Level Of Microbial Contamination Research Articles

Comparative performance of contact plate metod and swab method for surface microbial contamination on medical fabrics

BackgroundThe contact plate method is widely accepted and used in various fields where hygiene and contamination levels are crucial. Evidence regarding the applicability of the contact plate method for sampling fabric microbial contamination levels in real medical environments was limited. This study aimed to assess the applicability of the contact plate method for detecting microbial contamination on medical fabrics in a real healthcare environment, thereby providing a benchmark for fabric microbial sampling methods.MethodsIn a level three obstetrics ward of a hospital, twenty-four privacy curtains adjacent to patient beds were selected for this study. The contact plate and swab method were used to collect microbial samples from the privacy curtains on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th days after they were hung. The total colony count on each privacy curtain surface was calculated, and microbial identification was performed.ResultsAfter excluding the effects of time, room type, and curtain location on the detected microbial load, the linear mixed-effects model analysis showed that contact plate method yielded lower colony counts compared to swab method (P < 0.001). However, the contact plate method isolated more microbial species than swab method (P < 0.001). 291 pathogenic strains were isolated using the contact plate method and 133 pathogenic strains were isolated via the swab method. There was no difference between the two sampling methods in the detection of gram-negative bacteria (P = 0.089). Furthermore, the microbial load on curtains in double-occupancy rooms was lower than those in triple-occupancy rooms (P = 0.021), and the microbial load on curtains near windows was lower than that near doors (P = 0.004).ConclusionContact plate method is superior to swab method in strain isolation. Swab method is more suitable for evaluating the bacterial contamination of fabrics.

Two-year Monitoring of Microbiological Water Quality in Small Water Supply Systems: Implications for Microbial Risk Management.

Small water supply systems (SWSSs) are often more vulnerable to waterborne disease outbreaks. In Japan, many SWSSs operate without regulation under the Waterworks Law, yet there is limited investigation into microbial contamination and the associated health risks. In this study, the microbiological water quality of four SWSSs that utilize mountain streams as water sources and do not install water treatment facilities were monitored for over 2 years. In investigated SWSSs, the mean heterotrophic plate counts were below 350 CFU/mL, and the total bacterial loads (16S rDNA concentration) ranged from 4.71 to 5.35 log10 copies/mL. The results also showed the consistent presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), i.e., Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, suggesting the potential of fecal pollution. E. coli was then utilized as an indicator to assess the health risk posed by E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter jejuni. The results indicated that the estimated mean annual risk of infection and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) exceeded acceptable levels in all SWSSs for the two reference pathogens. To ensure microbial water safety, implementing appropriate water treatment facilities with an estimated mean required reduction of 5-6 log10 was necessary. This study highlighted the potential microbial contamination and health risk level in SWSSs that utilize mountain streams as water sources, even though the water sources were almost not affected by human activities. Furthermore, this study would also be helpful in supporting risk-based water management to ensure a safe water supply in SWSSs.

Storage implications on the microbiological quality of some locally manufactured pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical products non-sterile are expected to have a minimal microbial load which must not exceed the limits as stated in pharmacopoeia monographs. This study attempted to evaluate storage implications on the microbiological quality of some non-sterile pharmaceutical products manufactured locally in some states in south east Nigeria. Twenty brands of pharmaceutical products comprising 13 tablets, 5 capsules and 2 suspension procured from patent medicine and local drug markets in Aba and Enugu states were stored at room temperature (25oC) for 6 months. Microbial growth was evaluated at 0 and 6 months using standard microbiological procedures including Total aerobic bacteria plate count, isolation, characterization and identification of microbial contaminants. The results from the study showed that 55% and 30% of the pharmaceutical products had bacteria and fungi contamination at 0 month which increased to 70% and 50% at 6 months storage period respectively. Statistical analysis showed there was a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) in growth of micro-organisms at 6 months for both bacteria and the fungi/moulds (p &lt; 0.05). The isolated bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli while the fungi include Trichosporonasahii, Curvularia bothriochloae, Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis. All contaminated samples had microbial counts above the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) acceptabl limit of 103 and 102 CFU/ml for bacteria and fungi respectively. This can be attributed to poor adherence to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) by the manufacturers. Thus, it is recommended that manufacturers adhere strictly to cGMP and storage conditions stated on these pharmaceutical products followed strictly during distribution and storage to reduce the levels of microbial contamination.

Microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Edible oils are imported and produced in Ethiopia, notably in Gondar, and their production has expanded considerably in recent years. The expansion of locally produced edible vegetable oils with severe quality control, substandard edible oil production, and quality deterioration may contribute to the contamination of microbes, which may cause public health problems. This study determines the microbiological quality of edible vegetable oils being produced and marketed in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to July 2021 in Gondar City. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect 17 edible vegetable oil samples. Aseptically collected samples were analyzed in the microbiology lab room. The microbiological quality of vegetable oil was assessed using standard microbiological procedures and techniques. The collected data were entered into a Microsoft Excel 2016 spreadsheet and Stata Version 14. A non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess significant variation. Seventeen edible vegetable oil samples were examined and found to contain a varying number of bacteria, yeast, and molds. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the identified bacteria, whereas Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus were the identified fungi. Total coliform and fecal coliform isolates were also identified in the oil samples. A level of microbial contamination that has public health importance was observed in some of the oil samples analyzed, and the isolated microorganisms indicate unhygienic handling, processing, and storage practices in the oil production and market sites. The introduction of strict rules, regulations, and updated manufacturing technologies and processes to ensure food safety and quality is needed.

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.

Assessing the Microbial Contamination Levels in Milk Samples from Rural and Urban Areas: A Focus on Raisen and Bhopal Districts

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the level of microbial contamination in raw cow milk samples collected from farms in rural and urban regions of Raisen and Bhopal districts, Madhya Pradesh, India. Recent data are gathered to investigate the microbial quality of the milk samples directly, rather than relying on reported findings from other sources. The results reveal that both rural and urban milk samples exhibit significantly higher bacterial colony counts compared to acceptable limits for total viable count. The average total viable count for urban samples is 8.699 log CFU mL−1, with a standard deviation of 0.821 log CFU mL−1, using a sample size of 1 mL. Moreover, urban samples show a higher initial incubation count (8.728 ± 0.431 log CFU mL‐1), indicating potential unsanitary milk handling practices in urban areas. In contrast, rural milk samples demonstrate significantly lower bacterial counts (8.0778 ± 0.079 log CFU mL−1) and exhibit superior laboratory sanitization measures. Enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, Klebsiella species, and Shigella are found in both urban and rural milk samples after isolation. However, strains of bacterial culture specific to Pseudomonas and Salmonella species are exclusively detected in urban samples, suggesting a higher contamination level in urban areas compared to rural regions. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved milk production and handling practices in both rural and urban areas, particularly in urban settings where the contamination levels are found to be significantly higher. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of microbial quality in raw cow milk and emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate interventions to ensure the safety and quality of milk consumed by the population.

Uncovering the microbial diversity of Czech Republic archives: A study of metabolically active airborne microbes

Despite the diligent efforts of libraries, archives, and similar institutions to preserve cultural monuments, biodeterioration continues to pose a significant threat to these objects. One of the main sources of microorganisms responsible for the biodeterioration process is the presence of airborne microorganisms. Therefore, this research aims to monitor and compare outcomes of both culture-dependent (utilising various cultivation strategies) and culture-independent approaches (RNA-based sequencing) to identifying metabolically active airborne microorganisms in archives in the Czech Republic. Through this study, several species that have the potential to pose risks to both cultural heritage objects and the health of institution employees were found. Additionally, the efficacy of different cultivation media was demonstrated to be varied across archive rooms, highlighting the necessity of employing multiple cultivation media for comprehensive analyses. Of noteworthy importance, the resuscitating-promoting factor (Rpf) proved to be a pivotal tool, increasing bacterial culturability by up to 30% when synergistically employed Reasoner's 2A agar (R2A) and R2A + Rpf media. Next, the study emphasises the importance of integrating both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. The overlap between genera identified by the culture-dependent approach and those identified also by the culture-independent approach varied from 33% to surpassing 94%, with the maximum alignment exceeding 94% in only one case. Our results highlight the importance of actively monitoring and assessing levels of microbial air contamination in archives to prevent further deterioration of cultural heritage objects and to promote improved conditions for employees in archives and similar institutions.

MICROBIAL AIR POLLUTION IN POLTAVA

Regular monitoring of air quality indicators, including microbial composition, is crucial for public health and should be a cornerstone of national healthcare policy. However, existing scientific literature lacks comprehensive data on microbial air pollution in Ukraine, particularly in Poltava and its surrounding areas. This study aims to assess the level of microbial air pollution across various districts within Poltava city.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The Koch sedimentation method was used to assess the level of microbial air pollution in the districts of Poltava. For this purpose, atmospheric air sampling was taken in park zones of various districts in the city of Poltava during October 2023. For comparison, air samples were taken in deciduous and coniferous forests of villages adjacent to the city. According to the results of cultivation, the total microbial count (TCM) of the air in 1 m3 of each sample was calculated separately.&#x0D; Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out using the standard Microsoft Excel 2019 and GraphPad Prism Software 10.1.0 software packages. (US, 2023).&#x0D; Results. The study has revealed the greatest microbial pollution of atmospheric air was found in Pavlenkivskyi Park (Kyiv District, Poltava City). The air quality index of atmospheric air in Corpusnyi Park turned out to be 4 times lower, compared to the air index of the Kyiv district. During the cultivation of atmospheric air samples taken in the Voiniv-Afghantsiv park (Shevchenkivskyi district of the city), the TCM was determined to be 8.2 times lower than that of the Pavlenkivskyi park. Interestingly, the "Peremoha" park (Shevchenkivskyi district) exhibited the lowest levels of microbial contamination. Overall, the Podilskyi district demonstrated favorable air quality indicators, surpassed only by the "Peremoha" park. However, it's important to note the presence of hemolytic streptococci in this district, which poses a potential health risk.&#x0D; Conclusion. The highest level of microbial air pollution has been found in the Kyiv district of Poltava, the lowest level is within the boundaries of the Shevchenkivskyi district on the territory of the "Peremoha" park. Microbiological air quality in Poltava's park areas exhibits an inverse relationship with proximity to the city's central roads.

Ensuring Quality and Safety in Chicken Slaughterhouse Practices through Microbiological Evaluation

This study investigates the microbiological quality of chicken meat produced at a slaughterhouse, focusing on total plate count (TPC), Escherichia coli, Coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella sp. In the food industry, the slaughter of animals necessitates adherence to strict technical and hygienic standards to ensure product quality and safety. A knowledge gap exists regarding the correlation between slaughterhouse practices and microbial contamination levels in meat products. The aim of this research is to assess the microbial concentration in chicken meat and evaluate the effectiveness of sanitation procedures implemented during production. Through microbiological testing conducted at the slaughterhouse laboratory, it was found that the microbial concentrations in the sampled chicken meat were within acceptable limits according to national regulations. These results underscore the importance of stringent cleanliness and sanitation protocols in slaughterhouse operations to ensure the production of high-quality and safe meat products. Highlights: Quality Control: Ensures adherence to standards for safe food production. Sanitation Priority: Strict cleanliness maintains product quality. Microbiological Testing: Results within acceptable limits assure good product quality. Keywords: Broiler Chicken, Product Quality, Microbiological Test

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.

ANALYSIS OF NON-SPECIFIC STANDARDIZED PARAMETERS ON KUMIS KUCING LEAVES (Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.) PURPLE VARIETY

One of the plants in Indonesia that can be used as a medicine is the purple variety of cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.). This study aims to examine the quality and safety of the purple variety of Cat’s Whiskers as a raw material for traditional medicine so that it meets the requirements of being free from heavy metal, microbial, and aflatoxin contamination. The results of setting the standardization parameters on the dry material of cat’s whiskers leaves obtained drying losses, water content, total ash content, and acid insoluble ash content, respectively 8.45 ± 0.68%; 6.67 ± 1.15 %; 8.70 ± 0.09 %; 1.31 ± 0.16 %. The results of testing for the heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) on ??dry material and extracts were £ 0.0001 mg/kg. The results of testing the levels of microbial contamination in dry material and extracts obtained total bacteria 1.45x101 and 2.35x101 Cfu/gr, respectively. Test results for aflatoxin contamination on the dry material of Cat’s Whiskers leaves B1, B2, G1, G2 and total aflatoxin £ 0.50 ?g/kg and total aflatoxin £ 2 ?g/kg, respectively. The dried material and leaf extract of the purple variety of cat’s whiskers that were tested met the requirements stated in the regulation of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency number 32 of 2019 about traditional medicines' safety and quality requirements.

MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION TEST OF MIMOSA LEAVES SIMPLICIA

The Mimosa plant (Mimosa pudica L.) is a wild plant that can be easily found in Indonesia and all of its parts have been used in traditional medicine, especially the leaves. Seeing its pharmacological content and benefits, the leaves of the Mimosa plant have the potential to be used as a simplicia as raw material for herbal medicine. This study aims to determine microbial contamination of mimosa leaves simplicia according to the General Standard Parameters of Medicinal Plant Extracts of the Ministry of Health of Republic of Indonesia in 2000 and Regulation of the Head of Food and Drug Monitoring Agency of Republic of Indonesia Number 32 Year 2019 concerning Quality Requirements for Traditional Medicines. This research is a non-experimental observational research with a comparative descriptive analysis design. The microbial contamination level was assessed by Total Plate Count (TPC) test and Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC) test. The research data obtained is quantitative data which was analysed by counting the number of microbes that grew on Plate Count Agar (PCA) media and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media after being incubated at the appropriate growth temperature. The Total Plate Number of the Mimosa leaves sample is 3,9x104 CFU/gram and the Total Yeast and Mold Count is 2,5x103 CFU/gram. The results showed that the mimosa leaf simplicia met the microbial contamination requirements for Total Plate Number (£5x107) and Total Yeast and Mold Count (£5x105). It can be concluded that the mimosa leaves simplicia sample can be processed into drug preparations. Further research on pathogen Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridia, Salmonella, and Shigella microbial contamination and other quality standardization tests are needed.

Microbial Transfer by Intermittent Catheters: An In Vitro Evaluation of Microbial Transfer in Catheter With Variable Protective Features.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various protective features (eg, catheter cap, introducer tip, and catheter sleeve) of hydrophilic intermittent catheters against contamination with urinary tract infection-associated microorganisms using an in vitro model. An in vitro study of microbial transfer. Gloves were contaminated with uropathogenic microorganisms and used to simulate intermittent catheterization of male anatomical models with and without the protective features present in 5 commercially available hydrophilic catheters. Using this contaminated touch transfer method, both the meatus of the sterile male anatomical models and sterile surgical gloves of an operator were inoculated with a high level of microorganisms (107 and 109 colony-forming units [CFU], respectively). The operator then performed catheterization of the anatomical model. The most relevant segments of the catheter were sampled, and the level of microbial transfer and catheter contamination was quantified. Results from experimental and sample replicates from the 3 microbial species and 5 catheters (sleeved and unsleeved) were analyzed by pair-wise t tests and analysis of variance. Of the 5 commercially available sleeved intermittent catheters evaluated in this study, use of catheters with multiple protective components (ring cap, introducer tip, and catheter sleeve) resulted in significant improvement in protection against contamination with a 25- to 2500-fold lower level of microbial contamination (C1 segment) across all species as compared to catheters protected with only sleeves or un-sleeved catheters. The combination of a ring cap, protective introducer tip, and protective sleeve provides additional protection when compared to sleeve alone from transferring microbial contamination from the meatus to the advancing catheter. Additional research is needed to determine whether these design features result in fewer urinary tract infections among intermittent catheter users.

ПРЕДПОСЫЛКИ К РАЗРАБОТКЕ СИСТЕМ ОБЕЗЗАРАЖИВАНИЯ ВОЗДУХА СВИНОВОДЧЕСКИХ ПОМЕЩЕНИЙ С ПОМОЩЬЮ ЭЛЕКТРОФИЛЬТРОВ

Studies of microclimate parameters have shown the influence of microbial contamination on the productivity, growth and development of young pigs. It is known from the literature that exceeding the level of microbial contamination by 5 percent led to a decrease in the growth of piglets at weaning by 13.3 percent, in fattening pigs - to a decrease in live weight at slaughter by 3.7 percent. In addition, infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms affect the productivity of animals. For example, pneumogastroenteritis, transmitted aerogenically, affects from 30 to 95 percent of suckling piglets and weaning piglets. The damage caused by animal disease takes form of loss in productivity, death of sick animals and forced slaughter, as well as treatment costs. One of the promising and effective ways to clean the ventilation air in pig-breeding premises is the use of electrofiltration, including a wet electrofilter. There is little information in the scientific literature on the issues of disinfection of the air environment of pig-breeding premises from microbial contamination using electrofilters, which necessitates a more thorough consideration of this issue. (Research purpose) The research purpose is substantiating the prerequisites for the development of a methodology for determining the effectiveness of air disinfection with wet electrostatic filtering. (Materials and methods). The available studies on supply and exhaust ventilation systems and methods for determining the effectiveness of air purification by electrofilters from microorganisms were reviewed. Cited their shortcomings. (Results and discussion). It was found that wet electrostatic precipitators in the process of air purification generate ozone into the air, which is capable of destroying up to 95-99 percent of the population of dangerous microorganisms. It has been shown that by modernizing the air purification system in terms of improving the mechanisms for controlling ozone generation with a wet electrostatic precipitator, it is possible to improve the quality of the air environment by disinfecting the air with ozone. (Conclusions) It was determined that the effectiveness of cleaning the air of pig-breeding premises from microorganisms using wet electrostatic precipitators is relevant, further theoretical and experimental studies are needed.

Evaluation of fungal permeated lignocellulosic filter for remediation of water pollutants

The use of biological techniques to remove pollutants from the environment has been long advocated. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a fungal permeated lignocellulosic filter (mycofilter) in the removal of water pollutants using surface water as the test sample. A wild macrofungus was collected from a field within Osun State University, Oke-Baale, Osogbo, and cultured on potato dextrose agar. Identification was achieved using morphological and PCR techniques. Mycofilters (FCCs) were developed from pure macrofungus mycelium and diced pasteurized corncob (CC). Collected surface water (RW) was passedthrough three mycofilters, each with flow rates of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 ml/min. Diced pasteurized corncob (CC) was used as the negative control. Physicochemical parameters including pH, temperature, turbidity, cadmium, copper, iron, zinc, and lead, and microbial parameters i.e. total bacterial count (TBC) and Escherichia coli counts (ECC) of RW, CC, and FCC treated waters were determined. Phenotypically, the fungus was identified as Macrolepiota procera and yielded 650 bp by PCR product assessment on gel electrophoresis. Remarkably, FCC reduced the levels of turbidity, chemical, and microbial contaminants significantly at p = 0.001, &lt; 0.05, and ≤ 0.002 respectively compared to CC. The flow rate of 0.2 ml/min was the most efficient in reducing contaminants in the RW. This study reveals the potential of the Macrolepiota procera permeated filter in reducing water contaminants.

Heavy metal and microbial testing of selected cosmetic products in the Palestinian market

Excessive and continuous use of cosmetic products containing heavy metals can lead to harmful effects. International regulations mandate limited quantities of heavy metals contamination in cosmetic preparations to ensure consumer safety. This research aims to evaluate heavy metal and microbial contamination levels in selected cosmetic products available in the Palestinian market. We collected 35 samples randomly from 23 companies, representing four product types, and analyzed them for the presence of seven heavy metals: zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) using an atomic absorption spectrometer. We also interviewed pharmacists who sold these cosmetics to assess their knowledge of allowed limits and toxic effects associated with increased heavy metal content in cosmetics. The results indicated that all tested products exceeded the allowed limit for Cd (9.5 ± 2.3 ppm), Cu (33.8 ± 9.2 ppm), and Zn (151.0 ± 7.4 ppm). However, none of the tested samples showed microbial contamination. These findings underscore the significant heavy metal contamination of cosmetics present in the Palestinian market. Thus, there is a pressing need to register and quality-test all cosmetic products sold in the Palestinian market and to raise the pharmacists’ awareness and knowledge regarding heavy metals in cosmetics.

The Hygienic Quality of Meat Produced in a Lgeria: Meta-Analysis

Abstract This meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hygienic quality of meat in the context of Algerian meat production. A systematic literature search was conducted across various databases, yielding a pool of studies assessing the microbial contamination levels in different types of meat, including: poultry, beef, lamb, camel, sausages, and minced meat, within Algerian slaughterhouses and butcheries. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a combined sample size of 550 meat samples. The selected studies employed standardized methods for microbial enumeration: Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB). The collected data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled mean bacterial counts, as well as to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The results of this meta-analysis, revealed considerable variation in bacterial counts across different meat types and sources. The overall pooled, mean bacterial count was 5.15 colony-forming units per gram (CFU.g−1), with significant heterogeneity observed (I² = 87.52 %, P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that bacterial counts were notably higher in butcher shops, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve hygiene practices in these areas. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of individual studies on the overall results, and publication bias was evaluated through a funnel plot. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the hygienic quality of meat in Algerian meat production, emphasizing the significance of TAMB as an informative indicator. The observed variations in bacterial counts underscored the importance of hygiene practices throughout the meat supply chain, from farm to consumer.

Microbial quality assessment of biltong produced and marketed in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hygienic quality of biltong produced locally and sold in Lubumbashi. Methods: Seventy-five biltong samples were taken randomly from five supermarkets in the city of Lubumbashi, at the rate of 15 samples per supermarket. Thus, the mesophilic aerobic flora (MAF), yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens, were enumerated on these samples after a series of successive decimal dilutions and inoculations in selective media. Results: The results of microbiological analyzes revealed that levels of microbial contamination varied depending on the points of sale. MAF (2.34 ± 0.12 to 3.79 ± 0.17 x 106 CFU/g) as well as yeasts and molds (3.50 ± 0.17 to 4.25 ± 0.50 x 103 CFU/g) constituted the predominant flora of the biltong studied in five large supermarkets in the city of Lubumbashi with 100% of samples presenting levels of contamination above acceptable standards. S. aureus and C. perfringens were identified at low levels compared to acceptable standards, i.e. from 1.80 ± 0.07 to 3.79 ± 0.41 x 102 CFU/g and 15.33 ± 0.15 to 32, 33 ± 0.34 CFU/g, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlighted the exposure of the population of Lubumbashi to food poisoning through the consumption of locally produced biltong. Improving its hygienic quality involves reducing the total flora present on the meat, pathogenic germs and spoilage germs based on the initial microbiological quality of the meat used, improving personal hygiene agents assigned to production and improving the manufacturing process.

Reducing microbial airborne contamination and particulate matter using different oral suctions in dental clinic: A randomized controlled clinical trial

AimThis study aimed to assess oral suction devices in declining microbial airborne contamination level and particulate matter. Materials and methodsThis open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted in an educational hospital with 50 participants above 18 years of age, who had scheduled an appointment at a dental hygienist clinic for scaling procedure. Particulate matter and microbial airborne contamination levels were taken at the beginning for 15 min and during of scaling procedure. Participants were randomized to five groups: low suction, high & low suction, intraoral suction (IOS), extra-oral suction (EOS) & low suction, and IOS & EOS. Repeated measured ANOVA analysis was carried out using STATA version 13. ResultsParticipants had aged 34.4 ± 8.1 years and the average simplified oral hygiene index was 3.5 ± 1.2. Microbial airborne contamination level for each intervention group was different to baseline; low suction, intraoral suction, high & low suction, EOS & low suction, and EOS and intraoral suction were 1089 ± 610, 296.3 ± 321.2, 43.8 ± 52.1, 17.3 ± 7.3 and 14.3 ± 3.9, respectively [P value < 0.05]. Particulate matter shows evidence of no significant difference among oral suctions [P value > 0.05]. ConclusionLow or intraoral suction was not enough to reduce microbial airborne contamination for better infection control, practitioners highly recommended to use combination of suction devices. Clinical relevanceUsing extra-oral with intra-oral suction, or extra-oral suction with low section, or high & low suction are potentially better in microbial airborne contamination reduction compared with low or intraoral suction only. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (NCT05848245) on April 14, 2023.