Good Hygiene Practices Research Articles

SCREENING FOR OXACILLIN RESISTANT SALMONELLA SPECIES ISOLATED FROM PALMS OF SOME PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS WITHIN KADUNA SOUTH LGA, NIGERIA

Salmonella species is the causative agent of typhoid fever which is a disease characterized by high mortality and morbidity worldwide. This study was carried out to screen oxacillin resistant- Salmonella species isolated from palms of some primary school pupils and food vendors within Kaduna South LGA, Nigeria. Three hundred (300) swab samples were collected from pupils and food vendors of the three selected primary schools as the sampling location. Salmonella enterica was isolated and identified using standard bacteriological methods. Isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin 28 (70.0%), Augmentin® 25 (65.0%) amoxicillin 25 (62.5%) and vancomycin 22 (55.0%) but showed resistance to oxacillin 9 (22.5%), ampicillin 12 (30.0%), chloramphenicol 15 (37.5%) and tetracycline 16 (40.0%). Antibiotics that exhibited intermediate susceptibility were methicillin 8 (20.0%) and gentamicin 11 (27.5%). Ciprofloxacin was the most effective antimicrobial agent against Salmonella enterica. The presence of oxacillin-resistant Salmonella enterica was detected via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. The study recommends that regular monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility pattern and good hygiene practices such as hand washing with soap and water and the use of alcoholic based hand sanitizers should be encouraged.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Utaewa Estuary Water

Most communities in the oil rich Niger Delta find it difficult to access to potable water due to constant pollution of their natural water sources. The sole aim of this study was to examine the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of the Estuary water at Utaewa to ascertain its suitability for potable use. Standard culture dependent techniques as well as metagenomics approach using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Illumina Miseq platform was used to determine the microbiological characteristics while standard analytical procedures were employed to ascertain the physicochemical properties of Utaewa in Imo River. The average microbial counts ranged as follows: Total Heterotrophic Bacteria; 2.17±0.08x106 to 2.23±0.08x106 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria; 1.03±0.06x105 to 1.39±0.08x105 cfu/ml, Total Heterotrophic Fungi; 1.23±0.13x105 to 1.64±0.09x105 cfu/ml, Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi; 7.9±0.21x103 to 8.6±1.00x103 cfu/ml. Bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Escherichia, Citrobacter, Bacillus, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas. were isolated and identified. The fungal isolates belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Saccharomyces and Candida. On the other hand, Unknown (50.16%), Acinetobacter (8.34%), Ignatzschineria (4.73%), Planctomyces (3.28%), Anaerospora (3.27%), RS62 (2.73%), Methylophaga (1.64%), Wohlfahrtiimonas (1.31%), Myroides (1.23%) and Candidatus (0.95%) were captured by metagenomics analysis at the generic level. All the physicochemical parameters conformed to WHO and NIS standards for potable water except for Turbidity and Magnesium. Cultural methods used in this study were able to identify many potential water borne pathogens, metagenomics captured more microbial groups and give a better insight to bacterial composition and diversity. The presence of theses pathogenic bacteria underlies poor water quality and can pose public health threat to man and aquatic fauna. There is need to adhere to good hygienic practices and minimize the direct discharge of waste without proper treatment.

Evaluation of the Microbiological Status of Cattle Carcasses in Mongolia: Considering the Hygienic Practices of Slaughter Establishments.

The meat industry has received great attention in Mongolia, having over 70 million livestock, and is important to the nation's economy. Systematic microbiological testing of carcasses has not been mandatorily regulated in all abattoir premises, and the efficacy of the introduction of the Good Hygiene Practice and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) to some plants has not yet been tested microbiologically in Mongolia. Therefore, samples were collected from two establishments: plant A with an HACCP certificate from a third party and plant B without an HACCP certificate. The rates and levels of the total bacterial count (TBC) as overall hygiene indicators, the Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC) as fecal contamination indicators, and the Staphylococcus spp. count (SC) as personal hygiene indicators were determined on different parts of beef carcasses. The contamination rates in most parts were lower in plant A than in plant B (e.g., TBC in the rump and flank: 103-105 and 105-107, in plant A vs. 104-106 and 105-108 in plant B, respectively). Plant A also had a lower EBC and SC (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 2 out of 100 beef carcasses (2%) were positive for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli as a foodborne pathogen indicator in plant A.

Chemical Composition and Screening of Aflatoxin in Cows’ Milk in Gadarif town, Sudan

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze milk samples, for chemical composition and detection of aflatoxins M1 in Gedarif town, East Sudan. Methods: One hundred milk samples were collected randomly; 35 samples from farms, 35 samples from sale points and 30 samples from groceries in Gedarif town. Milk-Kana was used for determination of fat, solids not fat, lactose and protein, freezing point, density and added water and Unisensor kits were used as screening method for detection of aflatoxin M1. Results: The collected milk samples showed lower content of fat (3.4 +- 1.3%, 3.4 +- 1.3% and 3.5 +- 1.25%), solids not fat (7.7 +-1.1%, 8.1+-1.7% and 8+-1%), lactose (4.2+-0.6%, 4.4+-0.8% and 4.3+-0.5%) and protein (3+-0.4%, 3+-0.5% and 3+-0.4%). Relatively, the freezing point and density of milk revealed few variations in the examined samples. Moreover, the added water was high in the samples collected from the farms and sale points compared to those from the groceries. The occurrence of aflatoxin M1 was found in 22 (27.50%) of the milk samples. The presence of aflatoxin contamination was high in milk samples collected from sales points (15.0%) followed by farms (11.25%) compared to those obtained from groceries (1.25%). Conclusions: The presences of aflatoxin in the milk samples might indicate that the cow milk was contaminated with aflatoxins through feed. Hence this study recommended that good hygienic practices should be considered in Gadarif town. Similarly, regulations and lows for selling the milk should be implemented by the official authorities.

Have Hand Hygiene Practices in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Improved in 2023 following Operational Research in 2021?

In 2021, an operational research study in two tertiary hospitals in Freetown showed poor hand hygiene compliance. Recommended actions were taken to improve the situation. Between February-April 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the same two hospitals using the World Health Organization hand hygiene tool to assess and compare hand hygiene compliance with that observed between June-August 2021. In Connaught hospital, overall hand hygiene compliance improved from 51% to 60% (p < 0.001), and this applied to both handwash actions with soap and water and alcohol-based hand rub. Significant improvements were found in all hospital departments and amongst all healthcare worker cadres. In 34 Military Hospital (34MH), overall hand hygiene compliance decreased from 40% to 32% (p < 0.001), with significant decreases observed in all departments and amongst nurses and nursing students. The improvements in Connaught Hospital were probably because of more hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and more frequent supervision assessments, compared with 34MH where interventions were less well applied, possibly due to the extensive hospital reconstruction at the time. In conclusion, recommendations from operational research in 2021 contributed towards the improved distribution of hand hygiene reminders, better handwash infrastructure and frequent supervision assessments, which possibly led to improved hand hygiene compliance in one of the two hospitals. These actions need to be strengthened, scaled-up and guided by ongoing operational research to promote good hand hygiene practices elsewhere in the country.

Utilizing Biological Tools for Sustainable Environmental Pollution Management

The paper intends to highlight the utilization of biological tools for sustainable environmental pollution management. This is because the constant alteration and modification of environment by man has brought about a negative change in the environment as the failure and inadequacies of developmental process brings about environmental challenges by way of pollution. It is therefore important to bring to bear how biological tools could be used to correct these anomalies. The use of biological methods to deal with environmental pollution can bring about eco-friendly environment and improved economic and financial benefits. Among the recommendations is that educational and awareness programs should be organized to control pollution as good hygienic practices can prevent disease.

Prevalence of Dental Caries among Adult Patients in Bungoma County, Kenya

Globally, dental caries has affected nearly 100% of adult teeth. Dental caries is caused when microbial biofilm converts free sugar contained in such foods and drinks into acid which corrodes the tooth structure. In Kenya, the prevalence is 34%. This high prevalence has led to the negative impact associated with the disease. Therefore, this study’s main aim was to determine the prevalence of dental caries among adult patients in Bungoma County, Kenya. This study was conducted in Bungoma County and adopted a cross-sectional design. The target population was adult dental patients and the key informants were the dentist and dental technologist. Participants were selected using multistage sampling techniques. The sample size of 347 dental patients was arrived at using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected using the WHO-modified assessment questionnaire. WHO DMFT index checklist was also used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25.0. Data were presented using tables and figures. Logistic regression was used to determine the direction of the association at the significance level set at 0.05. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The researcher observed the ethical principles applicable to the study. The prevalence of dental caries among adult patients was 43.7% with a mean total DMFT index of 3.249 which signifies a moderate distribution among the adult population. Kimilili sub-county hospital had a moderate mean DMFT index of 4.47 and Webuye County hospital had a low mean DMFT index of 1.585. Dental caries was more prevalent in youths aged between 18 years to 35 years (60.1%). Moreover, the female gender has more dental caries prevalence at 57.4% as compared to male patients. The prevalence of dental caries is more prone among the rural (56.8%) as compared to the urban (43.2%). According to incomes, individuals who earn more than Ksh. 23,750 have a higher prevalence of 65.6%) than those who earn less than Ksh. 23,750 (34.4%). Dental caries is more prominent in the lower jaw. Those who do not brush their teeth were 4 times more likely to develop dental caries as compared to those who practise good oral hygiene practices (OR =3.0). Those who consume sugary foods and drinks frequently (OR: 2.4) and those who smoke tobacco (OR: 2.0) were times more likely to develop dental caries compared to those who did not consume sugary foods and smoke tobacco. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries among adults is moderate with the prevalence being higher in youths, female, low-income earners (&lt; ksh.23,750) and rural dwellers. In terms of the jaws, the lower jaw is more susceptible to caries attack compared to the upper jaw and also the posterior teeth (premolar and molars) are more susceptible to caries compared to the upper jaw. Recommendation: There is a need to conduct a community-based campaign even through Chiefs’ Barazas on the importance of proper oral hygiene practices in Bungoma County.

Presence of indicator bacteria, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and nontuberculous mycobacteria in oregano

Limited data are available regarding microbial contamination in oregano. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and presence of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli pathotypes and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in 85 oregano samples purchased from different markets in Mexico City. All samples analyzed were positive for aerobic-mesophilic bacteria, with limits ranging from 1.14 to 6.5 log CFU/g. A total of 67, 41, and 9 samples were positive for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli, respectively, present at concentrations ranging from &lt;3 to &gt;1,100 MPN/g. One sample harbored Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strains positive for the Shiga toxin 2 (stx2) locus at a concentration of 3 MPN/g. NTM species were recovered from 15 samples and included M. fortuitum (six), M. smegmatis (two), M. conceptionense (one), M. porcinum (one), M. parafortuitum (one), M. flavescens (one), M. goodii (one), and two strains that could not be identified. Measures to diminish the high levels of microorganisms and pathogenic bacteria in this food item might be advisable. Good hygiene practices, good manufacturing practices, and hazard analysis and critical control points must be applied throughout the chain of production to ensure the safety of oregano.

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Practice and Associated Factors among Middle-aged People in a Rural Municipality, Nepal

Background: Good oral hygiene practice helps to prevent oral cavity diseases and dental problems. Objectives: This study is aimed to assess oral hygiene practices and their associated factors among middle-aged people in a rural municipality of central Nepal. Methods: This study collected data from 291 middle-aged adults in rural Nepal using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was entered into Epi-data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS 22. An oral hygiene score was calculated based on good oral hygiene practices, and chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to measure associations between variables. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated to measure net effects, with a p-value of 0.05 considered significant. Result: The study found that the majority of respondents (80%) brushed their teeth once a day, with over half (56.7%) having poor oral hygiene practices. The majority (60%) changed their toothbrush every three months, and most (98%) used toothpaste but did not know about fluoride's benefits. A significant association was found between age, sex, education, dental caries, toothache, and regular dental visits with oral hygiene practices. Females had three times higher odds of good oral hygiene practices than males, literate individuals had higher odds of good oral hygiene, Conclusions: The study found that most respondents brushed their teeth once a day, with over half having poor oral hygiene practices. Gender, education, and toothache were associated with good oral hygiene practices. The study suggests the need for oral health services and hygiene awareness programs in rural areas.

Bacteriological quality of meat and hygiene practice among meat handlers in Kathmandu, Nepal

We investigated bacterial growth from raw meats and items used during meat handling, and hygiene practices followed by meat handlers at butcher shops in Kathmandu. A cross-sectional study was conducted; a total of 200 swab samples were collected from 121 butcher shops. A mean bacterial count was performed, and bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility test were performed. A face-to-face interview was conducted to evaluate the hygiene practices. Out of 200 samples, 90.5% showed bacterial growth. All Buffalo meat samples and more than 90.0% of Goat and Pork meat samples showed bacterial growth, and only 60.0% of knife swabs showed bacterial growth. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant isolate followed by Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp. Mean bacterial count in Buffalo meat (6.43 log cfu/cm2 ) was the highest followed by Pork meat (5.26 log cfu/cm2 ) and Goat meat (5.04 log cfu/cm2 ). A total of 456 bacteria were isolated, of which 24.3% were multi-drug resistant. Out of 136 S. aureus isolated, 10.2% were Methicillin Resistant S. aureus. A statistically significant difference was noted in carcass handling during hand injury, before and after knives and chopping block cleaning, use of fly and rodent controllers, and clean water supply. Hygiene practices depicted a significant relation with the mean bacterial count, whilst no significant relation with hand hygiene practice after the use of restrooms and use of gloves. Bacterial growth in meat and butcher items is at an alarming rate in spite of having good hygiene practices and nearly a quarter of isolates are multi-drug resistant.

Assessing the Prevalence and Potential Risks of Salmonella Infection Associated with Fresh Salad Vegetable Consumption in the United Arab Emirates.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of Salmonella isolates in salad vegetables in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Out of 400 samples tested from retail, only 1.25% (95% confidence interval, 0.41-2.89) were found to be positive for Salmonella, all of which were from conventional local produce, presented at ambient temperature, and featured as loose items. The five Salmonella-positive samples were arugula (n = 3), dill (n = 1), and spinach (n = 1). The Salmonella isolates from the five samples were found to be pan-susceptible to a panel of 12 antimicrobials tested using a disc diffusion assay. Based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis, only two antimicrobial resistance genes were detected-one conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(6')-Iaa) and the other to fosfomycin (fosA7). WGS enabled the analysis of virulence determinants of the recovered Salmonella isolates from salad vegetables, revealing a range from 152 to 165 genes, collectively grouped under five categories, including secretion system, fimbrial adherence determinants, macrophage-inducible genes, magnesium uptake, and non-fimbrial adherence determinants. All isolates were found to possess genes associated with the type III secretion system (TTSS), encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1), but various genes associated with the second type III secretion system (TTSS-2), encoded by SPI-2, were absent in all isolates. Combining the mean prevalence of Salmonella with information regarding consumption in the UAE, an exposure of 0.0131 salmonellae consumed per person per day through transmission via salad vegetables was calculated. This exposure was used as an input in a beta-Poisson dose-response model, which estimated that there would be 10,584 cases of the Salmonella infection annually for the entire UAE population. In conclusion, salad vegetables sold in the UAE are generally safe for consumption regarding Salmonella occurrence, but occasional contamination is possible. The results of this study may be used for the future development of risk-based food safety surveillance systems in the UAE and to elaborate on the importance for producers, retailers, and consumers to follow good hygiene practices, particularly for raw food items such as leafy salad greens.

Girls’ Attitude towards Menstrual Hygiene among Nursing Students at College of Nursing, AIMC, J/H, Lahore, Pakistan

Menstruation has a higher impact on educational quality than other aspects of puberty because it combines a learning component with features influenced by the school environment and infrastructure. Objective: To analyze the females' attitudes toward menstrual hygiene among Nursing students at AIMC, J/H, Lahore. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study took place between July 1st to June 30, 2022. A total of 80 study populations were selected with a purposive sampling technique. The questionnaire of this study was adopted by Doctor Funmito Omolola Fehintola. Results: More than half of the participants (52.5%) knew about menstruation before menarche, while the majority of the study population (90.2% and 96.5%, respectively) has strong knowledge and practice about menstruation. While, the majority of participants' reactions to their menarche were uncomfortable (51.2%) and emotionally distressing (41.3%). The education of parents has a significant impact on their children's conduct because they adapt to what they observe. Overall, more than two-thirds (76.8%) of the participants come from educated homes, which results in higher outcomes in our study findings. Conclusions: According to the study findings, the majority of the respondents practice good menstrual hygiene and have good knowledge about menstruation. Efforts must be made to ensure that teenagers are thoroughly educated on menstruation and the requirement of suitable hygiene practices at school and home.

Cleanliness is Next to Holiness: Personal Hygiene Practices among Child Bearing Mothers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Safe motherhood can be defined as efforts towards protecting and promoting the healthy life of the women and that of the babies through pre – conception, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care. It ensures perfect quality of life for women of reproductive age group through medical and non- medical services. The study is a cross sectional, descriptive study carried out among One hundred and eighty (180) mothers in selected communities. Selection was done using simple random sampling technique in the three senatorial districts in Ekiti State. Ethical certificate of clearance and informed consents were obtained for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 20 The study shows that safe motherhood knowledge was adequate(77.9) among the respondents. This is really expected because majority (77.2% ) of the mothers are well educated. The study shows that majority (92.5%) has good personal hygiene practice. Safe motherhood services must always be accessible in all health care institution to sustain and improve on the knowledge level and good hygiene practices.

Monitoring the genetic variation of some Escherichia coli strains in wild birds and cattle.

To date, there is limited data about the genetic relationship ofEscherichia colibetween wild birds and cattle because these birds act as silent vectors for many zoonotic bacteria. This study aimed to elucidate the role of rooming wild birds in the vicinity of cattle farm in transmission of the same pathogenicE. colivariants, identifying their virulence, resistance traits and genetic similarities offimH virulence gene. About 240 faecal/cloacal swabs were collected from both species and examined bacteriologically.Escherichia coliwas yielded in 45.8% and 32.5%, respectively, of examined cattle and wild birds. The most prevalent detectedE. coliserovar was O26. High tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance were recorded; however, gentamycin and ciprofloxacin exhibited the highest sensitivity rates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conserved genotypic resistance (tetA andblaCTX-M) and virulence attributes (fimH,stx1,eaeA andompA) ofE. coliisolates were discussed in detail. ThefimH gene revealed 100% sequence similarity when comparing with differentE. coliisolates globally and locally. Finally, a close genetic association ofE. coliwith both wild birds and cattle was detected, thus strengthening its role in the dissemination of the infection via environment. Prevention and conservative policy should be carried asE. coliconstitute enormous significant zoonotic risks to livestock and animal workers. Also, further studies to the whole genome sequencing offimH, other virulence and resistance genes ofE. coliare recommended trying to limit the possibilities of co-infection and transfer among different species.Contribution:The current study recorded updated data about the critical infectious role of wild birds to livestock, including cattle farms in Egypt. It also delivered some recommendations for good hygienic practices in cattle farms which must be implemented for handling animal manure.

How has COVID-19 changed healthcare professionals' attitudes to self-care? A mixed methods research study.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed the way services are delivered. Self-care, including good hygiene practices and avoidance of risk was emphasised as the key measure to tackle the pandemic in the early stages. To understand how self-reported professional attitudes, perceptions and practices of self-care have changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional online survey and semi-structured qualitative interview. Health care. 304 healthcare professionals (HCPs). A wide range of HCPs, including pharmacists, nurses, doctors, social prescribers and other designations took part in a 27-item anonymous online survey. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with nine healthcare professionals explored attitudes to and practices of self-care before and during the pandemic. Views were sought on the permanence and implications of changes. Data were analysed using routine statistics and thematic analysis to identify major themes. A total of 304 HCPs responded to the survey fully. Nine participated in a semi-structured interview. There was agreement that the importance of self-care has increased markedly during the pandemic. The percentage of respondents who felt that self-care was 'very' important to their clients increased from 54.3% to 86.6% since the pandemic. Personal empowerment and capacity of service users to self-care increased significantly during the pandemic. Willingness of patients to engage (74%) and poor understanding of self-care (71%) were cited as the two main barriers to self-care. A close third was digital exclusion (71%), though 86% of respondents recommended online resources and 77% the use of smartphone apps. Survey respondents believed the changes to be permanent and positive. Interviewees reported a major, and positive move to self-care with the pandemic seen as an opportunity to be grasped, but professional education would have to be aligned to make the most of it. They raised concerns as to whether the shift to self-care was perceived by users as 'abandonment' rather than 'empowerment' and whether problems had been stored rather than dealt with through self-care and therefore whether the positive changes would continue after the pandemic. Reporting their views before the pandemic, barely more than half of the professionals surveyed saw self-care as fundamentally important to the individuals they served. This changed to 86% as a result of the pandemic. Patient/client engagement with and understanding of self-care were reported as major barriers, as was digital exclusion, though increased technological solutions were used by all respondents. Concerns were raised that the permanence of the changes depended upon continued encouragement and empowerment of individuals to self-care and on its inclusion in professional education as a substantive subject.

Bacteria Load Assessment from Hands of Students in a Tertiary University in South-South Nigeria

Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing the incidence of infections. The good hand hygiene practices promote health safety and prevent infections. This study was carried out to assess the presence of bacteria from hands of Ambrose Alli University Students. Of all fifty (50) samples analyzed, at least one or two bacteria were isolated. The colony counts of students from each site were properly recorded with the highest found amongst dwellers of male hostels i.e 4.85 x 105cfu/ml, compared to dwellers at female hostels. However, there was considerable increase amongst students at Microbiology laboratory, which may be attributed to lack of good hand hygiene procedures not been adhered to. The considerable increase in the frequency of Escherichia coli and as well as Proteus sp is indicative of poor hygiene practices. The low colony counts recorded amongst students from school gate could be as a result of the student have taken their bath before coming to school. The frequency of occurrence of the isolates includes: Staphylococcus aureus 50 (100%), Escherichia coli 35 (70%), Klebsiella sp 15 (30%), Salmonella sp 21 (42%), Streptococcus sp 10 (20%), Bacillus sp 4 (8%), Pseudomonas sp 2 (4%) and Proteus sp 2 (4%). From the study, it was shown that there was considerable increase in poor hygienic practices amongst students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Edo State, Nigeria.

The flossing-dementia connection: A comprehensive review of the relationship between oral health practices and cognitive decline

Dementia is a growing global health concern, with significant social and economic implications. As the search for preventive strategies intensifies, recent studies have investigated the potential association between oral health, particularly flossing, and the risk of developing dementia. This review aims to critically analyze the existing evidence and explore potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between flossing and dementia. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential association. Poor oral health, including chronic periodontal disease and dental plaque accumulation, can lead to systemic inflammation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in the brain. Additionally, oral bacteria and their byproducts may enter the bloodstream and reach the brain, triggering immune responses and neurotoxicity. Flossing may help reduce oral bacteria and inflammation, thereby mitigating these potential pathways. Additionally, investigations focusing on the underlying mechanisms are crucial to understanding the potential pathways involved. Promoting good oral hygiene practices, including flossing, alongside comprehensive oral care, may have broader implications for brain health and cognitive well-being.

Pisciculture and Fish Parts as Non-clinical Source of CTX-M and TEM Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases Producing Escherichia coli in Southeastern Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Antimicrobial agent use in pisciculture exerts a selective pressure, resulting in a reservoirs of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in the aquatic environment. Here we screened pisciculture and fish parts as non-clinical source of CTX-M and TEM Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli in Southeastern Nigeria Methodology: A total of sixty fish parts [fish gills, body part and intestinal swab samples] were collected from pisciculture farm A, C, F and G within Abakaliki metropolis. The samples were bacteriologically analyzed using standard microbiological techniques for isolation and identification. ESBL enzymes were phenotypically detected in E. coli, isolates using the double disk diffusion technique. The presence of TEM and CTX-M genes was determined by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. Results: Escherichia coli and Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli accounted for overall occurrence rate of 27(45.0 %) and 17(28.3 %) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of Escherichia coli and ESBL-E. coli among the different samples P&gt;0.05. The presence of TEM and CTX-M gene 80 % and 100 % respectively were confirmed among the isolates. Conclusion: Our findings reports the presence of ESBL gene in pisciculture and fish parts and it is important in understanding the mechanism of resistance operating in these common pathogens, which are also endemic in most pisciculture area. Strict rules and monitoring/surveillance of antimicrobial agent used in pisciculture activities combined with food safety training of farmer owners/breeders on various aspects of good hygiene practices are strongly recommended.

Hidden bugs in a newly opened hospital: the distribution of skin microbiota among healthcare workers in a newly opened teaching hospital.

Background. Skin is a reservoir for millions of micro-organisms, all of which make up the skin microbiota. Hospitals have been identified as a favourable environment for transmitting micro-organisms and thus, it is important to know the distribution of skin microbiota among healthcare workers (HCWs), as such findings may provide baseline information for the distribution of skin microbiota in hospitals.Hypothesis. There is no significant association between the factors (age, gender, type of skin microenvironment, hand hygiene practices, usage of skin care products, current healthcare practices and previous workplace) and the distribution of the skin microbiota among HCWs.Aim. The study aims to identify type of skin microbiota and associated factors (age, gender, type of skin microenvironment, hand hygiene practices, use of skincare products, current healthcare practice, and previous workplace) that influence the growth of skin microbiota.Method. About 102 bacterial isolates were obtained from the skin of 63 healthcare workers in a newly opened teaching hospital, namely Hospital Pengajar Universiti Putra Malaysia (HPUPM). All isolated bacteria were subjected to phenotypic identification according to standard microbiological procedures.Results. The most common isolated skin microbiota were Gram-positive bacteria (84.3%), followed by Gram-negative bacteria (15.7%). A Chi-square test of independence was used to analyse the above factors and there was a significant association between the type of skin microenvironment and the distribution of skin microbiota (P=0.03) (type of skin microenvironment influences the distribution of skin microbiota).Conclusion. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. was the most common bacteria isolated from the skin of the healthcare workers. Even though coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are low pathogenic bacteria, but it may cause serious infection in high risk group of patients. Therefore, it is important to emphasize on the good hand hygiene practices and implement strict infection control measures to minimize the risk of HAI in newly opened hospitals.

A descriptive review of the use of organic acids and peracetic acid as a decontaminating strategy for meat

AbstractMeat can be a pathogen vehicle, and its spoilage contributes to food insecurity. Besides the importance of adopting good hygienic practices to avoid meat contamination, several decontaminating strategies have been studied. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of organic acids and peracetic acid, the factors that affect their efficacy, and compiles information about their microbiological and sensorial effects on meat. Factors that affect their efficacy include the species of microorganisms, the acid‐susceptibility within the same species, the initial contamination degree, the organic acid used and concentration, pH and volume of solutions, methods of application, contact time, steps of a flowchart where the treatment occurred and quantity of applications, site of carcass/meat treated and tissues composition, and combinations with other decontaminating treatments. Inspite of the amount of available data, the log reductions with their standard deviations and the temperature of solutions applied are rarely presented; and several studies lack information on the pH of the solutions. This strategy will be helpful for industries, contributing to enhanced food security and safety. However, studies for in loco validation must be performed before implementing these treatments.