Mean Total Bacterial Count Research Articles

Microbial Diversity in Milk of Women With Mastitis: Potential Role of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci, Viridans Group Streptococci, and Corynebacteria

Lactational mastitis constitutes a significant cause of premature weaning. However, its etiology, linked to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, has been scarcely reported. Research aim: The aim of this study was to describe the microbial diversity in milk samples from women suffering from lactational mastitis and to identify more accurately a collection of isolates belonging to coagulase-negative staphylococci, streptococci, and coryneform bacteria. This is a cross-sectional descriptive one-group study. A total of 5,009 isolates from 1,849 mastitis milk samples was identified by culture, biochemical, and/or molecular methods at the species or genus level. A more precise identification of a collection of 211 isolates was carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Mean total bacterial count in milk samples was 4.11 log10 colony-forming units/ml, 95% confidence interval [4.08, 4.15]. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common species being isolated from 91.56% of the samples, whereas Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 29.74%. Streptococci and corynebacteria constituted the second (70.20%) and third (16.60%) most prevalent bacterial groups, respectively, found in this study. In contrast, Candida spp. was present in only 0.54% of the samples. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a high diversity of bacterial species among identified isolates. Many coagulase-negative staphylococci, viridans group streptococci, and corynebacteria, usually dismissed as contaminant bacteria, may play an important role as etiologic agents of mastitis. Proper diagnosis of mastitis should be established after performing microbiological testing of milk based on standardized procedures. A reliable analysis must identify the mastitis-causing pathogen(s) at the species level and its(their) concentration(s).

Role of pond lining in dynamics of Sulphur recycling bacteria in pacific white Shrimp, Penaeus Vannamei grow out culture ponds

The present investigations compares observations on the trend of total heterotrophs, total vibrios and the sulphur cycling bacteria in earthen and lined white legged shrimp Penaeus vannamei culture ponds and the influence of farm level interventions like application of exogenous probiotics. The mean total bacterial counts (TBC) of pond water and sediments were close to or above 6 log CFU/ml. The sediment samples of earthen ponds showed slightly significantly higher (P < 0.01) TBC than the water samples. The total presumptive vibrio count was 2 log 0.73 ± 0.05 CFU/ml and 2 log 3.67 ± 0.98 CFU/ml in earthen and lined ponds, respectively, which were significantly different (P < 0.01). The sulphur cycling bacteria that is sulphur-oxidising bacteria (SOB) and the sulphur-reducing bacteria (SRB) were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in lined pond compared with earthen ponds throughout the culture period. There was no significant difference in SOB and SRB populations within the systems throughout the culture period indicating their balanced role of these bacterial populations in well-managed intensive culture ponds. It can be concluded that plastic lining ponds provide better management and healthier environmental conditions and sulphur cycling bacteria can be used as an indicator of pond environmental conditions. Also, the farm level interventions like application of probiotics play a significant role in maintaining the healthier pond environment.

Physicochemical and Bacteriological Analysis of Sludge and Water contaminated by Oil Spillage in Some Coastal Communities of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Crude oil contaminated sludge and water samples from four coastal communities (Ibeno, Onna, EsitEket and Eket) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were analyzed to investigate the bacterial load and physicochemical parameters using standard pour plate method and standard analytical methods respectively. The pH values of both (sludge and water) samples as determined ranged from 5.14 – 5.22 and 4.23 – 6.15 respectively which indicated that the samples are acidic in nature. Other physicochemical parameters determined were: temperature, electrical conductivity, moisture content, organic matter, total alkalinity, TDS, TSS, total hardness, DO, BOD, sulphate, chloride, oil and grease. The bacteriological analysis of the water and sludge samples showed mean total bacterial count of 3.57x104 and 1.77x103 cfu/ml respectively. The mean coliform counts of water and sludge samples were 1.5x102 and 8.4x101 cfu/100ml respectively. The result of these analyses showed that most of these parameters did not meet the WHO recommended standards. Hence, the environment should beremediated with immediate effect to avoid further disaster.

Plasmid Profile of Multiple Antibiotics Resistant (mar) Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Water Samples from Ebira Communities in Ekiti South Senatorial District

Plasmid curing of microbes and physicochemical analysis of water samples obtained from Ebira communities in six local governments in Ekiti South Senatorial District were analyzed. Antibiotic sensitivity and profile of bacterial isolates were analyzed using pour plating, disk diffusion method and gel electrophoresis techniques respectively while the plasmid were cured using acridine orange. The mean total bacterial count of the water samples collected from these six different local governments at different time ranged from 2.08 x 105 to 6.0 x 106 CFU/ml; the mean total coliform count ranged from 2.41 x 105 to 3.75 x 106 CFU/ml and the mean total Escherichia coli count (TEC) ranged from 1.53 x 105 to 3.45 x 105 CFU/ml. Total of 152 bacteria were recovered with E.coli having the highest distribution of 35% while Serratia marcensens had the least distribution of 0.7%. The highest antibiotic resistance of 100% was recorded against ceftazidine but only 17% of the isolates were resistant to gentamicin. About 56% of 34 selected MAR isolates carried plasmid(s) with high molecular weight ranging from 5.64Kbp to 23.13Kbp. Antibiotic resistance pattern and plasmids profile of selected MAR E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus prior to and after curing showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa became susceptible to augmentin and Staphylococcus aureus also became susceptible to ceftriazole while E. coli still maintained the earlier resistant pattern. The plasmid profiling of these isolates after curing indicated the lost of plasmids in each of the isolates. Present study however implicated the incidence of MAR bacteria in the sources of water in Ekiti-South Senatorial district as a serious health challenge, and confirmed the potential of acridine orange for plasmid curing.

Bacteriological quality of the wastewater used for irrigation at the vegetable farms in Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra Metropolis, Ghana.

Many developing countries, including Ghana, are water stressed. As such, farmers, particularly those in urban areas, have adopted the use of wastewater for irrigation. This study evaluated the bacteriological water quality of the wastewater used for irrigation in the vegetable farms at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra Metropolis, Ghana. In all, 40 wastewater samples were collected and analysed bacteriologically using the total aerobic plate count method. The isolated bacteria were identified biochemically using Bergey's manual for determinative bacteriology. Mean total bacterial colony count values in the range of 2.75-4.44 × 105 CFU/100 mL were isolated which far exceeds values of 1 × 103/100 mL recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for unrestricted irrigation of crops likely to be eaten raw. Enterobacter cloacae (51.4%), Klebsiella sp. (24.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.3%), Salmonella typhi (10.6%), Escherichia coli (2.2%) and Proteus sp. (0.4%) were the predominant bacteria isolated. Growers should use treated wastewater for farming while processors and consumers should minimize contamination risks of produce from the vegetable farms/garden to the plate.

Microbial Contamination and Hygiene of Fresh Cow’s Milk Produced by Smallholders in Western Zambia

A field study was performed to assess safety of smallholder fresh cow’s milk around Mongu, Western Province, Zambia. This involved observation and sampling of milk along the value chain from milking to point-of-sale and storage. Samples were collected from 86 cows, from 9 farmers, selling through two dairy cooperatives, with additional samples from informal markets. Production was very low; around one litre/day/cow and 10 L/day/herd. The milk was typically transported by bicycle in high ambient temperatures without refrigeration until reaching the point-of-sale (journey times of 30–120 min), where it was sold without pasteurisation despite milk-borne zoonoses being endemic (bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and Brucellosis). Although microbiological contamination was initially low, with geometric mean total bacterial count (TBC) of 425 cfu/mL (cfu = colony forming units) upon arrival at point-of-sale, poor hygiene led to high bacterial loads later on (geometric mean TBC > 600,000 cfu/mL after two days refrigeration), with almost all samples culture positive for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. After milking, milk was kept for 100–223 min at temperatures favouring microbial growth (median 34 °C) and sold without a microbial kill step. In this situation limited variation in observed standards of milk hygiene had no significant effect on milk end-product bacterial counts. Options for refrigerated transport are limited. Pasteurisation at the cooperative should be investigated, as this would largely remove pathogenic microbes present in the milk whether resulting from cattle infection or poor hygiene during milking and transportation. As milk is also purchased directly from producers, on-farm milk heating options should also be assessed. Smallholders may benefit from access to national markets by providing milk to large dairies, which have systems for ensuring safety. However, this requires significant investment and an increased and more consistent supply of milk; and many consumers, unable to afford milk sold through formal sectors, would not benefit.

Bacteriological quality of raw camel milk along the market value chain in Fafen zone, Ethiopian Somali regional state.

BackgroundThe camel is a multipurpose animal with a huge productive potential. Camel milk is a key food in arid and semi-arid areas of the African and Asian countries. The quality of milk is influenced by different bacteria present in milk. This study was conducted to evaluate total bacterial content in raw camel milk along the market chain in Fafen zone, Ethiopian Somali Regional State.MethodsOne hundred twenty-six raw camel milk samples were collected from Gursum (47.1 %) and Babile (52.9 %) districts. The three sampling levels included were udder (14.7 %), milking bucket (29.4 %) and market (55.9 %). Milk samples were analyzed for total bacterial counts (TBC) and coliform counts (CC). Furthermore, major pathogens were isolated and identified.Result108 (85.7 %) of raw camel milk samples demonstrated bacterial contamination. The overall mean TBC and CC of contaminated raw camel milk samples was 4.75 ± 0.17 and 4.03 ± 0.26 log CFU/ml, respectively. TBC increased from udder to market level and was higher in Gursum compared to Babile district (P < 0.05). Around 38.9 % of TBCs and 88.2 % CCs in contaminated raw camel milk samples were in the range considered unsafe for human utility. Staphylococcus spp. (89.8 %), Streptococcus spp. (53.7 %), E. coli (31.5 %), Salmonella spp. (17.6 %), Klebsiella spp. (5.6 %) and Enterobacter spp. (5.6 %) were the major bacterial microorganisms isolated.ConclusionThe majority of the bacterial isolates in this study showed high incidence in market as compared to production level. These results indicate a lack of compliance with good production practices and hygiene at milking, transportation and market of raw camel milk.

Short communication: Environmental mastitis pathogen counts in freestalls bedded with composted and fresh recycled manure solids

An experiment was conducted to compare bacterial counts of environmental mastitis pathogens in composted recycled manure solids bedding with those in fresh recycled manure solids. Eighteen Holstein cows were housed in 1 pen with 18 stalls. One row of 9 freestalls included mattresses and was bedded weekly with composted recycled manure solids. The second row of 9 freestalls included mattresses and was bedded weekly with fresh recycled manure solids. The back one-third of stalls toward the alleyway was covered in 25 to 50mm of bedding. Samples were taken from the back one-third of 4 stalls for both treatments on d 0, 1, 2, and 6 of each week. After 3wk, bedding treatments were switched between rows, making the total duration 6wk. Mean total gram-negative bacterial counts were approximately 0.5 log10 cfu/g of dry matter lower in the composted recycled manure solids on d 0 compared with fresh recycled manure solids. Klebsiella species, coliform, and Streptococcus species counts were at least 1.0 log10 cfu/g of dry matter lower in composted compared with fresh recycled manure solids on d 0. Only gram-negative bacterial counts on d 1 were reduced in composted recycled manure solids compared with fresh recycled manure solids. Differences were not observed between treatments in gram-negative bacterial, coliform, Klebsiella species, or Streptococcus species counts on d 2 and 6. Ash content was higher in composted recycled manure solids compared with fresh recycled manure solids on d 0, 1, 2, and 6. Despite the increase in ash after composting, bacterial counts of mastitis pathogens in composted recycled manure solids were comparable with those in fresh recycled manure when used as freestall bedding.

Seasonal trends in milk quality in Ireland between 2007 and 2011

The objectives of this study were to evaluate annual and seasonal trends in bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), and laboratory pasteurization count (LPC) in Ireland between 2007 and 2011 (inclusive), and to compare trends based on herd type and herd size. The unadjusted median SCC and TBC of all records were 266,000 and 17,000 cfu/mL, respectively. Data were transformed to log values and analyzed using a mixed model. Fixed effects included milk processor, year, month, and total monthly milk volume; milk producer was fitted as a random variable. After analysis, means were back transformed for interpretation. Annual SCC increased slightly from 259,000 cells/mL in 2007 to a peak of 272,647 cells/mL in 2009 and then declined slightly thereafter. Although statistically significant changes in annual TBC are probably not biologically relevant, values ranged between 23,922 and 26,290 cfu/mL. Annual LPC peaked in 2008 (265 cfu/mL), declined in 2009, and increased thereafter. Monthly mean SCC of all records increased from April onward, with the greatest increases seen from October to December, when the majority of cows entered late lactation. Monthly mean TBC exhibited a seasonal trend, whereby TBC was greatest at the beginning and end of the year, coinciding with winter housing. Seasonal milk production herds (n=8,002 herds) calve all cows in spring (February to April), whereas split-calving herds (n=1,829 herds) calve cows in the spring and autumn. From February to September, monthly SCC was lower for seasonal herds than for split-calving herds, whereas SCC was lower for split-calving herds for the remaining months. During winter (October to March), split-calving herds had lower monthly TBC than seasonal herds, most likely because of stricter regulations imposed upon them. Herd size was approximated using total annual milk production figures. Across all months, larger herds had lower SCC and TBC compared with smaller herds. No obvious improvements in milk quality were seen between 2007 and 2011. Farmers have the opportunity to improve milk quality by reducing bulk tank SCC in late lactation and by imposing stricter hygiene practices at the beginning and end of the year to overcome the seasonal variation of bulk tank TBC.

Effect of Brewery Effluent on the Microbiological Quality of Ikpoba River and Surrounding Borehole Waters in Benin City, Nigeria

Aim: The microbiological quality of Ikpoba River, Benin City-Nigeria and the surrounding borehole waters was investigated to assess the extent of pollution from Guinness Nigeria Plc, Benin City. Methodology: Microbiological parameters analyzed were total bacterial, fungal and coliform counts, and identification for indicator organisms. Results: For river water samples (RW1-RW4), mean total viable aerobic bacterial, fungal and coliform counts ranged from 0.06x10

Wound healing and antibacterial properties of methanolic extract of Pupalia lappacea Juss in rats.

BackgroundWound healing is a natural process that enables tissue repair after an injury. To shorten its duration and minimize associated complications, wounds are treated with medications. Currently there is a growing interest in the use of alternative wound dressing agents such as plant extracts. One plant used traditionally in wound treatment is Pupalia lappacea. In view of its use in wound care, we investigated the wound healing activities of 80% methanolic leave extract of Pupalia lappacea using excision, incision and dead space wound models. Also its effects on three common wound contaminants were investigated.MethodsExcision wounds were created, contaminated with microbes and treated with ointments (10% and 20% w/w) prepared from Pupalia lappacea. Incision and dead space wounds were also created in rats which were subsequently dosed orally with the extract. The wound healing activities of Pupalia lappacea ointment on excision wound was assessed by rates of wound contraction and epithelialization as well as its antibacterial effects. The effects of Pupalia lappacea on incision and dead-space wounds were determined by the wound breaking strengths and weights of the granuloma tissues formed, respectively.ResultsPupalia. lappacea ointments significantly (p < 0.05) accelerated wound healing with 20% ointment having the highest percentage wound contraction and rate of epithelialization. At 4, 7 and 14 days post treatment, mean total viable bacterial count of excision wounds of the extract treated groups were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared against the control. Wound breaking strengths and weights of granuloma tissues formed in the extract treated groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the control group. The minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained for the Pupalia lappacea extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were 9 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml, respectively, while the corresponding minimum bactericidal concentrations were 10 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml and 7 mg/ml.ConclusionThe results obtained showed that Pupalia. lappacea has good wound healing and antibacterial activities. These findings validate the use of this plant in traditional medicine for treatment of wounds.

Short communication: Bacterial counts in recycled manure solids bedding replaced daily or deep packed in freestalls

An experiment was conducted to compare bacterial counts of mastitis pathogens in deep-packed manure solids bedding with those in manure solids bedding replaced daily from mattresses. Eighteen Holstein cows were housed in 1 pen with 18 stalls. One row of 9 stalls was equipped with mattresses topped with bedding. The back one-third of these stalls toward the alleyway was covered in 25mm of recycled manure solids, which was removed daily for the next 6 d and replaced with bedding from the brisket board and lunge space areas of stalls. The second row of 9 stalls was bedded for 3 wk with 100 to 150mm of deep-pack recycled manure bedding from which only fecal matter was removed daily. After 3 wk, bedding treatments were changed between rows in a switchback design. Mean total gram-negative bacterial counts did not differ between treatments throughout the experiment. Coliform and Klebsiella spp. bacterial counts were lower in daily replaced bedding compared with deep pack across the experiment and on each of d 0, 1, 2, and 6. Streptococcal counts were reduced in daily replacement stalls compared with deep-pack stalls on d 0 and greater in daily replacement stalls compared with deep-pack stalls on d 1, 2, and 6. Daily replacement of recycled manure bedding from the back one-third of the stalls appeared to be an effective approach to reducing exposure to coliforms, specifically Klebsiella, but not streptococci. However, bacterial counts in bedding from both treatments were elevated throughout the trial and resulted in considerable risk for exposure to teats and development of intramammary infections.

Virus Occupational Exposure in Solid Waste Processing Facilities

It is well known that workers involved in the management of solid waste are at risk of exposure to bioaerosol, which is generally studied in relation to bacteria, fungi, and endotoxins. However, to date, there have been no reports on the incidence of work-related infectious diseases. To determine if occupational exposure to viruses occurs upon exposure to waste-related activities, monitoring was carried out in a landfill, a waste recycling plant, an incineration plant, and a waste collection vehicles. Air and surfaces were sampled and analyzed for torque teno virus (TTV), human adenovirus (HAdV), norovirus, rotavirus, and enterovirus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques. Positivity was confirmed by sequencing and quantification with real-time PCR; infectivity was also tested for culturable viruses. Samples were analyzed in parallel for mean total bacterial and fungi counts in both the summer and winter. In total, 30% (12/40) of air and 13.5% (5/37) of surface samples collected in plants were positive for HAdV and TTV. Among the eight HAdV-positive samples, six (75%), revealed in landfill and recycling plant air and in incinerator and waste vehicles surfaces, were able to replicate in cell culture and were subsequently confirmed as infective. The frequency of detection of virus-positive samples was similar in both seasons, but with evident differences in the type of virus detected: TTV and HAdV were more frequently detected in the summer and winter, respectively. The area of highest viral contamination was the paper selection landfill. Fungi and bacterial contamination did not correlate with viral presence or concentration. In conclusion, we evidence that working with solid and liquid waste can lead to infectious viruses, included in Group 2 of the European Directive 90/679/CEE pathogens list; thus, further investigation on the sources and routes of contamination is needed in order to assess the occupational risk.

Microorganisms Associated with Corrosion of Water Pipelines in Minna, Niger State

Micro organisms associated with corrosion of water pipelines in Barkin-Sale, Bosso, Chanchaga, Keteren-Gwari, Maikunkele and Kwangila areas of Minna metropolis in Niger State of Nigeria were isolated. Corroded water pipes and soil samples were analysed for microbiological and physicochemical properties between the months of February and July, 2008. Bacteria isolated were Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfotomaculum nigrificans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Lactobacillus lactis, Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus var mycoides, B. subtilis, B. cereus and Staphylococcus aureus while fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus, Penicillium notatum, Candida tropicalis, Mucor mucedo, Torulopsis candida, Geotrichum candidum and Fusarium solani The bacterium most frequently isolated was D. desulfuricans (56.67%) while the fungus with the highest occurrence was A. niger (25.00%). The mean total aerobic bacterial counts ranged from 3.50x103cfu/g to 7.16x104cfu/g, mean total anaerobic bacterial counts ranged from 5.59x104cfu/g to 7.69x106cfu/g and the mean total fungal count ranged from 3.0x103 cfu/g to 5.63x105cfu/g. From the data, there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the mean total aerobic bacterial counts, anaerobic bacterial counts and fungal counts in the various locations. Key Words: Microorganisms, water pipes, corrosion, soil samples, microbiological and physicochemical properties

Milk production, raw milk quality and fertility of dromedary camels (Camelus Dromedarius) under intensive management

In many arid countries, dromedaries play an important role as a milk source in rural areas. However, the milk and meat production potential of this species is not well understood and documented. A large-scale camel dairy farm was established in 2006 in the United Arab Emirates. This study summarises the most important data on milk production, raw milk quality and reproductive efficiency collected on this farm during the first three years of operation. The average daily milk production, the mean length of lactation and the mean total milk production per lactation of 174 dromedaries were 6.0 ± 0.12 kg (± SEM), 586 ± 11.0 days (± SEM) and 3314 ± 98.5 kg (± SEM), respectively. The lactation curve reached its peak during the 4th month after parturition (mean ± SEM, 8.9 ± 0.04 kg), then it declined gradually, falling to 50% of the maximum by the 16th month postpartum (mean ± SEM, 4.3 ± 0.06 kg). Milking three times a day did not increase daily milk production compared to two times milking. Mean total viable bacterial count (TVC) and mean somatic cell count (SCC, ± SEM) of bulk raw camel milk were 4,403 ± 94 CFU/cm3 and 392,602 ± 5,999 cells/cm3 for a one-year period, respectively. There was a significant difference among months (P < 0.001). Coliform count was < 10 CFU/cm3 in most cases (96.5%). The average (± SEM) fat, protein, lactose, total solids (TS) and solid-non-fat (SNF) concentrations of individual milk samples were 2.51 ± 0.03%, 2.60 ± 0.01%, 4.03 ± 0.03%, 9.98 ± 0.03% and 7.56 ± 0.03%, respectively. Lactation period, average daily milk production and morning vs. evening milking significantly influenced milk chemical composition. For the 470 camels in the breeding programme, end-of-season pregnancy rate and birth rate were 87.0% and 82.6%, respectively, after natural mating. We have demonstrated that sustainable milk production is possible from a traditional species, the dromedary camel, under an intensive management system.

Determinants of raw milk quality under a smallholder production system in selected areas of Amhara and Oromia National Regional States, Ethiopia

The determinants of raw milk quality were studied in 384 households from six districts of Amhara and Oromia National Regional States, Ethiopia. The analysis revealed that there is a significant difference (P<0.01) in all physico-chemical milk quality parameters among the districts. The overall mean percentages of fat, solid non-fat (SNF) and protein obtained were 5.22, 8.44 and 3.12 in that order. Protein level had positive and negative significant (P<0.01) correlations with lactose and freezing point respectively. Mean total bacterial count (TBC/ml), total coli form count (TCC/ml) and somatic cell count (SCC) were 1.1x10 8 , 3.0x10 4 and 5.5x10 5 , respectively and there were significant differences between study sites. Milk handling and adulteration practices were the most likely causes for the observed difference in microbial quality of raw milk. Breed, parity number, feeding system, farming experience and distance from dairy technology dissemination centers had significant influence on fat and protein percentages. Practicing different dairy technology which is supported with a continuous training on how to manage the farm and integrated with a near proximity veterinary service; stronger milk quality control establishment and quality base payment should be practiced to discourage adulteration.

Detection Of Escherichia Coli, An Indicator Of Feacal Contamination, In Drinking Water Sources In Amassoma, Niger Delta Of Nigeria

The detection of Escherichia coli as an indicator of faucal contamination in drinking water sources in Amassoma town, a host Community of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, was carried out to determine their suitability for drinking. Result obtained showed mean total coliform bacterial counts of 2.05 x10 3 cfu/ml for borehole water, 1.25x10 3 cfu/ml for well water and 1.0x10 3 for pipe borne water. The mean count of faecal coliform was 2.1x10 3 cfu/ml for borehole water, 4.5x10 cfu/ml for well water and 1.0x10 cfu/ml for pipe borne water. The faecal coliform identified was Escherichia coli. Sources of contamination were found to be septic tanks, waste dump sites and periodic flooding of the area, being a typical wetland environment. It was concluded that water from the different sources studied in Amassoma did not meet the world health Organization (WHO) standard for drinking water. This study has therefore shown the need for continuous monitoring of our water supply systems.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Assessment of Soil Contaminated with Lairage Effluent in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

The microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of soil contaminated with lairage effluent were investigated. A total of twenty samples were analyzed for total heterotrophic bacterial count, fungal count, Vibrio cholerae count, Salmonella-Shigella count, Escherichia coli count and coliform count. The media used were nutrient agar, potato dextrose agar, eosin methylene blue agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, MacConkey agar, thiosulphate citrate bile-salt sucrose agar. The pour plate technique was used for the inoculation of samples. The mean total heterotrophic bacterial count for the contaminated soil ranged from 5.65 ± 0.17Log10cfu/g to 5.94 ± 0.29Log10cfu/g while the control soil was 6.85 ± 0.03Log10cfu/mL. The mean fungal count ranged from 3.04 ± 0.19Log10cfu/g to 3.64 ± 0.41Log10cfu/g for the contaminated soil and 3.38 ± 0.20Log10cfu/mL for control soil. Salmonella-Shigella mean count ranged from 2.30 ± 0.09Log10cfu/g to 2.48 ± 0.07Log10cfu/g for the contaminated soil and 2.48 ± 0.09Log10cfu/g for the control soil. Vibrio cholerae mean count for contaminated soil ranged from 2.60 ± 0.35Log10cfu/g to 3.30 ± 0.03cfu/g while the control soil was 2.30 ± 0.10Log10cfu/g. Escherichia coli mean count for contaminated soil ranged from 3.00 ± 0.22Log10cfu/g to 3.38 ± 0.15Log10cfu/g and 3.38 ± 0.05Log10cfu/g for the control soil. The coliform mean count for contaminated soil ranged from 4.53 ± 0.11Log10cfu/g to 4.66 ± 0.10Log10cfu/g and 4.40 ± 0.024Log10cfu/mL for the control soil. The mean microbial counts for the lairage effluent ranged as follows total heterotrophic bacterial count, 6.39 ± 0.10Log10cfu/mL; fungal count, 3.28 ± 0.03Log10cfu/mL; Salmonella-Shigella count, 2.60 ± 0.08Log10cfu/mL; Vibrio cholerae count, 3.23 ± 0.20Log10cfu/mL; Escherichia coli count, 3.30 ± 0.01Log10cfu/mL and coliform count, 4.74 ± 0.09Log10cfu/mL. The mean values of the physicochemical parameters for the contaminated soil were temperature, 29 ± 1.0C; pH, 5.8 ± 0.5; conductivity, 55.7 ± 3.0μS/cm, oil and grease, 2.0 ± 0.2mg/kg; total organic carbon, 1.66 ± 0.1%; phosphate, 1.95 ± 0.2mg/kg; nitrate, 0.66 ± 0.01mg/kg; sulphate, 22.5 ± 3.0mg/kg; calcium, 303 ± 20.0mg/Kg; magnesium, 92 ± 3.0mg/kg, potassium, 5.0 ± 0.5mg/kg, sodium, 0.72 ± 0.02mg/Kg. The mean values for the control soil sample were temperature, 28 ± 0.5C; pH, 6.7 ± 0.5; conductivity, 45.8 ± 2.0μS/cm; oil and grease, 1.0 ± 0.01mg/kg; total organic carbon, 0.88 ± 0.02%; phosphate, 0.57 ± 0.03mg/kg; nitrate, 0.30 ± 0.01mg/kg; sulphate, 12.74 ± 1.0mg/kg; calcium, 148 ± 10.0mg/kg; magnesium, 81± 2.0mg/kg; potassium, 2.0 ± 0.1mg/kg; sodium, ± 0.02mg/Kg. The mean values for the lairage effluent were temperature, 30 ± 2.0C; pH, 7.8 ± 1.0; conductivity, 40.8 ± 4.0μS/cm; turbidity, 72.0 ± 4.0NTU; chloride, 8.0 ± 0.5mg/L; dissolved oxygen, 1.2 ± 0.3mg/L; biochemical oxygen demand, 36.0 ± 5.0mg/L; chemical oxygen demand, 82.0 ± 10.0mg/L; total suspended solids, 63.0 ± 8.0mg/L; total dissolved solids, 24.0 ± 2.0mg/L; nitrate, 0.85 ± 0.03 mg/L; sulphate, 1.0 ± 0.05mg/L; phosphate, 2.2 ± 0.5mg/L and ammonia, 0.83 0.02mg/L. The lairage effluent from this result is responsible for the contamination of the soil.

Microbial quality and chemical composition of raw milk in the Mid-Rift Valley of Ethiopia

The study was carried out to assess the microbial quality and chemical composition of raw milk collected from selected districts of East Shoa and West Arsi zones of Oromia Regional State in Mid-Rift Valley of Ethiopia. A total of 60 and 48 milk samples collected from individual households were analyzed for microbial quality and chemical composition of milk, respectively. Means of total bacterial counts were significantly different (P 0.05) among districts. The overall mean total bacterial counts and coliform counts in the study area were 7.08 ± 0.07 and 4.35 ± 0.06 ml-1, respectively. The result indicated that the milk samples collected from all districts were subjected to microbial contamination. Therefore, adequate sanitary measures should be taken at all stages from production to consumption. The overall mean for fat, protein and solid-not-fat percents were 5.48±0.19, 3.46±0.04 and 9.10±0.09, respectively and fat percent was significantly different (P<0.05) between breeds and among districts. The results of chemical composition were found to be adequate as compared to the standard level. Key words: Mid Rift Valley, microbial quality, chemical composition, raw milk.

Microbiological quality of raw donkey milk from Campania Region

Microbiological quality of raw milk from eight healthy donkeys reared in Campania Region was investigated. A total of 152 samples were analyzed in order to evaluate the milk safety status trough monitoring mesophilic total bacterial count (TBC) at 32°C and 20°C, psychrophilic TBC at 5°C, Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and somatic cell count (SCC). The ranges for mesophilic bacteria at 32°C, 20°C and psy- chrophilic bacteria at 5°C were, respectively, 2.80–4.00 Log CFU/mL, 2.84–3.92 Log CFU/mL and 1.27–2.12 Log CFU/ml. Enterobacteriaceae showed a load ranging between 0.68–1.93 Log CFU/mL. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated. Estimated SCC values were always under 50.000 cells/mL. Additionally quantitative changes of bacterial population in raw bulk milk during eight storing days at 8°C and 3°C, were evaluated. Firstly, fresh bulk milk was contaminated by bacteria with a mean TBC at 32°C and 20°C of 2.71 Log CFU/mL and 2.64 Log CFU/mL, respectively, whereas TBC at 5°C and Enterobacteriaceae were not detected. After eight days of storage at 8°C, TBC at 32°C, 20°C and Enterobacteriaceae increased by three Log and TBC at 5°C by five Log. On the other side, after eight days of storage at 3°C no gradual Log increase was detected. Our results showed that donkey milk could be a good healthy ingredient for feeding where good hygienic procedures are applied and storage is kept at temperature lower than 3°C.