High Levels Of Microbial Contamination Research Articles

Effects of using mobile devices compared to reading books while defecating

This research paper investigates the comparative effects of using mobile devices versus reading books while defecating like the pre-technology period, with a specific focus on the microbial contamination associated with each activity. The study includes experiments conducted to analyse microbial surfacing on toilet seats and mobile devices, as well as books, to understand the hygiene implications of these common bathroom practices. In recent years, the integration of mobile devices into daily routines has extended to their use in the bathroom, a trend that has raised concerns about potential health risks and hygiene practices. Previous studies have primarily focused on the psychological and physical effects of prolonged bathroom usage; however, there is a paucity of research examining the microbial aspects of this behaviour. Our study addresses this gap by employing microbial surfacing techniques to quantify the levels of bacteria and other microorganisms present on toilet seats, mobile devices, and books used during defecation. Results indicate that mobile devices exhibit significantly higher levels of microbial contamination compared to books, which can be attributed to their frequent handling and surface material properties. Additionally, the findings suggest that individuals who use mobile devices in the bathroom may be at a higher risk of transferring harmful microbes to their hands, faces, and other surfaces, thereby increasing the potential for infection and illness. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for public health and personal hygiene practices and recommends strategies to mitigate the risks associated with bathroom device usage. By shedding light on the hygienic consequences of using mobile devices versus reading books while defecating, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how modern technology impacts health and daily life.

The Safety of Leafy Vegetables in Oman

Leafy vegetables are potential carriers of foodborne diseases that threaten the community’s well-being. Therefore, monitoring leafy vegetable’s microbial and heavy metal contamination is crucial. This study evaluates the safety of leafy vegetables consumed in Oman by examining pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, Salmonella, and Listeria, as well as the heavy metals concentration. Results indicate high levels of microbial contamination in all samples, exceeding the Gulf Standard Organization permissible levels for E. coli and Staphylococci. The highest levels of E. coli were 5.96, 6.08, 6.09, 6.25, and 6.01 log CFU/g in Arugula, Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Spring onion, respectively. While for Staphylococcus the highest values were 5.59, 5.71, 4.33, 5.07, and 4.46 log CFU/g in Arugula, Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, and Spring onion, respectively. No Salmonella or Listeria colonies were found in any samples even after several days of incubations. The Arsenic and Lead concentrations in all samples were significantly higher than the permissible levels set by FAO/WHO, while Chromium was high in some samples. The concentrations of Copper and Iron in most samples fell below their respective permissible levels, while Zinc was undetectable in all samples. These findings underscore inadequate hygiene, harvesting, storage, and agricultural practices, raising concerns about the health implications of consuming contaminated leafy vegetables.

The Study of Food Pathogens in Yazd Traditional Confectionary Products

Background: Food poisoning could be caused by eating the sweets contaminated with microorganisms, which has always been considered as one of the major problems of people in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study is to investigate microbial variety and fungal load in the traditional sweets offered in confectionery stores in Yazd province in 2020. Methods: In this study, 170 samples of traditional sweets, referred by confectioneries in Yazd province, were randomly selected and tested for microorganisms contamination such as Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, molds, and yeasts according to Iranian national standards. Results: The highest rate of microbial contamination in samples was related to "Pistachio Loz" (52.94%) and the lowest rate was related to "Hajibadam" (11.76%). The infection rates of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, molds, and yeasts were 17.06%, 8.83%, 20.59%, 3.53%, respectively. No infection was observed with Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella in the samples. Conclusions: Due to the high level of microbial contamination of traditional sweets, especially "Pistachio Loz" offered in Yazd, more control measures are needed in preparation and distribution of such sweets.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Propolis Film Coatings for Cheese Preservation.

Dairy products are highly susceptible to contamination from microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and propolis film as protective coatings for cheese. For this, microbiological analyses were carried out over the cheese' ripening period, focusing on total mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds, lactic acid bacteria, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae. Physicochemical parameters (pH, water activity, colour, phenolic compounds content) were also evaluated. The statistical analysis (conducted using ANOVA and PERMANOVA) showed a significant interaction term between the HPMC film and propolis (factor 1) and storage days (factor 2) with regard to the dependent variables: microbiological and physicochemical parameters. A high level of microbial contamination was identified at the baseline. However, the propolis films were able to reduce the microbial count. Physicochemical parameters also varied with storage time, with no significant differences found for propolis-containing films. Overall, the addition of propolis to the film influenced the cheeses' colour and the quantification of phenolic compounds. Regarding phenolic compounds, their loss was verified during storage, and was more pronounced in films with a higher percentage of propolis. The study also showed that, of the three groups of phenolic compounds (hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids), hydroxycinnamic acids showed the most significant losses. Overall, this study reveals the potential of using HPMC/propolis films as a coating for cheese in terms of microbiological control and the preservation of physicochemical properties.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Sports: The Scope of the Problem, Implications for Athletes' Health and Avenues for Collaborative Public Health Action.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat, leading to increased mortality and necessitating urgent action-however, its impact on athletes and the world of sports has hitherto been neglected. Sports environments (including athletic and aquatic) exhibit high levels of microbial contamination, potentially contributing to the spread of resistant microorganisms during physical activities. Moreover, the literature suggests that travel for sports events may lead to changes in athletes' gut microbiomes and potentially impact their antibiotic resistance profiles, raising questions about the broader implications for individual and public/global health. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among athletes (particularly those engaged in contact or collision sports) ranges between 22.4% and 68.6%, with MRSA strains being isolated in up to 34.9% of tested individuals. Factors such as training frequency, equipment sharing, delayed post-training showers, and a history of certain medical conditions are linked to higher colonization rates. Moreover, MRSA outbreaks have been documented in sports teams previously, highlighting the importance of implementing preventive measures and hygiene protocols in athletic settings. In light of the growing threat of AMR, there is a critical need for evidence-based treatment guidelines tailored to athletes' unique physiological demands to ensure responsible antibiotic use and mitigate potential health risks. While various initiatives-such as incorporating AMR awareness into major sporting events-aim to leverage the broad audience of sports to communicate the importance of addressing AMR, proactive measures (including improved AMR surveillance during large sporting events) will be indispensable for enhancing preparedness and safeguarding both athletes' and the general public's health. This narrative review thoroughly assesses the existing literature on AMR and antibiotic usage in the context of sports, aiming to illuminate areas where information may be lacking and underscoring the significance of promoting global awareness about AMR through sports.

Assessment of Postharvest Practices of Tuna Sold at the Honiara Fish Market in the Solomon Islands.

The study is aimed at assessing the impacts of postharvest handling practices on the quality and safety of tuna sold at the Honiara Fish Market (HFM), Solomon Islands. Two major approaches were adopted: (1) face-to-face interviews of 60 participants using questionnaires and physical observations of the supply chains and postharvest handling practices and (2) determination of time-temperature, quality index, histamine, and microbial load of tuna and contact surfaces. Sampling was conducted on both the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS), of which 36 samples from both batches of fresh tuna (FT) and brined tuna (BT) were analyzed. Three critical control points (CCPs) were identified in the supply chains of both FT and BT, where samples were obtained for scientific analyses. The average body temperature for WS tuna exposed for 9-10 h with low or no ice after catch was 3°C for FT and 15°C for BT, while DS samples were 26°C and 31°C for FT and BT, respectively. The quality index (QI) for WS showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) at 0 for FT and 8 for BT, while both DS showed a significant increase at 16 for BT and 5 for FT. Histamine levels for all the samples increased across the three CCPs, however with levels <50 mg/L, while microbial load for both seasons and for both samples were within the required specifications. However, contact surfaces for both seasons revealed high levels of microbial contamination. This study reveals that poor handling practices along the tuna supply chains of fish sold at the HFM were observed; however, all the tuna was safe for consumption when cooked properly.

Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Qualities of Raw Milk from Collection Centers and Hawking Activity in the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region (Morocco)

The study aims to analyze the two circuits of the dairy chain: authorized and unauthorized, by studying the parameters influencing the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of milk in both networks. Samples of raw milk (n=22), collected from nine collection centers (CCL): four authorized and five unauthorized in the region of Kenitra, and four hawking points in the region of Rabat, during a period between March and May 2022, were analyzed to evaluate their physicochemical and bacteriological qualities. The physicochemical quality of the milk included the measurement of chlorides, lactose and fat content, and the determination of titratable acidity and freezing point. The bacteriological quality was assessed by counting the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF), total and fecal coliforms, presumed pathogenic staphylococci and searching for Salmonella. The fat content varies considerably depending on where the milk samples are collected; the average is 4.13% for licensed collection centers, versus 2.94% for unlicensed collection centers and 2.82% for hawking activity. In terms of hygienic quality, the average bacterial load of TAMF in milk from the authorized collection centers is 3.8×108 CFU/ml. Total coliforms (TC) are present with an average rate of 9.37 ×105 CFU/ml with an average portion of 7.87 ×103 CFU/ml in fecal coliforms (FC), and 1.03 ×106 CFU/ml for presumed pathogenic staphylococci. On the other hand, milk samples from unauthorized collection centers and hawking activity showed higher levels of microbial contamination than those from licensed collection centers. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The non-compliance with hygiene practices and the late application of cold during the milking, the collection, and the transportation of raw milk, partly explain the origin of this finding.

Microbiological Assessment of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Sold for Consumption in Ghana

The postharvest processes of groundnuts often become sources of microbial contamination leading to infections and intoxication. Hence, this study examined the microbial pathogens contaminating groundnuts after harvesting. About 50 samples were randomly collected from four major groundnut-producing towns: Bolgatanga, Chiana, Navrongo, and Bongo, all in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana, and microbiologically examined using Analytical Profile Index (API® 20E). The results revealed that samples from Bolgatanga were the most contaminated, while Chiana has the least contaminated samples. Several species of bacterial genera such as Staphylococcus, Proteus, Escherichia, Bacillus, and Micrococcus, and fungal genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Saccharomyces, and Eurotium were isolated as the main microbial pathogens contaminating the produce. Navrongo and Bolgatanga recorded the highest rate of bacterial species for unshelled (29.5%) and shelled (30.4%) groundnuts, respectively, while Bongo and Bolgatanga registered the highest rate of fungal species under unshelled (32.8%) and shelled (32.6%) groundnuts, respectively. Due to the high levels of microbial contamination of most of the samples and the kind of microbial species involved, proper hygiene standards must be adopted during the postharvest handling of the shelled and unshelled groundnuts.

Quality and safety of pork sold in the informal urban street markets of the Cape Metropole, South Africa

Pork in the informal market significantly contributes to food, nutrition and income security in low-income countries' urban areas but is a safety concern to value chain actors and public authorities due to potential contamination by pathogens. To evaluate the physicochemical quality, microbial and oxidative profiles of pork sold from the informal urban street market, 50 samples were collected from 40 street vendors and 10 supermarkets in five different low-income, high-density suburbs in the Cape Metropole District, South Africa. Results showed no differences (P > 0.05) in pH, colour, proximate attributes (except for lipid content), antioxidant activity, lipid oxidation, and Escherichia coli counts in pork collected from the formal and informal markets, and open-air and enclosed market stalls. Lipid content, Enterobacteriaceae, and total bacterial counts of pork collected from the informal market were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those from the formal market. Positive cases of Listeria monocytogenes (6–8%) and Salmonella spp. (4%) were reported for pork sampled in the informal market, especially in open-air stalls. It was concluded that higher levels of microbial contamination in the informal market, particularly in open-air stalls compared to the formal market require constant monitoring, provision of appropriate market infrastructure, and hygiene behaviour change of vendors to ensure pork safety.

Безалкогольные напитки из пророщенной гречихи: технологические аспекты и пищевая ценность

Plant-based soft drinks are a relatively new product category. Germinated, or sprouted, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) can be used as a raw material in functional beverages. It has a good potential for expanding the range of this category. The research objective was to study the effect of formulation on the production technology and nutritional value of non-alcoholic beverages from germinated buckwheat.&#x0D; The study featured water-grain and water-fruit-grain mixes, as well as model samples of buckwheat drinks fortified with various fruit components, e.g., sea buckthorn, black currant, apple, etc. Standard research methods were supported by high performance liquid chromatography and atomic emission spectrometry.&#x0D; Buckwheat was soaked in water at 20 ± 2°C for 46 h. This germination method resulted in a high level of microbial contamination. To ensure food safety, the water-grain suspension was brought up to 65°C for 3 min. The fruit components increased the viscosity of the dispersion medium, as well as the settling time of solid particles. The mix had to be homogenized in order to reduce the particle size and destroy the colloidal system after heating (98 ± 2°C, 1 min). The final product had a harmonious taste and contained sugars (6.72–8.04 g/100 cm3), organic acids (338.91–446.93 mg/100 cm3), minerals (0.07–0.08%), and amino acids (leucine, lysine, cystine, and tyrosine).&#x0D; Buckwheat homogenization preserved the beneficial substances in the raw material. The samples fortified with sea buckthorn or blackcurrant puree had the best sensory profile and nutritional value.

Deep tubewell use is associated with increased household microbial contamination in rural Bangladesh: Results from a prospective cohort study among households in rural Bangladesh

Deep tubewells are important sources of arsenic mitigation in rural Bangladesh. Compared to commonly available shallow tubewells, deep tubewells tap into deeper low-arsenic aquifers and greatly reduce exposure to arsenic in drinking-water. However, benefits from these more distant and expensive sources may be compromised by higher levels of microbial contamination at point-of-use (POU). This paper examines differences in microbial contamination levels at source and POU among households using deep tubewells and shallow tubewells, and investigates factors associated with POU microbial contamination among deep tubewell users. We assessed a prospective longitudinal cohort of 500 rural households in Matlab, Bangladesh, across 135 villages. Concentration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water samples at source and POU using Compartment Bag Tests (CBTs) was measured across rainy and dry seasons. We employed linear mixed-effect regression models to measure the effect of different factors on log E. coli concentrations among deep tubewell users. CBT results show that log E. coli concentrations are similar at source and at POU during the first dry and rainy season, but are significantly higher at POU among deep tubewell users during the second dry season. Log E. coli at POU among deep tubewell users is positively associated with both presence (exponentiated beta exp(b) = 2.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.70, 3.73) and concentration of E. coli (exp(b) = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.19, 1.54) at source, and walking time to the tubewell source (exp(b) = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.69). Drinking-water during the second dry season is associated with reduced log E. coli (exp(b) = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.57) compared to the rainy season. These results suggest that while households that use deep tubewells have lower arsenic exposure, they may be at higher risk of consuming microbially contaminated water compared to households that use shallow tubewells.

Foodborne disease hazards and burden in Ethiopia: A systematic literature review, 1990–2019

BackgroundFoodborne disease (FBD) affects millions of people each year, posing a health burden similar to malaria, tuberculosis or HIV. A recent World Bank study estimated the productivity losses alone attributed to unsafe food within Africa at $20 billion in 2016, and the cost of treating these illnesses at an additional $3.5 billion. Ethiopia faces multiple food safety challenges due to lack of infrastructure and basic pre-requisites for food safety such as clean water and environment, washing facilities, compounded by limited implementation of food safety regulations, and a lack of incentives for producers to improve food safety. A consolidation of our understanding and evidence of the source, nature and scale of FBD in Ethiopia is needed to inform policy and future research. We performed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of publications on FBD occurrence in Ethiopia including hazard presence and impact.MethodThe SLR followed Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and CAB-Direct for relevant publications between 1990 and 2019 (inclusive). Observational studies and reviews were included. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and retained publications were reviewed in full for quality and data extraction.ResultIn total 128 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most articles focused on the identification of biological hazards in food. High levels of microbial contamination in different food value chains were often found in the small,ad hoc, observational studies that dominated the literature. Raw milk (22/128, 17.0%) and raw beef (21/128, 16.4%) were the most studied food products. Foodborne (FB) parasites were often found at higher rates in food than bacterial and viral pathogens, possibly due to differences in ease of identification. High levels of bacterial contamination on the hands of food handlers were widely reported. There were no reports on the incidence of human FBDs or resulting health and economic impacts.ConclusionOur findings reflect existing concerns around food safety in Ethiopia. A lack of substantial, coordinated studies with robust methodologies means fundamental gaps remain in our knowledge of FBD in Ethiopia, particularly regarding FBD burden and impact. Greater investment in food safety is needed, with enhanced and coordinated research and interventions.

TREATMENT OF COMBAT SURGICAL TRAUMA OF THE LIMBS IN THE CONDITIONS OF MODERN WAR

Among the total number of wounded who entered the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Western Region from February to September 2022, combat injury to the limbs was in 63.3%. Bullet wounds caused combat injury to the limbs in 10.4%, shrapnel and mine-explosive – in 68.1%, explosive injury – in 21.5%. At the second role of medical care, emergency surgical interventions were performed on the wounded, immobilization of bone fractures with an external fixation and anti-shock therapy. At the third and fourth roles – the treatment of the wounded consisted in the use of a multidisciplinary approach with the involvement of doctors of various specialties, first of all, general surgeons, traumatologists, vascular, plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists. The most frequent surgical intervention was repeatened and secondary debridment of gunshot wounds, which was required by 93% of the wounded. The main pathogens that vegetated in wounds were Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis with high levels of microbial contamination – 104-108/g in tissues., Various types of plastics were used to close soft tissue defects, according to the rule of the reconstruction ladder. After healing a soft tissue wound to determine the timing of replacing the method of fixing fractures with internal osteosynthesis, were analyzed clinical and laboratory parameters and assessed the risks of complications. The main causes of amputations of the limbs were common defects in soft tissue and bones, which were not subject to reconstruction with no prognosis for bone fusion and progression of the infectious-necrotic process.

Metagenomic clustering reveals microbial contamination as an essential consideration in ultraconserved element design for phylogenomics with insect museum specimens.

Phylogenomics via ultraconserved elements (UCEs) has led to improved phylogenetic reconstructions across the tree of life. However, inadvertently incorporating non‐targeted DNA into the UCE marker design will lead to misinformation being incorporated into subsequent analyses. To date, the effectiveness of basic metagenomic filtering strategies has not been assessed in arthropods. Designing markers from museum specimens requires careful consideration of methods due to the high levels of microbial contamination typically found in such specimens. We investigate if contaminant sequences are carried forward into a UCE marker set we developed from insect museum specimens using a standard bioinformatics pipeline. We find that the methods currently employed by most researchers do not exclude contamination from the final set of targets. Lastly, we highlight several paths forward for reducing contamination in UCE marker design.

Pengaruh Waktu Pasteurisasi Terhadap Cemaran Mikrobiologis dan Aktivitas Antioksidan Loloh Daun Pohpohan (Pilea trinervia Wight.)

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Loloh is one of the traditional beverages in Bali made from fresh leaves, root, stem, seeds or fruit without cooking treatment (cold process). Some studies showed that loloh in several area in Bali is not worth to consume because of high level of microbial contamination. This study aimed to determine the effect of pasteurization time to produce loloh pohpohan leaves with the best antioxidant activity and free from microbial contamination. This experiment used a Completely Randomized Design with 7 variations of pasteurization treatment time, namely 0, 10, 15, 20, 25 30 and 35 minutes. The treatment was repeated three time for obtain 21 experimental units. The data obtained were analyzed by analyze of variance and if the treatment had significant effect, then it was followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The result of this study showed that pasteurization time has a very significant effect (P&lt;0,01) on total microbial, total coliform and antioxidant activity. The best loloh treatment in this study was obtain with 20 minutes pasteurization time with the total plate count 0 CFU/mL (no microbes showed), negative coliform and antioxidant activity 58.39% with IC50 valued 1584.097 ppm, the color is neutral, the aroma is neutral, the taste was bitter and neutral and overall acceptance&#x0D; is neutral.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Microbiological Analysis of Liquid Lipstick Products Used by Makeup Artists

AbstractLipstick is a non-sterile pharmaceutical product that is used for make-up on the lips. Liquid lipstick used by makeup artists may have a high level of microbial contamination because they are applied to different clients in turn. This study aims to determine the microbiological quality of liquid lipstick used by makeup artists based on the result of the Bacterial Total Plate Count (TPC), Yeast and Mold Count (YMC), and the presence of pathogenic microbes. Three samples of liquid lipstick were taken from three different makeup artists and one sample was a new liquid lipstick product. The Bacterial TPC test was carried out on TSA media and the YMC test was carried out on SDA with the spread plate technique. The presence of microbial pathogens P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans were carried out on selective media. The results of bacterial TPC was 9.0 × 103 to 3.0 × 104 CFU/mL, while the YMC was 1.1 × 103 to 3.1 × 103 CFU/mL. The pathogenic microbes detected were S. aureus in 2 samples and C. albicans in 1 sample. The bacterial TPC and YMC values exceed the contamination limit based on BPOM Regulation No. 12/2019.

Gamma irradiation as suitable preservation method on herbal medicine: a review

The trend of consuming herbal medicines has been increasing over the past three decades. No less than 80% of the world's population has used herbal medicines as a treatment. One of the problems in herbal medicine is the high level of microbial contamination caused by raw materials and production processes. Various attempts have been made to overcome these problems, one of them is the gamma irradiation method. Although irradiation has been widely used for food sterilization, the use of irradiation for sterilization on herbal medicines is still debated. It is because irradiation may affect the composition of active compounds of herbal medicines. This review aimed to discuss the applications of gamma irradiation for herbal medicines by emphasizing the chemical constituent stabilities of herbal medicines.

Microbial Assessment and Health Risks of Consumption of Uncooked Smoked Horse Mackerel Fish (Trachurus trachurus) Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

Aim: To assess the microbiological quality of uncooked smoked horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) sold in Owerri and ascertain the presence and prevalence of microorganisms of public health importance.&#x0D; Study Design: Random sampling was done.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; from October, 2019 to April, 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Smoked fish samples (n=20) were purchased randomly from retailers in Relief, Naze, Eziobodo and Obinze markets and taken to the laboratory for isolation and identification of microorganisms. Standard microbiological methods were employed to analyze for viable heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar respectively, using the spread and streak plate techniques. Coliform counts were done on MacConkey agar. Biochemical characterization of the microorganisms was adopted for their identification.&#x0D; Results: Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Salmonella and Micrococcus species. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and coliform counts ranged from 2.8 x 106 cfu/g to 1.6 x 108 cfu/g and 2.7 x 104 cfu/g to 5.3 x 105 cfu/g respectively. Fungal species identified were Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus and Fusarium spp and fungal counts as high as 4.5 x 105 cfu/g were recorded.&#x0D; Conclusion: The high level of microbial contamination of the samples and the presence of organisms of public health importance signifies an obvious danger to human health. Eating smoked fish without proper cooking should be discouraged by the relevant authorities. Also, food safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling such contaminations and averting possible outbreaks of diseases.

Microbial contamination and associated risk factors in retailed pork from key value chains in Northern Vietnam

Pork and pork products are important staple food in the diet of Vietnamese consumers. The safety of pork, including biological contamination, is a concern to several public authorities and value chain actors. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify Salmonella and total bacterial count (TBC) contamination of cut pork sold in different outlets, and determine the potential factors leading to contamination. A total of 671 pork samples were collected from different retail channels in three provinces in Northern Vietnam. Hygiene conditions and practices at pork vending premises were also observed and recorded. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Overall, Salmonella prevalence in retailed pork was 58.1%. Salmonella contamination in pork from traditional retail, modern retail and food services were 60.5%, 50.9% and 80.5%, respectively. Eighty percent and 68% of fresh pork in canteen and street food was contaminated with Salmonella. Only a small proportion of a subset of the pork samples (6.2%) tested met the Vietnamese standard requirement for TBC contamination. Average concentration of TBC in fresh pork in traditional retail, modern retail and food services were 6.51 (SD: 0.64), 6.38 (0.65), and 6.96 (0.85) LogCFU/g, respectively. Transport time, use of the same tools for pork and other types of meat, storage temperature, and environment hygiene are important factors that might affect microbial contamination. The findings underline the high level of microbial contamination, which requires practical interventions to improve food safety hygiene practices and behavior of pork retailers.

Spatial arrangement of well and latrine and their influence on water quality in clayey soil – a study in low-income peri-urban neighborhoods in Lichinga, Mozambique

Abstract In this study, the influence of the spatial arrangement of shallow wells and pit latrines on water quality was evaluated in clayey soil during dry and rainy seasons, using 123 randomly selected wells. The distance between well and the nearest latrine was measured and the location of the well in the yard was characterized. The colony forming units (CFU/100 mL) of fecal coliforms were quantified, and pH, electrical conductivity (CE) and turbidity were measured. 100% of the wells were located less than 25 m from the latrine, 74.8% were located in the middle of the yard. In the dry season, 42.4% of the samples presented up to 12 CFU/100 mL, and in the rainy season, 84.4% presented up to 139 CFU/100 mL. 56.9% had pH values between 6.5 and 8.5, and 63.4% presented EC values between 50 and 571 μS/cm. In the dry season, 40.7% of the samples had values below 5 NTU, and 59.3% up to 50 NTU. In the rainy season, 86.6% had values between 6 and 300 NTU. Pearson's correlation between all variables was weak. The wells are susceptible to high fecal contamination, although the clayey soil seems to mitigate the expected high levels of microbial contamination.