Degree Of Bacterial Contamination Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY AND SUITABILITY OF DAIRY PRODUCTS FOR PRODUCTION OF HARD CHEESE

Some aspects of feeding dairy cows and factors affecting the production of high-quality milk suitable for the production of cheeses are considered, in particular, the study of the possibility of full or partial replacement of corn silage with silage from one-year forage crops in the rations. The study was conducted on cows of the Ukrainian black and spotted dairy breed using the method of periods. In the first period (duration 36 days), in addition to the main diet, the animals were fed 25 kg of corn silage, in the second (29 days) - 17 kg of hay from one-year forage crops, and in the third (35 days) - 12 kg of corn silage + 10 kg hay one-year forage crops. The main ration consisted of cereal and legume hay, winter wheat straw, fodder beets, a mixture of grain concentrates and premix. Density, content of dry matter, fat, total protein and casein and its fractional composition, lactose, degree of bacterial contamination, coagulation time of milk under the action of rennet enzyme were determined in milk.
 At the end of each period, batches of cheese were produced, the acidity, content of dry matter, fat, protein, degree of maturity were determined in the samples, and their expert evaluation was carried out. Since for the production of high-quality cheeses, milk must meet certain organoleptic parameters, chemical composition, bacterial contamination, the article provides requirements for its quality, as well as recommended rations and composition of premixes. It has been established that for feeding cows in cheese-making areas during the stall period, it is possible to recommend partial or complete replacement of corn silage (as it contains little calcium, which causes slow rennet coagulation of milk) with hay from one-year forage crops, which will lead to improvement of the technological properties of milk (reduction of time coagulation with rennet enzyme for 4-5 minutes, increasing the yield of mature cheese by 7-8%) and will contribute to increasing the casein content in cheese (by 0.12-0.15%), k-fraction of casein (by 1.6-2.1%) and calcium, which are he main indicators of milk suitability for cheese production.

Droplet-based energy harvesting superhydrophobic membrane with bacterial sensing ability for continuous monitoring

Among the polymeric membranes used in various fields, antibacterial membranes are notable due to their direct relation to health and function issues. Therefore, the physical/chemical stability and long-term antibacterial effects of such membranes are significant for their applications. However, the antibacterial membranes could be inevitably contaminated due to continuous usage and membrane damage, which would be significantly detrimental to human health. Herein, a polysilsesquioxane (PSQ)-based superhydrophobic smart membrane with antibacterial and bacterial sensing ability is introduced that can applied to various types of membrane. The PSQ membrane has superior antibacterial effect via contact-killing/repulsion due to quaternary ammonium and long alkyl chains on surfaces, and has the additional function of water-droplet based energy harvesting. The harvested energy is utilized as for sensing, and the membrane sensor is able to continuously monitor the damage level of the membrane and the degree of bacterial contamination. Hence, this droplet-based energy harvesting superhydrophobic membrane (DESm) is expected to prevent any infection that could otherwise arise due to membrane contamination during daily use.

Examination of the Quality of Particulate and Filtered Mandibular Bone Chips for Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study

(1) Background: Autologous bone is supposed to contain vital cells that might improve the osseointegration of dental implants. The aim of this study was to investigate particulate and filtered bone chips collected during oral surgery intervention with respect to their osteogenic potential and the extent of microbial contamination to evaluate its usefulness for jawbone reconstruction prior to implant placement. (2) Methods: Cortical and cortical-cancellous bone chip samples of 84 patients were collected. The stem cell character of outgrowing cells was characterized by expression of CD73, CD90 and CD105, followed by osteogenic differentiation. The degree of bacterial contamination was determined by Gram staining, catalase and oxidase tests and tests to evaluate the genera of the found bacteria (3) Results: Pre-surgical antibiotic treatment of the patients significantly increased viability of the collected bone chip cells. No significant difference in plasticity was observed between cells isolated from the cortical and cortical-cancellous bone chip samples. Thus, both types of bone tissue can be used for jawbone reconstruction. The osteogenic differentiation was independent of the quantity and quality of the detected microorganisms, which comprise the most common bacteria in the oral cavity. (4) Discussion: This study shows that the quality of bone chip-derived stem cells is independent of the donor site and the extent of present common microorganisms, highlighting autologous bone tissue, assessable without additional surgical intervention for the patient, as a useful material for dental implantology.

Ідентифікація м’яса забійних тварин щодо придатності до споживання за розробленими методиками

It is recommended for state veterinary inspectors simple, improved and new methods for identifying meat of slaughter animals according to suitability for consumption and compliance with its shelf life due to the detection of the peroxidase enzyme in the filtered meat-water extract; the use of an improved formol reaction at the facilities for meat production and turnover as a result of the substitution of suitable meat for human consumption with meat from sick animals, having reliability in tests of 99.8% and 96.4%, respectively. And also a new method of bacterioscopic assessment of the degree of bacterial contamination of the meat from slaughter animals by staining smears-prints according to Gram in Hooker’s modification was developed and recommended to establish the degree of freshness, which has a reliability of 99.5%. It was found that the largest percentage of meat was obtained from healthy animals with an improved method for detecting the peroxidase enzyme at meat production facilities − from 60.00 to 89.58%, at wholesale depots − from 61.54 to 81.82%; when sold in supermarkets − from 56.52 to 90.48%; in agriood markets − from 69.70 to 78.26%. However, the percentage of meat obtained from suspiciously sick animals at its production facilities ranged from 9.52 to 30.00%, at wholesale depots − from 13.63 to 26.92%; when sold in supermarkets − from 9.52 to 27.27%, in agrifood markets − from 8.70 to 21.21%; and meat obtained from sick animals, respectively, at production facilities and wholesale depots − from 4.76 to 10.00% and from 4.55 to 11.54%; in supermarkets and agrifood markets, respectively − from 4.76 to 17.39% and from 9.09 to 13.04%. It was found that the largest percentage of meat was obtained from healthy animals with an improved formol reaction method at meat production facilities − from 72.73 to 93.18%, at wholesale depots for storage − from 69.56 to 77.78%, when sold in supermarkets − from 67.39 to 78.26%, and in agrifood markets − from 75.00 to 78.57%. Although, the percentage of meat obtained from suspiciously sick animals at the facilities for its production ranged from 6.82 to 18.18%, at wholesale depots − from 16.67 to 26.09%; when sold in supermarkets ranged from 13.04 to 23.91%; in agrifood markets − from 15.28 to 20.00%; and meat obtained from seriously ill animals at at meat production facilities and wholesale depots, respectively, from 3.23 to 9.09% and from 4.35 to 8.33%; in supermarkets and agrifood markets, respectively − from 6.98 to 8.70% and from 4.76 to 7.69%.

Establishing temperature and time factors for the post-pasteurization of gourmet meat products

Conditions of post-pasteurization of whole-muscle gourmet meat products have been developed. They make it possible to extend shelf life of the product without change of its organoleptic characteristics.Effect of short-term thermal treatment of the ready-to-eat gourmet meat product on microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic parameters was investigated.Based on modeling the processing temperature and time, rational post-pasteurization conditions have been developed that maximize the product shelf life while maintaining its high quality.Dependences of influence of post-pasteurization on microbiological characteristics were obtained and it was proved that the developed conditions effectively suppress the surface microbiota.Studies on determining rational conditions of post-pasteurization were performed in a temperature range of 75‒90 °C at a duration of 1‒4 minutes.Post-pasteurization at 90 °C for 1‒2 min. and at 75‒85 °C for 3 min. reduces the degree of bacterial contamination, however, the product shelf life does not increase. Treatment at 90 °C for 4 min. significantly reduces the amount of microorganisms, extends shelf life but a change of the product appearance was observed.It was found that the temperature of 90 °C and duration of 3 min. are the rational conditions of post-pasteurization. Study of bacteriological effects achieved by the use of post-pasteurization under these conditions was presented.Influence of post-pasteurization conditions on the key qualitative characteristics of the ready-to-eat product has been investigated. It was established that the above method of thermal treatment does not cause syneresis of free moisture which is important for vacuum packaging of meat products.Considering the fact that pH influences microbiota growth, hydrogen ion concentration studies were performed immediately after post-pasteurization and during storage.It was proved that the use of the developed post-pasteurization conditions makes it possible to extend shelf life of whole-muscle gourmet meat products in vacuum packaging by 10 days

ПРИЧИНЫ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ И ПРОГНОЗ СОХРАНЕНИЯ ЗУБОВ С ЯТРОГЕННЫМИ ПЕРФОРАЦИЯМИ ПРИ УСТАНОВКЕ ШТИФТОВЫХ КОНСТРУКЦИЙ И ВКЛАДОК


 Значительная потеря твердых тканей зуба может привести к перелому зуба. Необходимой профилактикой переломов зубов является их армирование штифтовыми конструкциями или вкладками. При подготовке корневого канала к припасовке и фиксации штифта или вкладки возможны осложнения в виде перфорации стенки корня. Во всех случаях ятрогенных перфораций, исходя из анализа рентгенограмм, причиной явилось грубое препарирование твердых тканей зуба под армирующую конструкцию. Неправильное направление турбинного бора или развертки, которое не совпадает с основным ходом просвета канала, и применение излишних усилий ведет к созданию ложного хода. Также ошибкам при установке армирующих конструкций могут способствовать плотные силлеры, например, резорцин-формалиновая смесь. В таком случае довольно сложно тактильно отличить силлер и дентин корня. Задачу формирования пространства под штифт усложняет отсутствие гуттаперчевого штифта в корневом канале. Плохое знание анатомии зуба также может привести к ошибкам и удалению зуба.

Bacteriological Assessment of Fast Foods Sold at Gidan-Kwanu and Bosso Campuses of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

The bacteriological quality of snacks (meat pie and egg row) collected from different vendors at two different sells points each at Gidan-Kwanu and Bosso campuses of Federal University of Technology Minna was carried out in order to ascertain their safety. A total of fourty (40) snacks were screened using standard pour plate method while gram staining and biochemical test were carried out for the identification of various isolates. The samples had varying degree of bacterial contamination ranging from 2.0 x 102 - 1.4 x 103 cfu/g. The bacteria isolates found included Bacillus subtilis 29 (34.12%) in meat pie and 11 (22.45%) in egg roll; Staphylococcus aureus 16 (18.82%) in meat pie and 11 (22.45%) in egg roll; Klebsiella 19 (22.35%) in meat pie and 11 (22.45%) in egg roll; Escherichia coli 17 (20.00%) in meat pie and 13 (26.53%) in egg roll; Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4 (4.71%) in meat pie and 2 (4.08%) in egg roll and Proteus 1 (2.04%) in egg row and no growth of proteus was recorded in meat pie. The high bacteria count and diversity of bacteria isolate from the food samples screened is of public health concern. The study underscores the need for intervention from bodies charged with the responsibility of maintaining public health to prevent potential out brake of disease among consumers of these food products.

A Survey of Bacterial Pathogens Detected in Feces and Wool in Small Ruminants (Pilot Study)

Sheep feces can carry a high concentration of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, which potentially may contaminate wool as well as the shearers or wool manipulators through direct contact. A pilot study was carried out to determine the presence of bacterial DNA in feces and the degree of bacterial contamination in wool in two species of ruminants. Fourteen 2-month old lambs and 14 kids (7 male and 7 female), uncastrated, no twins, with their mothers, were randomly selected at weaning from a free flock grazing on naturalized pasture of Los Rios region, Chile. Fecal and wool samples were taken once and analyzed for genomic DNA of Salmonella typhimurium containing the virulence plasmid spv, Eschrichia coli serotype O157, Clostridium perfringens type C containing α toxin and Mycobacterium avium sp paratuberculosis containing the IS900 insertion element. The results showed that lamb and kids feces had higher contents of bacterial DNA for E. coli O157 and SalmT than lamb wool, although only one lamb showed these two bacteria on its wool. The bacterial species influenced the DNA expression for 16S in both, feces (P=0.05) and wool (P=0.0006) and for E. coli O157 and SalmT only in feces (P<0.0001). The sex was associated with E. coli detection in lambs feces (P<0.0007) and in kids feces (P<0.05). The values obtained for MAP IS900 and Cpa DNA contents, considering both species and sex, were undetectable. In conclusion, lamb and kids feces should potentially contaminate wool especially by Eschrichia coli O157 and Salmonella typhimurium, representing a potential health risk and public health concern, especially for shearers and wool handlers.

Are dietary supplements containing plant-derived ingredients safe microbiologically?

Dietary supplements, particularly those containing ingredients of natural origin, may contain microbiological contaminants, both bacterial and fungal.The present study evaluated the microbiological purity of selected dietary supplements containing plant-based ingredients before their release to the market, as well as raw materials of plant origin which are used in the production of such supplements. A total of 122 samples of supplements and 30 materials of plant origin were studied, with 92.1% exhibiting different degrees of bacterial contamination. Eight samples (5.3%) were contaminated by aerobic bacteria in amounts exceeding 105 CFU/g. Five (3.3%) of the studied supplements were found to contain bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae at a level exceeding 103 CFU/g. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the studied samples (86.8%) contained fungal contamination.Microbiological contamination may contribute to a deterioration in quality and stability of dietary supplements. In addition, high levels of pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms may pose a risk to consumers.

Unique biomarkers as a potential predictive tool for differentiation of Bacillus cereus group based on real-time PCR

The aim of the study was to develop unique biomarkers for qPCR detection of Bacillus cereus group. Clinical and soil isolates were identified by specifically designed biomarkers – Lipoprotein (OPL-114-lipo), Methyltransferase (MT-17) and S-layer homology domain protein (151-1BC). In order to design biomarkers, we used 120 bacterial strains grouped into B. cereus and non-Bacillus group. The B. cereus group was confirmed by 108 strains of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis (30 reference and 78 wild), along with 3 strains of B. mycoides, B. pseudomycoides, and B. weihenstephanensis; while the non-Bacillus group was composed of 9 Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Direct analysis of samples revealed specificity towards identification and characterization of B. cereus group. The newly developed markers OPL-114-lipo and MT-17 showed specificity of 95% and 81%, respectively in identification of B. cereus. They are efficient tools to identify contaminated sources and the degree of bacterial contamination. Environmental and food samples do not require band isolation, re-amplification, sequencing or sequence identification. Thus, reducing the time and cost of analysis. Hence, it will be an alternative approach to traditional culture methods. Commercial food processing industries will be able to employ these biomarkers specific for B. cereus group as a detection tool to reduce economic loss due to B. cereus contamination.

Antimikrobinės atsparumas. Naujos antimikrobinės medžiagos lėtinėms trofinėms opoms gydyti

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Bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health care workers at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Jimma, South West Ethiopia

Millions of people worldwide are suffering from infections acquired in hospitals. Contaminated equipment and hospital environments are known sources of infection. Mobile phones are used in hospitals without restrictions, regardless of their unknown microbial load. This study aimed to determine the level of bacterial contamination of mobile phones of health care workers at Jimma University Specialized Hospital in comparison with non health care workers’ mobile phones. A cross-sectional comparative study was used to conduct this study. The pattern of mobile phone use and cleaning practice of study participants were assessed using a questionnaire. Swab specimens were collected from exposed known areas of mobile phones and eluted in sterile normal saline. Colonies were counted using calibrated wire loop technique and growths were identified following standard bacteriological technique. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity tests of the isolates. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 A total of 71.2% (94/132) of mobile phones showed evidence of bacterial contamination from which 61.7% (58/94) were contaminated with >5colony forming units/cm2. The degree of bacterial contamination was higher among health care workers mobile phones (OR= 4.50; 95%CI 1.85-10.98). A total of 112 bacterial organisms were isolated with 33 Staphylococcus aureus, 61 coagulase negative staphylococci, 12 Bacillus species, 4 Micrococcus species, 1 Serratia species and 1 Klebsiella pneumonia. Thirty nine percent (5/13) of meticillin resistant S. aureus were vancomycin resistant. Health care workers mobile phones were more likely contaminated with meticillin resistant S. aureus than non health care workers’ mobile phones (OR=12.83; 95% CI 2.15-37.45). All of the study participants never wash their hands after mobile phone use and 75.5% (50/66) of health care workers answered that they used their mobile phones while attending patients. Health care workers mobile phones were more contaminated than non health care works’ mobile phones. The majority of the resistant isolates were from health care workers’ mobile phones.

The importance of protecting surgical instrument tables from intraoperative contamination in clean surgeries

to compare the degree of bacterial contamination of surgical instrument tables used in clean surgical procedures, either protected with plastic fields, sterilized with ethylene oxide, or disinfected with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions. This is a randomized clinical trial in which samples were collected from the surfaces of surgical instrument tables before and after each procedure. Microbiological analysis was performed to identify microorganisms and their respective antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial growth in the surgeries using sterilized plastic was 5.71% before and 28.6% after surgery and, 2.9% and 45.7% respectively in surgeries using disinfection with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions; no statistical difference was found between the methods. both methods present similar protection, however, 70% alcohol and 1% iodine do not generate solid waste.

The Degree of Bacterial Contamination While Performing Spine Surgery

Study DesignProspective experimental study.PurposeTo evaluate bacterial contamination during surgery.Overview of LiteratureThe participants of surgery and ventilation system have been known as the most significant sources of contamination.MethodsTwo pairs of air culture blood agar plate for G(+) bacteria and MacConkey agar plate for G(-) bacteria were placed at 3 different locations in a conventional operation room: in the surgical field, under the airflow of local air conditioner, and pathway to door while performing spine surgeries. One pair of culture plates was retrieved after one hour and the other pair was retrieved after 3 hours. The cultured bacteria were identified and number of colonies was counted.ResultsThere was no G(-) bacteria identified. G(+) bacteria grew on all 90 air culture blood agar plates. The colony count of one hour group was 14.5±5.4 in the surgical field, 11.3±6.6 under the local air conditioner, and 13.1±8.7 at the pathway to the door. There was no difference among the 3 locations. The colony count of 3 hours group was 46.4±19.5, 30.3±12.9, and 39.7±15.2, respectively. It was more at the surgical field than under the air conditioner (p=0.03). The number of colonies of one hour group was 13.0±7.0 and 3 hours group was 38.8±17.1. There was positive correlation between the time and the number of colonies (r=0.76, p=0.000).ConclusionsConventional operation room was contaminated by G(+) bacteria. The degree of contamination was most high at the surgical field. The number of bacteria increased right proportionally to the time.

Effect of surgical wound classification on biologic graft performance in complex hernia repair: An experimental study

Despite relatively sparse data regarding their outcomes in the setting of infection, biologic grafts have gained rapid acceptance by the surgical community for complex hernia repair. These materials are heterogeneous in their procurement and processing techniques, which may ultimately have an impact in their ability to withstand infection. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of varying levels of contamination on biologic graft performance in a chronic ventral hernia animal model. Four commonly applied biologic grafts were used in the repair of a chronic ventral hernia rat model (n = 218). Each material was repaired in the setting of 1 of 4 surgical wound classifications (clean, clean contaminated, contaminated, dirty infected) with Staphylococcus aureus as our inoculum agent. After a 30-day survival, repairs underwent quantitative cultures, histological, and biomechanical testing. Marked differences were observed in biologic graft bacterial burden, biomechanical and histological responses at 30 days. Persistent bacterial burden varied among the biologic grafts and increased with increasing wound contamination (P < .05). Delays in wound healing were observed in the contaminated and dirty infected setting (P < .05). Increasing infection weakened the biomechanical strength of repairs (P < .05). The degree of bacterial contamination at the time of repair affected the rates of bacterial clearance, wound-healing ability, and subsequent repair strength. Material source and processing techniques might alter graft durability, biocompatibility, and ability to clear bacteria in a contaminated field. Clinical trials are warranted in contaminated settings.

Bacterial contamination of the fitting surfaces of restorations in teeth with pulp and periapical disease: a scanning electron microscopy study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fitting surfaces of restorations in teeth with infected root canal systems and apical periodontitis to determine whether the restoration-tooth interface is a potential pathway for bacterial penetration. Thirty clinically satisfactory restorations were sectioned and removed from teeth that had infected root canal systems and apical periodontitis. In the control group, three clinically satisfactory restorations were sectioned and removed from extracted teeth with clinically healthy pulps. In order to confirm the clinical diagnosis of a healthy pulp, histological examination was performed. All restorations were placed in 10% formalin immediately and then prepared for examination using scanning electron microscopy. The degree of bacterial contamination on each restoration was recorded as low, moderate or high. The morphotypes observed were classified as cocci, filaments, rods or spirochaetes. The fitting surfaces of all restorations in both experimental and control groups showed signs of bacterial contamination. This study has demonstrated the presence of bacteria on the fitting surfaces of restorations that were judged to be clinically satisfactory in teeth with infected root canal systems. The restoration-tooth interface is a potential pathway for bacteria to enter teeth and infect the root canal systems.

Decontamination of autogenous bone grafts collected during dental implant site preparation: A pilot study

Dental implant site preparation produces bone particles that can be used as autogenous bone graft material for the reconstruction of alveolar bone defects; however, collected bone particles are contaminated with oral microorganisms that may cause augmentation failure due to complications associated with infection. The stringent aspiration protocol, preoperative oral chlorhexidine rinsing, and antibiotic prophylaxis were implemented before collecting bone particles. Nonetheless, collected bone particles were still contaminated with bacteria, and, therefore, decontamination of the collected bone particles with chlorhexidine or clindamycin was considered. The aims of this study were to quantitatively determine the degree of bacterial contamination of collected bone particles and to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of treating collected bone particles with clindamycin or chlorhexidine solutions. Both of the agents effectively decontaminated the collected bone particles. Comparison between these antimicrobials in further studies could be useful in determining which is most effective.

Autologous blood collection in abdominal vascular surgery. Assessment of a low pressure blood salvage system with particular reference to the preservation of cellular elements, triglyceride, complement and bacterial content in the collected blood.

A simple, low pressure, blood scavenging system has been assessed in major abdominal vascular operations. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of blood obtained with this device and its suitability for reinfusion. Three areas of special interest, which have not been reported so far, are the fate of plasma complement, the load of fat aspirated after tissue dissection and the degree of bacterial contamination in the scavenged blood. The development of autologous blood scavenging systems is reviewed. The features which most affect the quality of scavenged blood are identified and their importance discussed by comparison with our experience. Key features of our system were: simplicity of the apparatus, controlled low-pressure aspiration, the use of systemic heparin and the avoidance of mechanical pumps. The blood obtained was of excellent quality with good preservation of cellular elements, platelets and fibrinogen. Plasma total haemolytic complement, C3 and C4 fractions were preserved in normal, though slightly reduced, quantities. Lipid (triglyceride) content was minimally increased after filtration. Bacterial contamination was present in all cases, but at a very low level provided that aspiration was limited to the peritoneal cavity. This low-level of contamination is not thought to be of great significance; its origin and importance are discussed.

Contamination Level of Stethoscopes Used By Physicians and Physician Assistants

To identify the presence and degree of bacterial contamination on stethoscopes used by physicians and physician assistants (PAs) in an outpatient setting, we swabbed and cultured 61 stethoscopes. We defined the degree of contamination as follows: minimal contamination, 1-2 isolates; moderate contamination, 3 isolates; and severe contamination, 4 or more isolates. All stethoscopes were found to be contaminated. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was detected on 93.4% of the stethoscopes. Stethoscopes used by physicians were found to have more “moderate to severe” contamination than those used by PAs (p = .03). No difference was found in the reported frequency of stethoscope cleaning between physicians and PAs. Nearly 25% of the participants reported that they never cleaned their stethoscopes. It is recommended that all health care providers clean their stethoscopes on a daily basis.

Bacteriological studies of the water, soil and plants of the wetland near Olsztyn

This manuscript presents the results of investigations into the degree of bacterial contamination of water, soil, submerged in water and aerial leaves and stems of sedge (Carex acutiformis) as well as dead and live roots of this plant. Analyses were carried out in 2 subsequent annual cycles (in 1993 and 1994) in the area of one of greater wetlands located in the vicinity of the Stary Dwor forester’s lodge near Olsztyn. Water was examined at 3 stations, whereas soil and plants at 2 stations. In most of the water samples, the total bacteria count on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C and 37°C was within the range specifi ed for pure and/or negligibly contaminated waters. The number of coli group bacteria and that of fecal coli group bacteria was also within the range accepted for waters, in most of the samples, and was classifi ed as having a “very good” and “good” purity state. On the submerged and aerial parts of sedge as well as its roots, higher numbers were reported only for bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C. The numbers of bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 37°C and bacteria indicative of the sanitary state did not exceed 4.4 × 105 CFU·GDW-1 and 126–263 MPN· GDW-1, respectively. In soil of the root system of sedge, the numbers of bacteria determined on broth agar at a temp. of 22°C and 37°C, and those of bacteria indicative of the sanitary state, reached higher values only sporadically. The latter often were not determined in the soil mass examined. The same tendency refers also to the numbers of the examined groups of indicative bacteria in young (the current year’s) and older (the previous year’s) roots of sedge. Often, higher numbers of the bacteria indicative of contamination degree and sanitary state in water, soil and particular fragments of lesser pond sedge occurred during or after spring thaw and in the summer after stormy precipitation, and less frequently in the autumn.