High Colony Counts Research Articles

Potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria in hemodialysis waters

BackgroundHemodialysis patients are at risk of acquiring healthcare-related infections due to using non-sterile water to prepare hemodialysis fluid. Therefore, microbiological control and monitoring of used water are of crucial importance.Materials and methodsIn this work, we identified bacterial populations occupying a hemodialysis water distribution system for almost a 6-month period in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran. A total of 18 samples from three points were collected. We found high colony counts of bacteria on R2A agar. 31 bacteria with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were identified by molecular-genetic methods based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Endotoxin concentrations were measured, using Endosafe® Rapid LAL Single-Test Vials.ResultsA diverse bacterial community was identified, containing predominantly Gram-negative bacilli. The most frequently isolated genus was Sphingomonas. Five species including M. fortuitum, M. lentiflavum, M.szulgai, M. barrassiae, and M. gordonae was identified .Despite the presence of Gram-negative bacteria the endotoxin analysis of all samples revealed that their endotoxin values were below the detection limit.ConclusionThe members of Sphingomonas genus along with Bosea and mycobacteria could be regarded as pioneers in surface colonization and biofilm creation. These bacteria with others like Pelomonas, Bradyrhizobium, staphylococcus, and Microbacterium may represent a potential health risk to patients under hemodialysis treatment.

Isolation And Identification of Bacteria Associated With Bioelectricity Generation From Fruit Wastes And Gutter Sludge Using Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) In Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Bioelectricity generation is another environmentally friendly mean of waste management, commonly carried out using microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. The present work aims to generate bioelectricity from the fruit wastes using microbial fuel cells (MFC) technology and to isolate and identify bacteria during bioelectricity production. Fruit samples from different fruit wastes of banana, lemon, orange, water melon and pawpaw were collected from Na’ibawa-Yanlemo fruit market’s dump site in Kano metropolis, Kano State Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), organic matter (OM), Temperature and pH of slurries of individual and mixed fruit wastes were determined. Biochemical tests such as voges-proskauer test, oxidase test, catalase test, citrate test and sugar fermentation (TSI) test was also carried out using standard procedures. Generation of bioelectricity was monitored and recorded within a constructed seven dual chambered microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with wasted fruit as readily available materials. Current, current density, power and power density produced from different waste samples for twenty days was also recorded as bioelectricity generated from microbial fuel cells. Bacterial counts at the beginning and end of bioelectricity generation was also recorded from different fruits waste samples for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The result of pH mean value of slurries of individual fruits is recorded to be all acidic with lemon having the highest acidity recorded as 3.45±0.62. The pH mean value of the mixed fruit was recorded as7.1±0.23. Waste pawpaw fruit had 6±0.62 % the percentage of organic matter among all the individual waste fruits while the mixed fruit combined had 10±0.62 % mean value of percentage organic matter (OM). Two (2) bacterial genera were biochemically identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Esherichia coli. The highest generation of voltage (mV) from microbial fuel cells was achieved from gutter, mixed fruit and orange as 650, 400 and 390 mV respectively. The peak highest current produced was achieved from orange waste samples as 0.7mA/m2 at day fourteen. Waste lemon had the highest colony count among all the fruits at the beginning and end of the bioelectricity generation of 2.2×103 and 4.12×102 respectively. Mixed fruits had the colony count of 2.10×105 and 7.20×103 at the beginning and end respectively.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Property of Green Okra Fruit Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteria Tooth Root Canals

Background: Root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria that cause pulp abnormalities. Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria in the infected tooth pulp, even those that have been treated. Irrigation was carried out together with biomechanical preparation using a combination of NaOCl and EDTA. The material is antibacterial, dissolves the organic and inorganic tissue of the root canal dentin, lacks odor and irritates the soft tissue. An alternative irrigation material from Jember cultivation is green okra. The fruit contains flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of green okra fruit extract on the growth of E. Faecalis bacteria. Method: Phytochemical analysis to see the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. Antimicrobial analysis included the inhibition test using disc diffusion, MIC and MBC tests using the dilution method. Samples were green okra fruit extract 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.563%, 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA. The MIC and MBC tests were examined for Optical Density values ​​with a spectrophotometer and then subcultured to see whether there was growth of bacterial colonies. Analysis of the research data used ANOVA and LSD parametric statistical tests Result: Phytochemical content sequentially is Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, Terpenoids. Antimicrobial properties Green okra fruit extract concentration of 6.25% had the smallest inhibition zone, the largest OD value and the highest colony count. The concentration of 100% has the largest inhibition zone, the lowest OD, there are no bacterial colonies. Antimicrobial power The concentration of 100% is close to that of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl. In the Kruskal Wallis test, there were differences in the Mann-Whitney test study group, there were significant differences between all groups Conclusion: The phytochemical content of green okra fruit extract has antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis approaching 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at 100% concentration, 6.25% MIC concentration and 12.5% ​​MBC concentration. Keywords: Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Green okra fruit extract, Enterococcus faecalis

Risk Assessment and Detection of Legionella species in the Water System of A Luxury Hotel in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Legionella cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, and, more rarely, extrapulmonary infections, collectively referred to as legionellosis. Legionella pneumophila causes serious pneumonic infections, and water and Air Conditioning systems are a common source. We performed this study focusing on identifying and assessing the potential sources of Legionella spp. in a luxury hotel water system in Dhaka, Bangladesh. As hotels often have complex water distribution systems that can harbor and facilitate the growth of these bacteria, understanding the risks and implementing effective control measures is crucial for public health. This study determines the presence of Legionella spp. and potential factors contributing to their proliferation within the hotel water systems. In total 42 water samples and six swabs from 7 different points were collected multiple times between March 2018 and April 2019 and were analyzed. Legionella spp. was detected in all samples (100%) tested. The highest colony counts were observed in water samples from the hot water tank and cooling system. The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring, maintenance, disinfection, and flushing protocols to mitigate the risk of Legionella spp., contamination, and subsequent health issues among hotel guests and staff.
 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 40, Number 1, June 2023, pp 33-39

Role of Actinomyces spp. and related organisms in the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ): Clinical evidence based on a case series.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an increasingly common consequence of antiresorptive treatment, which often leads to the development of necrotic exposed bone surfaces with inflammatory processes affecting the jawbone. Although the development of MRONJ is often associated with the inflammatory response or infections caused by the colonizing members of the oral microbiota, the exact pathogenesis of MRONJ is still not fully understood. In the present paper, we aimed to provide additional, microbiological culture-supported evidence, supporting the "infection hypothesis" that Actinomyces spp. and related organisms may play an important pathogenic role in the development of MRONJ and the resulting bone necrosis. In our case series, all patients presented with similar underlying conditions and anamnestic data, and have received antiresorptive medications (bisphosphonates or a RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitor) to prevent the occurrence or progression of bone metastases, secondary to prostate cancer. Nevertheless, a few years into antiresorptive drug therapy, varying stages of MRONJ was identified in the mentioned patients. In all three cases, quantitative microbiological culture of the necrotic bone samples yielded a complex microbiota, dominated by Actinomyces and Schaalia spp. with high colony counts. Additionally, our followed-up case series document the treatment of these patients with a combination of surgical intervention and long-term antibiotic therapy, where favourable clinical responses were seen is all cases. If the "infection hypothesis" is valid, it may have significant consequences in the preventative and therapeutic strategies associated with this disease.

The impact of concentration on the biotreatment of hair relaxers using Hydrocarbonoclastic Pseudomonas and Mucor Species from Ezu River, Awka, Nigeria

The contamination of an aquatic environment by hydrocarbons and other noxious compounds due to human activities may cause toxicity to microorganisms and may stimulate microbial activity especially at low concentrations while their persistence can be detrimental to the entire ecosystem. It is crucial therefore, to assess the risks of these pollutants for environmental policy. Diesel was used as carbon source in mineral salts medium for the isolation of petroleum degrading microorganisms from Ezu River using vapor transfer technique. Plates were incubated at 37 0C and 28 0C for bacterial and fungal cultures, respectively. Of the 23 bacterial and 4 fungal isolates recovered, Mucor species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the best hydrocarbon utilizing isolates obtained. The isolates were assessed for their ability to utilize both lye-containing and lye-free hair relaxers at different concentrations (0.2 – 1% w/v) in mineral salts medium for 14 days. The optical density (OD660nm), the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and pH of the medium were monitored during incubation. The toxicity of the hair relaxers to Nitrobacter sp. was also assessed. Results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilized both lye-free(Lf) and lye-containing (Lc)hair relaxers at all concentrations as indicated by the high colony counts, reduction in BOD5 and COD during the incubation period. Mucor sp. grew better on higher concentrations Lc hair relaxer (1%> 0.8%> 0.6% w/v), but with minimal growth at lower concentrations of same relaxer (0.2%< 0.4%< 0.6% w/v). On the contrary, lye-free hair relaxer supported heavy growth of Mucor sp. at all concentrations tested. The growth of Nitrobacter sp. got inhibited by both types of hair relaxers between concentrations 0.6 and 1% w/v, with moderate growth at lower concentrations (0.2 – 0.4% w/v). The toxicity outcome of these hair relaxers to Nitrobacter species implies that the indiscriminate discharge of hair-relaxer-containing salon wastewater into the soil may affect the biogeochemical activities of the soil microbial communities. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mucor species recovered in this study can be used to attenuate sites contaminated by hair salon wastewater.

Comparison of bacterial colonization on absorbable non-coated suture with Triclosan- or Chlorhexidine-coated sutures: a randomized controlled study.

The oral cavity is a colossal reservoir for the bacteria. The healing of tissues is compromised after flap surgery, particularly in the presence of sutures, as they can act as repositories for bacteria, ultimately leading to surgical site infections. Hence, antibacterial-coated sutures have been considered as an alternative to reduce the risk of these infections and further improve the wound healing of the tissues after flap surgery. Since minimal information is available on the effect of antibacterial-coated sutures on periodontal tissues, this study aims to clinically and microbiologically assess the antibacterial efficacy of Triclosan (TCS) and Chlorhexidine-coated sutures (CCS) on periodontal tissues compared to non-coated sutures (NCS). A total of 75 subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis were included in the study and randomly allocated to one of the three groups, (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups) equally. Suture removal was performed on postoperative day 8, and parameters such as wound healing and post-operative pain were evaluated. The retrieved suture samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and the bacteria were identified quantitatively and qualitatively. Intragroup analysis of the wound healing index and post-operative pain for all the groups showed a significant improvement (p<0.01), from day 8 to day 30. Intergroup analysis of the wound healing index revealed significant wound healing (p<0.05) on day 15 and day 30. For post-operative pain, intergroup analyses showed significantly low pain scores (p<0.01) for the TCS group. Microbiologic analysis of aerobic colony counts in both anterior and posterior regions revealed significantly (p<0.01) least colony counts in TCS and highest colony counts in NCS groups, respectively. Although anaerobic colony counts were not statistically significant, relatively fewer colony counts were identified in the TCS group. Whereas, relatively higher anaerobic colony counts were seen in the CCS group in the anterior region and in the NCS group in the posterior region. Qualitative assessment revealed higher amounts of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species in all the three groups (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups). Antibacterial-coated sutures, particularly Triclosan-coated sutures, are effective in reducing bacterial accumulation compared to non-coated sutures. Therefore, these sutures can be effectively utilized in periodontal flap surgery.

A Study of Oral Health Parameters and the Properties and Composition of Saliva in Oncological Patients with and without Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Who Take Bisphosphonates.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine how the status of the oral cavity, composition and properties of saliva change in oncological patients with and without Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study of 49 oncological patients using bisphosphonates (BPs) was conducted. The study population was divided into two groups-Group I consisted of 29 patients with MRONJ and Group II of 20 patients without MRONJ. The control group consisted of 32 persons without oncological history and without antiresorptive therapy. Standard dental examination included the assessment of the number of teeth remaining, teeth with caries and fillings, Approximal Plaque Index (API) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). In terms of MRONJ, localization and stage were assessed. Laboratory tests of saliva included determination of pH and concentrations of Ca and PO4 ions, total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, sIgA, IgA, cortisol, neopterin, activity of amylase at rest, and stimulated saliva. The buffering capacity and microbiological tests (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. load) of stimulated saliva were also determined. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the selected oral parameters and saliva of Group I and Group II. Significant differences were found between Group I and the control group. BOP, lysozyme and cortisol concentration were higher, while the number of teeth with fillings, Ca and neopterin concentrations were lower in comparison to the control group. In Group I, a significantly higher percentage of patients with a high colony count (>105) of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. was also found. The significant differences between Group II and the control group concerned the concentrations of lysozyme, Ca ions, sIgA, neopterin and the colony count of Lactobacillus spp. In the Group I patients who received a significantly higher cumulative dose of BP compared to the Group II, a significant positive correlation was found between the received BP dose and the BOP. Most MRONJ foci were stage 2 and were mainly located in the mandible. Conclusions: Among oncological patients with and without MRONJ undergoing BP therapy compared to the control group, there are statistically significant differences in the dental, periodontal and microbiological status and in the composition of the saliva. Particularly noteworthy are the statistically significant differences in the decreased level of Ca ions, the increased level of cortisol and the elements of saliva related to the immune response (lysozyme, sIgA, neopterin). Additionally, a higher cumulative dose of BPs may affect the susceptibility to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Patients undergoing antiresorptive therapy should receive multidisciplinary medical care, including dental care.

Antibacterial Effects of Curcumin Nanocrystals against Porphyromonas gingivalis Isolated from Patients with Implant Failure.

Background. Despite their benefits, dental implants may sometimes fail for a diversity of causes; the most common reasons of failure are infection and bone loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) bacteria show a major role in peri-implantitis infection and dental implant failure. Methods. In this study, the prevalence of P. gingivalis isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of fifteen Iranian patients with implant failure (more than 1/3 of the implant length), who had average oral and dental hygiene and no antibiotic use for at least one month, was determined. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects of curcumin nanocrystals against isolated P. gingivalis were investigated. The collected samples from patients were transferred to a microbiology laboratory to culture. The presence of P. gingivalis in the culture media was confirmed using a trypsin reagent test. An isolate from a patient with the highest colony count was selected to evaluate the antibacterial effects of curcumin nanoparticles. The inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Results. Out of fifteen patients, eight (53.33%) were positive for the presence of P. gingivalis. The results of the microbial tests showed that curcumin nanoparticles had an MIC of 6.25 µg/mL and an MBC of 12.5 µg/mL. Conclusions. The use of curcumin nanoparticles may control the bacterial infection around the implant.

The Level of Contamination of Fura Sold in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State of Nigeria

Locally prepared Fura da Nono was obtained from three different markets each of Masaka, Auta and Nyanya districts all in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Bacteriological analysis were conducted on the samples for isolation and identification of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Viable colony counts were determined and the result reveals that the colony count ranged from 4.0 x 104 to 7.0 x 104 cfu/ml. The bacteria isolated were Lactobacillus, Klebsiella, Micrococcus, and Salmonella species also, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia mercescens, Bacillus pumillus, and Staphylococcus aureus, with Lactobacillus species, Micrococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus having the highest levels of occurrence, having been isolated from all the samples analyzed. The high microbial colony counts and the presence of the above isolated bacteria may very well be related with free prevalence of some diseases experienced by some people consuming locally prepared Fura da Nono, especially students of Bingham University Karu, community. Since ‘Fura da Nono’ serve as one of the major source of beverages for the inhabitants of Karu Local Government Area. It is recommended that bacteriological examination of the food be carried out periodically so as to assess their suitability for consumption also regulatory agencies should carry out surveillance on hawkers of the food and public enlightenment campaign should be embarked upon. . Based on the result with the use of use of spearman’s rank correlation there is high correlation between the low percentage of the isolated bacteria from the control fura samples and the high percentage of bacteria detected from the test fura. (R= 0.8) Based on the result the level of bacterial load gotten from the Masaka, Auta, and Nyanya is higher than that of the control (Habib fura).

In vivo assessment of antibacterial activity of Cassia sieberiana stem bark extracts on enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection in Wister rats

Background: The acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care has led researchers to further investigate the antimicrobial and other health benefits of medicinal plants including Cassia sieberiana. The objective of this study is to assess the in vivo antibacterial effects of C. sieberiana stem bark extracts on infections caused by human and animal isolates of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in Wister rats.&#x0D; Methodology: This in vivo study was designed for 21 days in 3 phases of 7 days each; adaptation, infection and treatment. Escherichia coli were isolated from aerobic cultures of human and cattle faecal samples and EHEC 0157 identified by serological typing using latex agglutination method. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of authenticated C. sieberiana stem bark, were prepared using standard method. Forty-five Wister rats were randomly divided into 9 groups (A-I) of 5 rats each. Rats in group A (uninfected with human or animal EHEC isolate and untreated) served as negative control while rats in group B (infected with EHEC animal isolate and untreated) and group C (infected with EHEC human isolate and untreated) served as positive controls. Rats in group C through group I were experimental groups that were either infected with human or animal EHEC isolate and treated, or uninfected but treated with ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. sieberiana. During each of the study phase, faecal samples were collected from the rats and processed for evaluation of EHEC count and to determine faecal occult blood. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20.0 and categorical variables were compared with Pearson’s Chi-square, with significant value taken as p&lt;0.05&#x0D; Results: Three EHEC isolates (2 from cattle and 1 from human) were identified from 22 E. coli isolates cultured from cattle and human faecal samples. Rats in group A (negative control) and those in group G (infected with EHEC human isolate and treated with ethanol extract), group H (not infected but treated with aqueous extract) and group I (not infected but treated with ethanol extract) were faecal occult blood negative throughout the study period. Rats in group B (infected with animal isolate of EHEC without treatment) were occult blood negative after infection on day 14 but positive on day 21, while rats in group C (infected with human isolate of EHEC without treatment) were occult blood positive on day 14 but negative on day 21. Rats in groups D, E and F infected with human and cattle EHEC isolates and treated, were faecal occult blood positive on day 14 but negative on day 21, with high colony counts recorded, cleared within 7 days of treatment by both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. sieberiana. &#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this study confirmed the antibacterial potentials of C. sieberiana stem bark against EHEC. The beneficial effects of this plant extract should be exploited for commercial medicinal purposes.

Microbial Composition of Smokeless Tobacco Products from Karnataka

Background: Though there is a lot of literature available about presence of carcinogenic chemicals in these products, there is lack of information regarding the microbial composition of these products. Aim &amp; Objective: The study was conducted with the objective of assessing microbial composition of smokeless tobacco products and factors associated with higher colony count. Methodology: This cross sectional study included a total of 43 samples obtained from four districts of Karnataka namely Udupi, Bengaluru, Bidar and Belagavi. Microbial populations were assessed using quantitative aerobic culture and colony forming units per gram was reported for each sample. The data was entered into excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. Results have been expressed as frequencies and percentages. Univarate analysis was done to study association between background characteristics and higher colony counts. Results: All except three samples showed bacterial contamination. Two samples showed pathogenic bacterial growth, while the other 38 samples had non-pathogenic bacteria. There was no association between background characteristics and colony counts. Conclusions: Microbial contamination of smokeless tobacco products is common. There is a need to further investigate various factors associated with microbial contamination so that necessary interventions can be implemented.

Microbiological Assessment of Smoked Fishes from Various Processing Points in Ado Ekiti Metropolis

The purpose of the research is to isolate and characterize the bacteria present in smoked fish sold in various processing site in ado Ekiti Metropolis. Fifty (50) samples of five (5) species of fish (Mackerel:Somber scomber, Blue whiting: Micromesistius poutassou, Catfish: Clarias gariepinus Herrings: Clupea harengus, Horse mackerel: Trachurus trachurus ) were obtained from fifteen (15) different processing site in different location in Ado-Ekiti. The study results showed the total heterotrophic bacteria count which ranges from 0.30 x104 – 3.68 x 104 cfu/g, the highest colony count was examined from the panla (Blue whiting {Micromesistius poutassou}.The bacteria organisms isolated and identified in the smoked fish were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus sp, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The study showed that though smoking helps in inhibiting activities of bacteria, however, when not properly carried out, bacterial growth and activities still lead to the deterioration of the fish. Due to public health implication, the state of smoked fish should be paid proper attention by the processors and consumers for their safety through proper processing, storage and handling procedures.

Residual antibacterial effects of a mixture of silver nanoparticles/calcium hydroxide and other root canal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis

Background/purposeIntracanal medicaments with high residual inhibition effects are used to achieve successful endodontic treatment and prevent reinfection. This in vitro study aimed to assess antimicrobial residual effects of different intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in root dentin one week after drug therapy. Materials and methodsSeventy human teeth were standardized to have 15 mm of length and were prepared by ProTaper rotary system. The teeth were randomly divided into six experimental (n = 10) and two control (n = 5) groups and subjected to drug therapy as follows; group CHX: 2% chlorhexidine gel, group CH: calcium hydroxide paste, group CH/CHX: mixture of calcium hydroxide and 2% CHX, group TAP: triple antibiotic paste, group DAP: double antibiotic paste, group CH/AgNPs: mixture of CH paste and silver nanoparticle suspension. After one week, the medicaments were removed from the root canals and E. faecalis was inoculated into the canals. The teeth were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Using a size 40 hedstrom file, dentin chips were collected and number of colony forming units were counted. ResultsThe difference between all experimental groups was statistically significant in this regard (P < 0.05) except for DAP and TAP groups, in which, no bacterial colony was noted after culture. After DAP and TAP, the lowest colony count was noted in CH/AgNPs, CH/CHX and CHX groups. The highest colony count was noted in CH group. ConclusionOur results showed favorable residual antibacterial effects of TAP, DAP and CH/AgNP medicaments after one week of application.

Cultivatable bacterial community in water from Lai Nullah contaminated with household sewage and industrial waste is more diverse and populated compared with nonpolluted water

The effect of environmental pollutants on living organisms can be assessed by studying the changes in the indigenous microbial community. Therefore, in this study, cultivatable bacterial community in nonpolluted as well as household sewage and industrially polluted water of Lai Nullah flowing through Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan was analyzed. Bacterial community composition and population present in the polluted water were significantly different from the nonpolluted water (P &lt; 0.05). Nonpolluted water had much fewer species and population of bacteria compared with polluted water. Sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus plantarum, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter guillouiae, Ralstonia sp., Comamonas sp., and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were specific to the polluted water. On the other hand, Aeromonas veronii, Exiguobacterium sp., and Lysinibacillus macroides were only found in the nonpolluted water. Among measured physicochemical parameters, higher colony count in the polluted water was best correlated with higher biological oxygen demand, phosphate, sodium, and chloride values (Spearman’s rho = 0.85). Concentration of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead were below 0.03 μg·mL−1 at all the study sites. During plate assay, bacterial strains found at polluted sites showed resistance to selected heavy metals with highest minimum inhibitory concentration for lead (8 mmol·L−1) followed by copper (5 mmol·L−1), nickel (3 mmol·L−1), and cadmium (1 mmol·L−1). All the bacterial isolates also showed various levels of resistance against antibiotics ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and vancomycin using broth microdilution method. Current research provides new insight into the effect of household sewage and the industrially polluted water of Lai Nullah on the indigenous bacteria.

The suitability of a glovebox and of a covered still air box design for semi-sterile applications in environmental monitoring

Laminar flow cabinets (LFCs) ensure a safe working space within which product manipulation can be carried out safely excluding contaminations of the product with the environmental microorganisms. However, for environmental monitoring applications mobile laboratories are required and these prefer the lighter gloveboxes (GB; restricted arm movement) or still air boxes (SAB; free arm movement) over the heavier, more expensive LFCs, which need to be regularly maintained. Nevertheless, the efficiency of simple GBs/SABs (no HEPA filter), in providing semi-sterile working conditions has yet to be clearly defined. Consequently, our aim was to assess the suitability of GBs/SABs for semi-sterile applications by using passive and active bioaerosol sample collection procedures within the interior spaces of these boxes. Prior to sample collection the boxes were pre-treated with different spraying preparations (70% ethanol, 2% detergent or sterile water). For a greater restriction of bioaerosol entry, SABs were constructed with covered arm ports and these were classified as partially covered (SABPC) and completely covered SABs (SABCC). Results showed that ethanol sprayed GB and SABCC exhibited microbial aerosol colony counts of zero after one hour of passive sample collection, and active sample collection revealed counts ranging between 1.9 (for GB) - 2.3 Log10CFU/m3 (for SABCC). However, ethanol sprayed SAB and SABPC were ineffective having colony counts of 6.9 and 6.5 Log10CFU/m3, respectively. Other spraying regimes resulted in even higher colony counts (up to 7.3 Log10CFU/m3). Therefore, the ethanol sprayed GB and SABCC could effectively be used for semi-sterile applications, with the SABCC allowing for an unrestricted arm movement within it.

Pediatric candiduria, epidemiology, genotype distribution and virulence factors of Candida albicans

The presence of Candida species in urine may be due to colonization of this species in the bladder, urinary catheter, and perineum. Candida albicans has been the most commonly isolated from urine samples in patients with candiduria. Several virulence factors include adhesion to host cells, secreted extracellular enzymes, phenotype switching, and biofilm formation are contributing to the pathogenicity of C. albicans. ABC genotyping is the method based on the determination of 25s rDNA and C. albicans is divided into four genotypes include A, B, C, and E. We aimed to identify Candida species from pediatrics and evaluate extracellular enzyme activities, phenotype switching, biofilm formation, and genotyping in isolates. Urine samples collected, cultured, and yielded yeasts were identified. Phenotype switching, biofilm formation, enzymatic patterns, and genotyping of 50 isolates of C. albicans were evaluated. The Genotyping pattern was compared with extracellular enzymes, biofilm formation, and phenotype switching pattern. 16.2% of urine cultures were positive for the different Candida species. The most common species was C. albicans, followed by C. glabrata. Out of 50 isolates of C. albicans, 72% and 28% isolates were recognized as genotypes A and C. All isolates were produced extracellular enzymes and biofilm formation. In conclusion, candiduria with high colony counts is still a challenge in Iranian pediatrics. Genotype A was the predominant genotype among C. albicans strains. There is a statistical difference between esterase and genotypes of C and A C. albicans.

Investigation of the effectiveness of antimicrobial photocatalyst-coated hand-contact surfaces in passenger transport vehicles under everyday conditions

The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic affects all aspects of public life. Measures for infection prevention are implemented in various sectors, in businesses, as well as in private life. Public transport is important and indispensable in daily life for both children and adults.&#x0D; Public transport companies have to take necessary actions to protect passengers and drivers from infections. Skin contact is one of the ways of transmitting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).&#x0D; This research study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a photocatalytic, antimicrobial active surface coating under everyday – not hospital – conditions. To date, such coatings have been used in hospitals as an additional measure to regular cleaning and disinfection in order to reduce the risk of infection.&#x0D; We collected samples for bacterial cultures in three classes of public transport vehicles: bus, underground, and tram. Seven different hand-contact surfaces in one vehicle of each class were coated, while the other vehicles remained uncoated. All vehicles were in regular use. The number of colony-forming bacterial units per cm2 (CFUs/cm2) was measured. A representative number of isolates were differentiated at the pathogen level. Data collected were entered into GraphPad Prism (GraphPad Software, San Diego, USA) and analyzed.&#x0D; Overall, no statistically significant reduction in the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was observed for coated versus uncoated surfaces. Samples with a very high colony count (&gt;250 CFU/25 cm2) were equally distributed in both groups, coated and uncoated vehicles. Within one vehicle type, there was no significant difference between the coated and the uncoated vehicle. No relevant infection-preventive effect could be proven.

Evaluation of Storage Control Points and Implicated Pathogens on Fast Moving Consumer Goods in Suburbs of South-western Nigeria

Food borne illness prevention system will depend on the extent of food safety control in place through food production, processing, distribution, keeping food at safe temperature and using safe water and raw materials. These stages of production are some of the important points determining food safety. This suggests the need to implement strict hygienic control measures along the food production chain during manufacturing, handling, storage and commercialization of foods. Ninety samples comprising of fifteen Milo (beverage), fifteen golden Morn (cereal), fifteen Maggi (seasoning), fifteen Lucozade boost (energy drink), fifteen Gala (Sausage) and fifteen Indomie (noodles) were collected from five stores of various shops in Lagos, Agbara and Sango Ogun State, Nigeria. Samples were processed and cultured using pour plate and streak plate techniques. Samples were cultured in five media consisting of four selective media and a basal media; Maconkey agar, Mannitol Salt agar, Salmonella Shigella agar, Eosin Methylene Blue agar and Nutrient agar. Differentiation and isolation of various isolates were based on gram-staining technique and biochemical reactions using OXOID MICROBAT TM identification kits. The in vitro assay revealed the presence of five bacteria species namely Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiellia oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Morganella morganii. Prevalence of the various isolates in the culture were found to be 67.66%, 11.27%, 9.77%, 7.51% and 3.75% respectively. The highest colony count (140.6) was obtained from samples (Maggi) from Agbara while the lowest colony count (21.0) was obtained from (Milo) Sango. The mean bacteria load of the isolates was 1.0*107CFU/ml. It was concluded that the hygienic quality of the sampled fast moving consumer products in term of microbiological standards compare favourably with international benchmarks as defined by Codex Alimentarius Commission all the observed ranges of aerobic colony count fall well below the upper threshold of microbial levels for class A products.

FREEZE-DRIED, VIABLE, DISPERSED AND STABLE FORMULATION OF THE “LIQUID INTRA-VESICAL IMMUNOTHERAPY BCG MOREAU® FINLAY”

The current study designed to obtain, execute and test a freeze-drying protocol for the preparation and a better storage conservation of the live attenuate Mycobacterium bovis BCG-Moreau-Finlay, fundamental element for the immunotherapy against bladder carcinoma, passed successfully all trials. The new lyophilized formulation also reduces the in vivo toxicity compared to present BCG liquid preparation by means of lowering dose needed for the treatment. The second re-seeding of the Moreau Rio de Janeiro sub-strain of Mycobacterium bovis BCG (pBCG Moreau); was sub-cultured in the Sauton Synthetic Medium (SSMII), previously maintained in Seed Lot Systems and harvested during the logarithmic growth phase. Basic Bacterial Suspension (BBS) was then prepared, homogenized and stabilized by freeze-drying in vehicle A, compare to vehicle B. By means of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was realized the comparative quality control of the (BBS) preparation before and after lyophilisation procedure of the final product. A high (%) colony count measure in Ogawa medium and average survival of 50.4% (Heat stability over the time). Additional values as (0.75 – 0.95 %) were obtained for the ranks of dispersion using Zieln Nielsen and the Dubos Methods. The integrity/vitality oscillated from 67.8 to 68.5 (%) measured by oxygen consumption, the residual humidity indicators from 73 to 74 (%)[BBS] and the accepts organoleptic properties designed all aftermaths concern the in vitro assays required by World Health Organization (WHO) standards for BCG intra-Vesical final product. A freeze-dried “Onco BCG Moreau - Finlay” formulation was successfully produced and has many “in vitro and in vivo test” practical and theoretical advantages when it compared to the current liquid preparation, such as the best preserving BCG biological properties and reducing the dose of product required for treatment.