Higher Total Bacterial Counts Research Articles

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and risk factors associated with high total bacterial count in bulk tank milk from dairy farms in Colombia

The objective of the study was to evaluate the frequency and genetic characteristics of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. and the risk factors associated with a high total bacterial count in bulk tank milk samples of dairy farms in three municipalities of the Antioquia Department, Colombia. Fifteen samples were positive for E. coli and Klebsiella spp. Subsequent analysis of the 16 S rRNA gene sequences confirmed these isolates included E. coli (n = 3), K. oxytoca (n = 11), and K. pneumoniae (n = 1). None of the isolates was positive for ESBL identification by phenotypic methods, but the only the isolate of K. pneumoniae was positive for the blaSHV61 gene by sequence analysis. The antibiotic susceptibility evaluation for all Klebsiella spp. isolates identified resistance to fosfomycin (50%; 6/12) and ampicillin (100%; 12/12). While most of the herds maintain adequate hygienic quality, specific risk factors such as having more than 60 milking cows, frequent changes in milkers, milking in paddocks, and using a chlorinated product for pre-dipping have been identified as associated with a high total bacterial count > 100,000 CFU/mL in bulk tank milk. However, certain variables including the milker being the owner of the animals and the proper washing and disinfection of the milking machine contribute to maintain a high level of hygiene and quality in the raw milk stored in the tanks. In conclusion, the frequency of ESBL producers was relatively low, with only K. pneumoniae testing positive for the blaSHV ESBL type. The presence of these bacteria in milk tanks represents a potential risk to public health for consumers of raw milk and its derivatives.

Formic acid as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets: effects on growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbial load

This study explored the ability of formic acid (FA) to replace antibiotics in broiler chicken diets. It examined how FA affected the chickens' growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and gut bacteria. The experiment randomly assigned 300 one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks to 5 groups, each divided into 6 replicates with 10 unsexed chicks. The following were the treatments: 1st group, negative control (NC): only received a basal diet; 2nd group, positive control (PC): received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 grams of Colistin antibiotic per kilogram of diet; 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups (FA2, FA4, and FA6) these groups received a basal diet along with formic acid added at increasing levels: 2, 4, and 6 Cm3 per kilogram of diet, respectively. Results found no significant differences in live body weight (LBW) or body weight gain (BWG) between treatment groups, except for LBW at one week and BWG at 0 to 1 and 4 to 5 wk of age. No significant variations were found in feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatment groups, excluding FI and FCR at 1 to 2 wk of age. The treatments significantly impacted carcass traits, dressing percentage, breast meat, thigh meat, spleen, giblets, blood levels of urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, and albumin, as well as the activity of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in chicks fed different diets compared to control groups. The addition of FA to the diet significantly impacted antioxidant levels. Also, the FA2 group had the highest total bacterial count (TBC). However, the FA6 group was the opposite; it had the lowest levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Coliform. Supplementing broiler diets with formic acid improves blood parameters, antioxidant activity, and gut bacteria counts, with 4.0 cm³ formic acid/kg diet supplementation promoting optimal broiler health and product quality.

Influence of Nutrient Solutions in an NGS® Soilless System on the Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Commercial Mint at Different Harvest Times

The optimal fertilizer concentration for Mentha plants is contingent on the growing systems and harvest time, serving as operational solutions to control and enhance quality and yield. This study aimed to determine the effects of three macronutrients concentration in hydroponic nutrient solution (HNS) during three harvest times on the growth, quality, yield, and shelf life of three mint species (M. spicata L. var. viridis (MV); M. piperita L. (MP); M. spicata L. var. rubra (MR)) grown in a New Growing System (NGS®). Total dry matter (DM), nitrate (NO3−), phosphate (PO43−), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentrations were increased with the addition of higher levels of nutrient fertilization in three species. When the ion concentration of the HNS was increased, total fresh yield decreased. The highest total bacterial count (TBC) was obtained in MR species in the three harvests in all the levels of HNS. The lowest browning potential (BP) and soluble o-quinone (So-Q) levels were observed at second harvest in the MR species with the application of one of the two HNS high in nitrogen (N). In conclusion, the combination of optimal HNS ion concentration and appropriate species is considered essential to obtain suitable yield, quality, and ensure shelf life of mint.

Bacteriological evaluation and advanced SYBR-green multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of minced meat adulteration.

Minced meat is a valuable source of nutrients, but it is vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms commonly present in the environment. In addition, there is a risk of adulteration with cheaper meat sources, which can be harmful to consumers. It is crucial to identify meat adulteration with distinct microbiological analysis for legal, economic, religious, and public health purposes. A total of 100 minced meat samples were collected from several markets in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. These samples were then subjected to bacteriological testing and an advanced multiplex PCR method. This method enables the detection of bovine, equine, porcine, and dog species in meat samples with just one step. The adulterated samples had a higher total bacterial count and pH values compared to pure bovine meat. These differences in bacterial count and pH values were statistically significant, with p-values of 0.843 (log10) and 0.233, respectively. The frequency of Escherichia coli occurrence was 13%, and the O111 serotype was predominant in the adulterated samples. Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated with prevalence rates of 3% and 29%, respectively. Besides, the SYBR-green multiplex real-time PCR assay used in this study detected adulteration with dog, equine, and porcine meats in the examined samples at rates of 9%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. This method provides a sensitive and specific approach to detect issues related to well-being and safety.

Variability in Physicochemical Parameters and Its Impact on Microbiological Quality and Occurrence of Foodborne Pathogens in Artisanal Italian Organic Salami.

Artisanal salami is produced in small-scale production plants, where the lack of full automation might result in higher variability in food intrinsic properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-batch variability in physicochemical parameters and its impact on microbial quality and occurrence of foodborne pathogens on 480 samples collected from six batches of an artisanal Italian production of organic salami. Relatively high total bacterial counts (TBC) were found on the surface of the table in the stuffing room (4.29 ± 0.40 log cfu/cm2). High loads of Enterobacteriaceae in the meat mixture of batch 2 and TBC in batch 5 were associated with a higher occurrence of bacterial pathogens. During ripening, water activity (aw) and pH failed to reach values lower than 0.86 and 5.3, respectively. Six Staphylococcus aureus and four Listeria monocytogenes isolates were collected from the salami meat mixture during ripening and the processing environment. A total of 126 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were characterized at a species level, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Citrobacter freundii isolated from the final products. Results suggest the relevance of first steps of production in terms of the hygiene of raw materials and handling during stuffing procedures, especially when the physicochemical parameters of the final products do not reach values that represent hurdles for foodborne pathogens.

Isolation of Biofilm-Forming Staphylococci from the Bulk-Tank Milk of Small Ruminant Farms in Greece.

The objectives of this study were (i) to describe staphylococcal isolates recovered from bulk-tank raw milk collected from sheep and goat farms during a countrywide study performed in Greece, (ii) to study management factors potentially associated with their presence in bulk-tank milk and (iii) to provide evidence regarding their association with the quality of the milk. In total, 312 staphylococcal isolates, recovered from samples of bulk-tank raw milk from 444 small ruminant farms in Greece, were evaluated in this work. The in vitro formation of biofilm by the isolates was tested by combining the findings of (a) culture appearance on Congo Red agar plates and (b) results of a microplate adhesion test. The most frequently identified species was Staphylococcus aureus (75 isolates); other frequently recovered species were S. simulans (44 isolates), S. equorum (34 isolates) and S. haemolyticus (26 isolates); in total, 23 species were identified. In total, 224 (71.8%) isolates were biofilm-forming and were recovered from the bulk-tank milk samples of 148 sheep flocks (45.5%) and 55 goat herds (46.2%). There was evidence of seasonality in the isolation of staphylococci: during spring, mostly biofilm-forming isolates were recovered, whilst during summer, mostly non-biofilm-forming isolates were recovered. Among farms applying machine-milking, the proportion of farms from which biofilm-forming isolates were recovered was higher where water with temperature < 50 °C or ≥90 °C was used to clean the milking parlour. In the multivariable analyses, for farms applying machine-milking, the temperature of the water emerged as the only significant variable (p = 0.024), whilst in farms applying hand-milking, the only tendency that emerged was for the frequency of collection of milk from the farm tank (p = 0.08). In sheep flocks, recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci from the bulk-tank milk was associated with higher somatic cell counts and higher total bacterial counts in the milk. The study identified abiotic factors related to the presence and isolation of these bacteria, specifically the temperature of water used for the cleaning of the milking parlour (in farms where machine-milking is applied) and the frequency of milk collection from the farm tank. These factors apply after the production of milk, and they could thus be regulated appropriately in order to reduce bacterial load and improve the quality of milk delivered to dairy plants. In sheep farms, an association was also seen between recovery of biofilm-forming staphylococci and high somatic cell counts in milk.

Physical parameters influence the microbial quality of indoor air in research laboratories: A report from Malaysia

The quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in laboratories is vital to ensure optimum health of the users and guarantee the accuracy of experiments conducted. Moreover, recent studies show that the average quality of air conditioning and ventilation systems in labs can pose health risks to occupants. The study aims to examine the relationship between physical parameters and microbial pollutants in research laboratories' indoor air quality (IAQ) by quantifying and characterising the bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment of research laboratories using the settle plate method; whereby our Petri dishes containing media are exposed to the air for sample collection. This study was conducted over the course of 3 ​day ​at three different research laboratories: Virology Lab (VL), Genetic Lab (GL), and Aquatic Lab (AL). The physical parameters such as air temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide were measured using FLUKE 975 air meter, whereas the microbial parameters were assessed using the settle plate method with Tryptone Soya agar and Sabouraud Dextrose agar for the bacterial and fungal count, respectively. Our results showed that the high temperature and relative humidity, exceeded the standard threshold for temperature (23–26 ​°C) and relative humidity (40–70%) set by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Additionally, because of poor air conditioning and ventilation system maintenance, there were high total bacterial counts in GL (CFU/m3 234.34 ​± ​30.93) and total fungal counts in VL (CFU/m3 589.34 ​± ​53.03). We also showed that the most commonly isolated bacteria and fungi in research laboratories were Staphylococcus spp. (72.2%) and Cladosporium spp. (76.7%). In conclusion, we reported that there was a correlation between the physical parameters and microbial pollutants in the research laboratories. Therefore, regular monitoring of indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters and maintenance of the air conditioning and ventilation system should be carried out to ensure a good and safe indoor environment in research laboratories.

Growth of Gram-Negative Bacteria in Antiseptics, Disinfectants and Hand Hygiene Products in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in West Africa-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products can act as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections. This problem is rarely documented in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the bacterial contamination of antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products in two university hospitals in Burkina Faso and Benin. During ward visits and staff interviews, in-use products were cultured for the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. The growth of Gram-negative bacteria was absent or rare in alcohol-based products, povidone iodine, and Dakin solution. Contamination was highest (73.9% (51/69)) for liquid soap products (versus antiseptic/disinfectants (4.5%, 7/157) (p < 0.0001)), mostly used in high-risk areas and associated with high total bacterial counts (>10,000 colony-forming units/mL). Contaminating flora (105 isolates) included Enterobacterales and the Vibrio non-cholerae/Aeromonas group (17.1%) and non-fermentative Gram-negative rods (82.8%). Multidrug resistance was present among 9/16 Enterobacterales (Klebsiella and Enterobacter spp.) and 3/12 Acinetobacter spp., including carbapenem resistance (Acinetobacter baumannii: NDM, Pseudomonas stutzeri: VIM). The risk factors for contamination included the type of product (cleaning grade and in-house prepared liquid soap), use of recycled disposable containers and soft drink bottles, absence of labeling, topping-up of containers, dilution with tap water (pharmacy and ward), and poor-quality management (procurement, stock management, expiry dates, and period after opening).

Comparison of bacterial profiles in human milk from mothers of term and preterm infants

BackgroundReducing the disposal of donated human milk (HM) is important for efficient management of human milk banks (HMBs). The presence of bacteria growth is the main factor that contributes to the disposal of donated HM. The bacterial profile in HM is suspected to differ between term and preterm mothers, with HM from preterm mothers containing more bacteria. Thus, elucidation of the causes of bacterial growth in preterm and term HM may help to reduce the disposal of donated preterm HM. This study compared the bacterial profiles of HM between mothers of term infants and mothers of preterm infants.MethodsThis pilot study was conducted in the first Japanese HMB, which was initiated in 2017. This study analyzed 214 human milk samples (term: 75, preterm: 139) donated by 47 registered donors (term: 31, preterm: 16) from January to November 2021. Bacterial culture results in term and preterm HM were retrospectively reviewed in May 2022. Differences in total bacterial count and bacterial species count per batch were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Bacterial loads were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThe disposal rate did not significantly differ between term and preterm groups (p = 0.77), but the total amount of disposal was greater in the preterm group (p < 0.01). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas fluorescens were frequently found in both types of HM. Serratia liquefaciens (p < 0.001) and two other bacteria were present in term HM; a total of five types of bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis and Enterobacter aerogenes (p < 0.001) were present in preterm HM. The median (interquartile range) total bacterial counts were 3,930 (435–23,365) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL for term HM and 26,700 (4,050–334,650) CFU/mL for preterm HM (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study revealed that HM from preterm mothers had a higher total bacterial count and different types of bacteria than HM from term mothers. Additionally, preterm infants can receive nosocomial-infection-causing bacteria in the NICU through their mother’s milk. Enhanced hygiene instructions for preterm mothers may reduce the disposal of valuable preterm human milk, along with the risk of HM pathogen transmission to infants in NICUs.

Role of physical processes in regulating the biological responses in the Eastern Arabian Sea during the late southwest monsoon

Understanding physical properties and associated biological responses in the marine ecosystem is critical for fisheries and assessing the ocean’s role in determining the fate of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. This study reports the different roles of southwest monsoon (SWM) upwelling, oceanic fronts, and mesoscale eddies in supplying nutrients and fueling phytoplankton production in the eastern Arabian Sea (EAS). In-situ measurements of physical parameters along with the distribution of biogeochemical parameters in the 100 m water column over a wide latitudinal transect from 8°N to 21°N (Station II-1 to II-14 at 1° interval) along the 68°E were carried out during the late SWM (September 11–19) of 2017. We found distinct features in the study area from the in-situ measurements and satellite data. Primarily, oceanic fronts along with higher instabilities caused vertical mixing at stations II-6, and II-10 (13°N and 17°N). Secondly, eddy-induced lateral advection of high productive water from the Western Arabian Sea (WAS) resulted in high phytoplankton biomass at stations II-7, and II-8 (14°N and 15°N), which led to high concentrations of pigments (chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and fucoxanthin). SWM upwelling induced higher phytoplankton biomass at northern stations II-13 and II-14 and is evident from the higher total organic carbon (TOC), high total bacterial count (TBC) and Chl-a concentration (up to 0.371μg/L at II-14). The difference in time lag for vertical mixing at II-6 and II-10 are responsible for the contrasting biological responses in these stations. The present study showed that along with SWM upwelling, eddy-induced lateral advection from WAS and oceanic fronts are also increasing phytoplankton biomass in the EAS. The present study suggests that the high phytoplankton biomass prompted by upwelling, oceanic fronts, and mesoscale eddies can influence CO2 sequestration and the prevailing subsurface oxygen minimum zone in the EAS.

Quantification of red complex microorganisms among patients with different surface-modified dental implants: A prospective clinical study

Abstract Aim: Dental implant surface treatments affect microbial adhesion even though they have a significant impact on osseointegration. This study aimed to quantify and compare the total bacterial load and red complex microorganisms among patients with different surface-modified dental implants. Materials and Methods: In this prospective clinical study, 78 patients who had undergone implant placement for missing single posterior tooth in mandible using sandblasted acid-etched and anodized surface dental implants during August 2019–December 2019 were enrolled and were categorized into Group 1 (SLA; n = 27), Group 2 (SLActive; n = 26), and Group 3 (TiUnite; n = 25) based on dental implants’ surface modification. Total bacterial copy count, total red complex copy-count, and copy-count numbers of Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tanneralla forsythia were quantified using real‑time polymerase chain reaction assay. Paired t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey’s honest significant difference post hoc were used for data analysis. Results: Total bacterial load, copy-count of P. gingivalis, copy-count of T. forsythia, copy-count of T. denticola, and total red complex load were high in Group 3 as compared to Groups 1 and 2 (P ≤ 0.05). At baseline (P ≤ 0.05) and the 1-year follow-up (P ≤ 0.05), a significant difference was observed between the groups on the pairwise comparison. An intragroup comparison revealed that all three groups had statistically significant differences from the baseline in terms of all the measured variables (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Higher total bacterial count and red complex bacterial count were observed around TiUnite followed by SLA and SLActive dental implants.

Effect of Natural Antioxidants on Nutrients, Sensory and Keeping Quality of Suya from Mutton Subjected to Different Processing Methods

This study evaluated the effect of breeds, processing methods, natural antioxidants and storage period of Suya from mutton. A total of 12 sheep (six each from Balami and Ouda) were weighed, slaughtered and allotted to three processing methods which are scalding, singeing and skinning. They are processed into Suya meats prepared with 4 different natural antioxidants (black pepper (Piper nigrum), green tea (Camellia sinensis), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and preserved for four weeks. The samples were evaluated for chemical composition, organoleptic properties, microbial loads and storage period. Data collected were analysed using a factorial arrangement of 2x3x4. The results showed that natural antioxidants significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced all parameters measured except dry matter with the highest value of CP (60.28%) observed in Suya samples spiced with black pepper. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) in all the parameters evaluated using different processing methods. Breed had no significant (P&gt;0.05) on organoleptic properties. Significant (P&lt;0.05) effect was observed on colour for processing methods with the highest value 5.18 in scalding. Natural antioxidants had significant (P&lt;0.05) on organoleptic properties except for flavor while Suya spiced with clove was rated highest on overall acceptability (6.60). However, breed had no significant (P&gt;0.05) on all the microbial counts of Suya samples. Scalding had the lowest (P&lt;0.05) values for all the microbial parameters measured. Natural antioxidants significantly (P&lt;0.05) affect all the parameters evaluated with the highest total bacterial count (TBC) 9.34x106, total coliform count (TCC) 9.21x104 and total yeast count (TYC)10.23x103 in the control while the lowest counts of TBC, TCC and TYC in the samples spiced with clove were found as (4.31x106), (5.26x104) and (5.46x103), respectively. Storage for four weeks had higher significant (P&lt;0.05) values in all the parameters measured than those evaluated for microbial loads at 0 day. It is therefore concluded that, samples spiced with clove had lower microbial loads which tend to enhance shelf-life and were most acceptable for consumption.

Pengaruh Nisbah C/N dalam Vermicomposting Campuran Ekskreta Ayam Petelur dan Serasah Dedaunan terhadap Perubahan Suhu, Jumlah Total Bakteri, dan Koliform

The purpose of the study is to know the effect of C/N ratio in vermicomposting of chicken excrement mixture and foliage on the themperature changes, total number of bacteria and coliform and on the C/N balance that produces the lowest total coliform. Research was conducted using eksperimental methods, the complete randomized design consists of 3 treatment with different ratio C/N, P1(C/N 25), P2(C/N30), P3(C/N 35) which is repeated 6 times, Data were analyzed with the variance and continued with Duncan Test. The results showed that the C/N ratio balance in vermicomposting of the mixture of chicken excreta and leaf litter had a significant effect on the total number of bacteria, but had no significant effect on total coliform. The balance of C/N ratio of 30 resulted in the highest total bacterial count and the lowest coliform in the decomposition process of 80.67 x 10 11 cfu/g and 13,66 MPN/mL.

Microbiological Quality Assessment and Identification of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria at Different Stages of the Milk Supply Chain in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Aims: Milk works as an excellent medium for bacterial growth and can turn into a fatal source of food borne diseases when consumed without pasteurization. This study was carried out to examine the microbiological quality of milk from three different points of milk supply chain to investigate whether the dairy stakeholders are maintaining the consumer safety or not.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross sectional study&#x0D; Place and Duration: The study took place at the Food Microbiology lab of Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka from November 2019 to February 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 60 samples were studied including raw milk from collection centers, unpackaged pasteurized milk from processing plants and packaged pasteurized milks from retail shops. After carrying out the microbiological analysis the samples were examined for determining the total bacterial count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC). Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using disk diffusion assay and detection of virulent gene in Salmonella spp. was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using specific invA primer.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed that all raw milk samples were substandard in terms of TBC and TCC and pasteurized milks from processing plants maintained the standard quality. Importantly, packaged pasteurized milk samples from retail shops had high TBC (&gt;4.0× 104 CFU/mL) and TCC (1.2×103 CFU/mL) containing Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus and E. coli. Bacteria like Salmonella (75%), Proteus (62.5%) and Vibrio (62.5%) possessed high Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index and showed resistance towards antibiotics namely Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Erythromycin and Colistin. Through further molecular analysis we detected invA virulent gene one of the Salmonella isolates which was collected from the pasteurized milk samples of the retail shops.&#x0D; Conclusion: High bacterial load in raw milk and packaged pasteurized milk indicate that the milk we consume is substandard in microbiological quality. Precautionary measurements and careful processing of milk may reduce the prevalence of microbiological contamination in the milk supply chain.

Herd-level contamination of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella in milk of Iranian dairy farms

The bulk milk examination is a reliable screening tool for monitoring the quality of milk in the farms. The infection to Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella sp. Was evaluated in bulk milk samples of dairy farms in Hamedan province, West part of Iran. All the dairy farms (n = 149) were examined for N. caninum, T. gondii and Brucella infections using milk ring test (MRT), microbiology, serology (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay), and molecular techniques. Based on molecular methods, Brucella-infection was negative in all farms; while, 55 %, 5.4 % and 2.7 % of samples were positive for N. caninum, T. gondii and mix infection, respectively. The highest Neospora-infection was detected in the farms with history of abortion in fall and winter. There was significant association between Neospora-infection and the presence of dogs and rodents in the farms, herd size, and age of the animals. Also, a significant association was seen between Toxoplasma-infection and the presence of cats and rodents in the farms, as well as age of the animals. Average total bacterial count (TBC) was calculated 1.14 × 106±1.1 × 106. The highest TBC was in the farms from Central locations of studied area (5.7 × 106±2.24 × 106), farms with more than 120 animals (7.9 × 106±2.8 × 106), and farms with ≥50-months age (1.74 × 106±6.3 × 105) in spring and summer (6.9 × 106±3.7 × 106). The number of somatic cells was estimated between 1 × 104 and 2 × 106 (Average = 4.2 × 105±3.39 × 105). The current study was a comprehensive evaluation of Neospora, Toxoplasma and Brucella infections in milk samples of Iranian dairy farms for the first time. Neospora-infection is responsible for economic losses in the region. Health education and milk pasteurization are so helpful for inhibiting the milk borne diseases. To reduce the risk factors, predict and design the appropriate schemes like redundant of heterogeneous animals are recommended.

Evaluation of quality indicators and biofilm formation to determine microbiological safety in a milk processing plant

The aim of this work was to verify the presence of microbiological indicators and the biofilm production capacity of the microorganisms found on the surfaces, in a milk processing plant, in order to estimate the hygienic sanitary conditions. For this purpose, a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) checklist and microbiological analysis were applied. Through to use of GMP checklist was possible to determine sites for sample collection and to establish the respective microbiological analyses. The presence of Enterococcus and high total bacterial counts (TBC) suggested the presence of biofilms on equipment, being also evidenced by the microplate technique. Although acceptable results were obtained for pasteurized milk, the indicators show that the risk was present in this dairy processing plant.

Vegetable biocholine as a hepatoprotectant in laying hens fed with diet contaminated with aflatoxin B1

The aim of the study was to determine whether the addition of vegetable biocholine (VB) in laying hens feed minimises the effects of daily intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). We allocated Hy-line Brown line laying hens into four groups with four replications/group and four birds/repetition. The treatments were as follows: Afla0Bio0: basal feed without aflatoxin and VB (natural contamination: 0.026 mg AFB1/kg), Afla0Bio800, basal feed supplementation of 800 mg VB/kg (natural contamination: 0.024 mg AFB1/kg); Afla2.5Bio0, basal feed contaminated experimentally with aflatoxin (2.51 mg/kg); Afla2.5Bio800, basal feed contaminated with aflatoxin (2.50 mg/kg) and supplemented with 800 mg VB/kg. The experiment took place over a period of 42 days, divided into two cycles of 21 days each. Significance was indicated byP≤0.05. The inclusion of aflatoxin reduced egg production after 42 days of consumption of contaminated feed. VB supplementation in the tested dose was insufficient to minimise the negative effects of the toxin on the laying rate. There was a lower percentage of yolk in Afla2Bio0 than in Afla0Bio0, and a higher percentage of albumen and specific gravity in Afla2.5Bio0 than in Afla0Bio0. Ingestion of aflatoxin in the feed increased lipoperoxidation (LPO) and decreased antioxidant capacity in the egg yolk; however, when VB was added, LPO was similar to the control. Lower total bacterial count (TBC) in the eggshell was observed when the birds consumed VB, as well as higher TBC in the eggshell of the birds was challenged with aflatoxin. In the blood of birds that consumed aflatoxin (Afla2.5Bio0) there was an increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and a reduction in the activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In the birds that consumed VB without aflatoxin challenge, we observed that there was a stimulation of GPx activity. We conclude that the consumption of VB had positive effects on the health of the laying hens and improved the quality of the eggs.

Effect of compost amendments from Tridax procumbens L. and cow dung on the microbial activity and agronomic traits of tomato plants infested with Ralstonia solanacearum

Incorporation of compost amendments into the soil is a promising strategy for the control of some soil-borne plant diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of compost amendments from Tridax procumbens L. and cow dung on the microbial activity and agronomic traits of tomato plants infested with Ralstonia solanacearum. Tridax procumbens L. and cow dung were composted for 20 days using five different proportions. Physicochemical properties and microbial load of the composts were determined using the standard methods. Isolates were identified based on morphological, colonial and biochemical characterisations. Different compost concentrations were added to sterile soil with and without Ralstonia solanacearum after which tomato nurseries were transplanted. Agronomic parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and leave area were determined after two and four weeks of transplanting. Cow dung only (CD) had the highest Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Fungal Count (TFC) of 265.67 x 104 CFU/g and 92.3 x 103 CFU/g respectively while T. procumbens only (TP) had the least TBC (46.3 x 104 CFU/g) and TFC (13.33 x 103 CFU/g) . Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Aspergillus species and Penicillium sp. were predominant throughout the duration of composting. Highest pH (7.3) was recorded by Cow dung + T. procumbens (C:T)(1:1) while TP had the least pH (6.2). Highest temperature (41.9 °C) was recorded by C:T(1:2) while TP recorded the least 29.8 °C. After four weeks, the compost amendments improved the plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, and leaf area in the un-infested and diseased tomato plants. This study showed that compost from T. procumbens and cow dung can be used to improve the growth of tomato and also suppress bacterial wilt of tomato.

Quantitative Analysis of Colostrum Bacteriology on British Dairy Farms.

Total bacterial counts (TBC) and coliform counts (CC) were estimated for 328 colostrum samples from 56 British dairy farms. Samples collected directly from cows' teats had lower mean TBC (32,079) and CC (21) than those collected from both colostrum collection buckets (TBC: 327,879, CC: 13,294) and feeding equipment (TBC: 439,438, CC: 17,859). Mixed effects models were built using an automated backwards stepwise process in conjunction with repeated bootstrap sampling to provide robust estimates of both effect size and 95% bootstrap confidence intervals (BCI) as well as an estimate of the reproducibility of a variable effect within a target population (stability). Colostrum collected using parlor (2.06 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 0.35–3.71) or robot (3.38 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 1.29–5.80) milking systems, and samples collected from feeding equipment (2.36 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 0.77–5.45) were associated with higher TBC than those collected from the teat, suggesting interventions to reduce bacterial contamination should focus on the hygiene of collection and feeding equipment. The use of hot water to clean feeding equipment (−2.54 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.76 to −1.74) was associated with reductions in TBC, and the use of peracetic acid (−2.04 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.49 to −0.56) or hypochlorite (−1.60 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.01 to 0.27) to clean collection equipment was associated with reductions in TBC compared with water. Cleaning collection equipment less frequently than every use (1.75 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: 1.30–2.49) was associated with increased TBC, the use of pre-milking teat disinfection prior to colostrum collection (−1.85 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −3.39 to 2.23) and the pasteurization of colostrum (−3.79 log cfu/ml, 95% BCI: −5.87 to −2.93) were associated with reduced TBC. Colostrum collection protocols should include the cleaning of colostrum collection and feeding equipment after every use with hot water as opposed to cold water, and hypochlorite or peracetic acid as opposed to water or parlor wash. Cows' teats should be prepared with a pre-milking teat disinfectant and wiped with a clean, dry paper towel prior to colostrum collection, and colostrum should be pasteurized where possible.

Evaluation of Toxicity and Bioremediation of Contaminated Drinking Water Sources in Delta State, Nigeria

Drinking water samples were collected from boreholes in six locations in Ughelli and environs in Delta State of Nigeria and were treated by filtration through a substrate colonized with mycelium of Pleurotus tuber-regium. Water samples were analysed for pH, heavy metal concentration and microbiological content before and after filtration. Results obtained showed that the pH of unfiltered water samples were acidic (5.0 – 5.8) and below the WHO and SON permissible limits for drinking water. The same trend was followed by the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, iron, zinc and chromium. Water samples from all six locations also had high total bacterial and coliform counts. Filtration through the mycelium colonized substrate showed adjustment of pH to a range within the WHO permissible limits. Reduction in heavy metal concentration ranged from 45.0 – 100%. Total bacterial count of mycofiltered water samples was impressively reduced by 77.3 – 100% and coliform count was not detected. The results obtained in this study makes mycofiltration a potential cost-effective and efficient technique for the treatment of potable water for domestic use.