriological testing, membrane filtration (MF) technique was employed. Results: Out of the total 500 samples, 42.8% (214/500) were coliform positive. Open well water (57%) showed the highest prevalence of coliforms followed by hand-pump water (43.0%) and municipal tap water (35.5%). The occurrence of coliform in water was found to be associated with the proximity of latrines/cowsheds from the source of water (p&lt;0.05). On antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) of the coliforms, Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic whilst Ampicillin was the least effective. A higher incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates was observed with Citrobacter spp. 46.5% (60/129) followed by E. coli 11.4 % (7/61). Conclusion: None of the Klebsiella spp. isolates were MDR. Regular monitoring of water quality parameters should be done by the concerned authorities and stakeholders of the Metropolis to ensure the quality of drinking water to the city-dwellers.

Deep learning based CT images automatic analysis model for active/non-active pulmonary tuberculosis differential diagnosis.

Active pulmonary tuberculosis (ATB), which is more infectious and has a higher mortality rate compared with non-active pulmonary tuberculosis (non-ATB), needs to be diagnosed accurately and timely to prevent the tuberculosis from spreading and causing deaths. However, traditional differential diagnosis methods of active pulmonary tuberculosis involve bacteriological testing, sputum culturing and radiological images reading, which is time consuming and labour intensive. Therefore, an artificial intelligence model for ATB differential diagnosis would offer great assistance in clinical practice. In this study, computer tomography (CT) scans images and corresponding clinical information of 1160 ATB patients and 1131 patients with non-ATB were collected and divided into training, validation, and testing sets. A 3-dimension (3D) Nested UNet model was utilized to delineate lung field regions in the CT images, and three different pre-trained deep learning models including 3D VGG-16, 3D EfficientNet and 3D ResNet-50 were used for classification and differential diagnosis task. We also collected an external testing set with 100 ATB cases and 100 Non-ATB cases for further validation of the model. In the internal and external testing set, the 3D ResNet-50 model outperformed other models, reaching an AUC of 0.961 and 0.946, respectively. The 3D ResNet-50 model reached even higher levels of diagnostic accuracy than experienced radiologists, while the CT images reading and diagnosing speed was 10 times faster than human experts. The model was also capable of visualizing clinician interpretable lung lesion regions important for differential diagnosis, making it a powerful tool assisting ATB diagnosis. In conclusion, we developed an auxiliary tool to differentiate active and non-active pulmonary tuberculosis, which would have broad prospects in the bedside.

Bacteriological quality test of air in the classrooms of Darur Abror Foundation School West Lombok Regency in 2022

This study aims to determine the air quality in the classroom. The study showed the quality of air bacteria in the classrooms at the Darur Abror Foundation School (Sudak Gardens Hamlet, Terong Tawah Village, Labuapi District, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia) exceeded the predetermined limit on the number of germs in the room. According to Minister of Health Regulation No. 1405/MENKES/SKXI/2002, the germ number is 200-500 CFU/m3. The number of bacteria in the classroom is 2,699 CFU/m3. The most abundant characteristic according to the size of the bacteria is pinpoint. The shape of bacteria based on the number is circular, and the color of most bacteria is white.