Mean Total Viable Count Research Articles

Microbial Quality of Fresh Beef from Different Slaughter Facilities in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study was done to assess the microbial quality of fresh beef samples, water and contact surfaces from selected slaughter facilities in Oyo state, Nigeria. In a completely randomized design, a total of 127 samples were collected from three different slaughter facilities. They were analyzed for microbial load using standard procedures. Parameters measured were Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Fungal Count (TFC), Total Escherichia coli Count (TEC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC) and Total Salmonella Count (TSLC). The results showed no significant differences (P<0.05) between the mean TVC and TFC of the fresh meat samples collected from the slaughter facilities. However, significant differences existed (P<0.05) between the means of the TCC (log CFU/g) of the beef. The values were 2.30, 1.82 and 10 1.91 for Akinyele central abattoir, Kara Sawmill slaughter slab and Atenda slaughter slab respectively. The TVC, TFC, TCC values recorded for this study were below the standard threshold levels. The presence of Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp on contact surfaces indicates that the hygienic practices of butchers and general sanitary conditions of the slaughter house facilities are poor, therefore stricter hygiene practices are recommended in Nigerian slaughter houses and abattoirs to safeguard public health.

Assessment of the Hygienic Practices and Microbial Quality of Broiler Meat and its Contact Surfaces From Poultry Retail Outlet and Cold Room in Rivers State Nigeria

Poor hygiene and sanitary practices among poultry meat sellers can lead to the contamination of meat. This contamination can occur as a result of contamination from the contact surfaces in the cold room and retail outlet. The aim of the present study was to assess the sanitary quality of Broiler meat and its contact surfaces (apron, butcher hand, butcher table, bowl, butcher knife and weighing scale) in cold room and retail outlet. Swab samples were assessed for total bacteria count, total coliform count, total staphylococcus count and total fungal counts using Standard Microbiology methods. Mean Total viable count of each sample ranged from Log 10 cfu/cm2/g 3.64 to7.94 and 3.14 to 4.75 from the retail outlets and Cold-room respectively. Mean Total Staphylococcus count. of each sample ranged from Log 10 cfu/cm2/g 1.67to 4.67 and 2.01 to 3.87 from the retail outlets and Cold-room respectively. Counts from the retail outlets were significantly higher than counts in the cold room. Organisms isolated included ; Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Salmonella sp, Aeromonas sp, Pseudomonas sp, Klebsiella sp and Enterobacter sp. Fungi isolated was Aspergillus sp, Saccharomyces sp, Penicillium sp and Rhodotorula sp. Antibiogram was carried out on the isolated organisms it was observed that Klebsiella sp and Enterobacter sp were resistant to most of the antibiotics used. In order to prevent cross-contamination of meat with isolated bacteria, appropriate cleaning and sanitization steps are required. According to the study, meat contact surfaces that were not thoroughly cleaned before usage, could function as a source of cross contamination. It is recommended that meat sellers especially in developing countries need proper education and training on good hygiene practice. Regulating agencies are also advised to ensure strict compliance by meat sellers to safety standards by embarking on routine inspection at retail outlets and market places.

Microbial Quality of Sliced and Packaged Fruits in Polyethylene Sold in Port Harcourt Rivers State, South-South Nigeria

Fresh fruits promote good health but harbor a wide range of microbial contaminants. This study assessed the microbial quality of fruits and safety of Polyethylene packed sliced fruits sold in Port-Harcourt markets. 36 samples of freshly cut fruit comprising of Pawpaw (Carica papaya), Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) were randomly collected from different sellers within Port Harcourt metropolis. Samples were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Mean Total viable count ranged from Log10cfu/g5.85 – 6.34, mean Total Fungi Count Log10cfu/g 3.23– 3.85. Nine bacteria were identified. Staphylococcus aureus (27.4%) was the most frequently isolated followed by Shigella spp (19.4%), Escherichia coli (16.1%), Bacillus spp(14.5%), Aeromonas Sp(8%), Enterobacter sp(4%), Klebsiella spp and Salmonella spp (4.8%) respectively. Samples of Pawpaw had high microbial contamination when compared to other fruit samples. The study comes to the conclusion that consumers' awareness of the risks of eating packed sliced fruits should be increased, and that they should once again insist on properly processed/packaged sliced fruits.

Assessments of Contamination and Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Pounded Yam Sold Along Major Roads in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Pounded yam is a staple food consumed in Makurdi, Benue State. The food is sold along major streets and roads in the town, as such; it is prone to bacterial contamination from different sources. The study was aimed at assessing the contamination and susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from pounded yam sold along major roads in Makurdi metropolis. One hundred and forty (140) samples of pounded yam were aseptically collected from seven food vending sites (Wurukum, Wadata, High level, Naka road, Otukpo road, Gboko road and North bank) and analyzed for bacterial contamination using standard microbiological procedures. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for the antibacterial susceptibility testing. The antibiotics tested were Septrin, Chloramphenicol, Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Gentamycin, Pefloxacin, Tarivid and Streptomycin. If a bacterial isolate proved resistant to at least three of the tested antibiotics, it was deemed to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). A total of four species of bacteria which included Staphylococcus aureus (35.66%), Escherichia coli (18.18%), Klebsiella spp (11.20%) and Proteus spp (34.97%), were isolated from the pounded yam samples. The mean total viable count of all the samples; which ranges from 2.61x105cfu/g (Wadata) to 3.25x105cfu/g (Otukpo road) are within the acceptable limits for food. Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia coli and Proteus spp were multidrug resistant to four, six and three antibiotics respectively, according to the antibacterial susceptibility test. Staphylococcus spp showed 31.37% susceptibility to Septrin, 37.25% to Streptomycin and 33.33% of the Staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to Sparfloxacin and Amoxycillin. For Escherichia coli, more than 50% of the 26 Escherichia coli isolates showed resistance to Septrin (46.16%), Sparfloxacin (42.31%), Amoxicillin (42.31%), Gentamycin (38.46%), Perfloxacin ((46.15%) and Streptomycin (23.08%). Proteus spp showed 44.00% susceptibility to Chloramphenicol, 30.00% to Sparfloxacin and 40.00% to amoxicillin. Klebsiella spp showed 25.00% susceptibility to Amoxicillin only. The study identified that pounded yam sold along major roads in Makurdi metropolis are contaminated with bacteria of public health importance. Therefore hygienic way of food preparation is of utmost importance to prevent contamination of food with these organisms resulting to food borne diseases.

BACTERIAL FLORA OF CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) FROM FISH PONDS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Fish is a very important component of human diet. A total of 64 samples of Clarias gariepinus were collected from two fish ponds each in Yaba, Ijegun, Ikorodu and Epe in Lagos State, Nigeria. The bacterial flora of the fishes were determined quantitatively and qualitatively. The mean total viable count ranged from log10 7.6 cfu/g to log10 7.9 cfu/g. The bacterial load on the skin and in the intestine were generally higher than in the gills. Salmonella count ranged between log10 7.2 cfu/g and log10 7.6 cfu/g and it was highest in the intestine, followed by skin and gills. Coliform count was higher in the intestine and on the skin than the gills with range values of log10 7.6 cfu/g) to log10 7.9 cfu/g. Staphylococcal count was highest on the skin than the intestine and gills. The range of count was log10 7.2 cfu/g in the gills to log10 7.6 cfu/g on the skin. The bacteria isolated were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characterization using Analytical Profile Index and they include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Vibrio fluvialis, Serratia odorifera, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus penneri, Burkholderia cepacia, Enterobacter pyrinus, Salmonella enteritidis, Edwardsiella tarda, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus mycoides, Corynebacterium pilosum, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus roseus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus polymyxa, Micrococcus leteus and Corynebacterium kutscheri. The occurrence of pathogenic bacteria may constitute public health hazard

Detection of antibiotic-producing bacteria from soil samples in parts of Wudil local government area Kano State, Nigeria

The emergence of new diseases and multiple-antibiotic resistance pathogens that resist the action of clinically used antibiotics have increased the needs of discovering new antibiotics. However, soil served as the most important target for most researchers in their attempt of discovering new antibiotics that have pharmaceutical values. The aim of this study was to detect the antibiotic-producing bacteria from soil samples in parts of Wudil local government of Kano state using standard procedure. The color ranged from light brown to dark brown. The texture ranged from clay loam, clay and loam. Sample C was found to have the highest mean pH and electrical conductivity of 7.46 and 108.90μs/cm, respectively, while sample B had the least mean values of 6.95 and 73.53μs/cm, respectively. The highest mean bulk devsity and particle density was sample B with 1.60g/cm3 and 1.87g/cm3, respectively, while sample C had the least mean values of 1.48g/cm3 and 1.71g/cm3, respectively. Sample C was found to have the highest mean moisture content and porosity with 17.93% and 15.57%, respectively, while sample A had the least mean values with 10.61% and 10.74%, respectively. Four bacterial spp. were identified based on morphological description, gram’s reaction and biochemical tests, and were identified as Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., Pseudosomonas spp. and Proteus spp. Sample C was found to have the highest mean total bacterial viable plate count of 19.9×105cfu/g, while sample B had the least mean value of 4.1×105cfu/g. Bacillus spp. was found to have the highest percentage occurrence with 21(47%), while Proteus spp. had the least value with 4(9%). E. coli had the highest and least susceptibility to metabolites produced by Bacillus spp. and Pseudosomonas spp. with inhibition zones of (17 and 0mm) respectively. While the control (Erythromycin 250mg/ml) produced the inhibition zones of (27 and 21mm) against E. coli and S. aureus respectively. It was concluded that soil samples in Lajawa, Kausani, Wudil Sabon gari and Wudil Tsohon gari of Wudil local government contained the bacteria with potentiality of producing antimicrobial substance and recommended the use of molecular techniques for further characterization.

Product characterization of a traditional sausage aiming at geographical indication certification and entrepreneurship prospects: an empirical study of Goan “choris”

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the physico-chemical, microbiological, colorimetric, sensorial characterization of choris, a traditional smoked pork sausage produced in the state of Goa (India), including its storage stability (0–180 days) at room temperature, aiming at the geographical indication certification and entrepreneurship prospects.Design/methodology/approachA total of 48 samples of “choris” were collected from 24 villages of Goa and were analyzed at different intervals (0–180 days) for physico-chemical, proximate, microbiological, colorimetric and sensory attributes during the storage at room temperature.FindingsThe mean pH of 4.45 and water activity (aw) of 0.78 were recorded. The pH, tyrosine value, fat percentage and free fatty acid content registered a significant increase, whereas moisture content, aw and moisture–protein ratio reduced as storage progresses. The colorimetric values lightness (L*), hue angle (H*) and redness index values reduced significantly during storage. The mean total viable count, yeast and mold, and lactic acid bacteria count were found to proliferate significantly as storage advanced. Nevertheless, the hedonic scores not reaching an unacceptable level (= 4) at the end of the storage period.Originality/valueIn accordance with the various parameters adopted during the study, choris could be characterized as “naturally fermented dry smoked” sausages, which were shelf-stable at room temperature for 180 days. The product characterization of choris is essential to guarantee the genuineness, safety and consumer's acceptability. This study will also rebound in an augmented uniformity of the product, which will favor the geographical indication certification and the entrepreneurship prospects of this traditional product.

Hand Hygiene Evaluation Using Two Different Evaluation Tools and Hand Contamination of Veterinary Healthcare Workers in a Swiss Companion Animal Clinic.

Hand hygiene (HH) is the most important measure to prevent nosocomial infections. HH compliance in companion animal clinics has been reported to be poor. The present study compared an online application with the WHO evaluation form to assess the WHO five moments of HH in a Swiss companion animal clinic. In 202 hand swabs from 87 staff members, total viable count (TVC) before and after patient contact was evaluated and the swabs were tested for selected antimicrobial resistant microorganisms of public health importance. HH compliance (95% confidence interval) was 36.6% (33.8–39.5%) and was similar when assessed with the two evaluation tools. HH differed between hospital areas (p = 0.0035) and HH indications (p < 0.0001). Gloves were worn in 22.0% (18.0–26.6%) of HH observations and were indicated in 37.2% (27.3–48.3%) of these observations. Mean TVC before patient contact was lower (0.52 log CFU/cm2) than after patient contact (1.02 log CFU/cm2) but was similar before patient contact on gloved and ungloved hands. Three hand swabs (1.5% (0.4–4.3%)) were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Gloving should not be regarded as a substitute for HH. Overall, HH in companion animal medicine should urgently be fostered.

English

Prevalence and incidence of foodborne illness in developing countries has risen in recent times as a result of increased demand for Ready-To- Eat (RTE) foods. The current study assessed the microbiological quality of khebab sold at selected areas within the Kumasi metropolis. A total of 36 khebab samples were purchased and analyzed for Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliforms Count (TCC) and Thermotolerant Coliforms Count (TTC). The results showed that the mean TVC, TCC and TTC in beef khebab at the different locations ranged from 6.91- 7.23 Log10 CFU/g, 7.25-9.23 Log10 MPN/g and 4.97-7.75 Log10 MPN/g respectively. For chevon khebab, it ranged from 6.83-7.25 Log10 CFU/g, 7.98 - 9.23 Log10 MPN/g and 6.61-8.81 Log10 MPN/g respectively. That of gizzard khebab ranged from 6.89-7.30 Log10 CFU/g, 7.98-9.23 Log10 MPN/g and 6.89-7.53 Log10 MPN/g respectively. The mean TVC, TCC and TTC for the beef khebab were not significant (p = 0.680, 0.055 and 0.070) respectively. For the chevon, the TVC and TCC were not significant (p = 0.547 and 0.121) respectively but that of the TTC was significant (p = 0.034). The mean TVC, TCC and TTC of the gizzard were not significant (p = 0.794, 0.056 and 0.822) respectively at the different locations. These mean microbial loads (TVC, TCC and TTC) in the khebab samples exceeded the standard acceptable limits (? 5 Log CFU/g and ? 2 Log10 MPN/g). Since the microbial loads exceeded the standard acceptable limits, it could put consumers at high risk of contracting foodborne infection. This result should prompt the relevant institutions responsible for ensuring food safety in the metropolis to strictly enforce the standard regulations on food safety practices as well as carry out adequate monitoring to avoid possible foodborne infections. &nbsp; Key words: Khebabs, total viable count, total coliforms count, thermotolerant coliforms count.

Clinical and Microbiological Assessment of Carisolv and Polymer Bur for Selective Caries Removal in Primary Molars.

Aim and objectiveTo assess the efficacy of the new Carisolv system and Polymer bur (SmartbursII®) for selective caries removal in primary molars clinically and microbiologically, compared with the conventional mechanical method.Materials and methodsSixty children with class I active carious lesions were selected. The children were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 20) according to the caries removal method. Under rubber dam isolation, dentin samples were taken before and after caries removal for microbial culture. Time spent in each technique was recorded. The clinical efficacy of caries removal was verified using caries detector dye. Patient satisfaction toward the treatment was evaluated using a facial image scale.ResultsThe median of caries detector dye scores was significantly lower in the conventional group compared to others (p value < 0.05). The mean time for caries removal was the longest with Carisolv (p value < 0.05). The median of facial image scale scores was significantly higher in the conventional group compared with others (p value < 0.05). The mean total viable bacterial count after caries removal was significantly higher in polymer bur group compared with others (p value < 0.05). While, there was no significant difference between Carisolv and conventional groups (p value > 0.05).ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of caries removal was highest with the mechanical method. Carisolv took the longest time for caries removal. Patient satisfaction was higher with Carisolv and polymer bur than the mechanical method. The antimicrobial efficacy of Carisolv and the mechanical method was higher than the polymer bur.Clinical significanceCarisolv is a viable alternative to the mechanical method in the management of dental caries, especially in children. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of caries removal by SmartbursII®.How to cite this articleAsal MA, Abdellatif AM, Hammouda HE. Clinical and Microbiological Assessment of Carisolv and Polymer Bur for Selective Caries Removal in Primary Molars. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):357–363.

Microbial Quality of Frozen Chicken Parts from three Import Countries into the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

There is an upsurge in the consumption of chicken meat leading to a high influx of imported frozen chicken parts into the Ghanaian markets with little information on their microbial qualities. This study examined the microbial quality of imported frozen chicken parts from three major import countries (USA, the Netherlands and Brazil) into the Kumasi Metropolis. A total of 45 chicken meat parts of 15 thighs, wings and backs from wholesale cold stores market in the Kumasi Metropolis were randomly sampled for laboratory examinations. A ten-fold serial dilution was performed on each homogenized chicken parts to determine microbiological quality using Plate Count Agar [1], MacConkey Agar (MCA), Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and Desoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA) for the total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp counts respectively incubated at 37oC for 48 hours. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) was used for fungal counts. We identified bacterial and fungal isolates using appropriate laboratory and biochemical tests. Descriptive data analysis was carried using SPSS-IBM version 16. Mean TVCs of 5.93, 5.98 and 6.14 log10cfu/g were recorded for frozen chicken meats from the USA, the Netherlands and Brazil respectively. Means TCCs of 6.14, 5.93 and 5.98 log10cfu/g were obtained for chicken meats from Brazil, USA and the Netherlands respectively. Staphylococcus spp. (G+) (35.4%), E. coli (G-) (26.2%), Salmonella spp. (G-) (24.6%), and Klebsiella spp. (G-) (13.8%) were isolated with Aspergillus spp (33.3%), Rhizopus spp (27.3%), Penicillin spp (24.2%), and Cladosporium spp (15.2%). Chicken thighs, backs and wings recorded 46.2%, 29.2% and 24.6% bacterial contaminants in this order. Bacterial isolates of 49.2%, 28.8% and 22.0% were recorded in frozen chicken meat products from Brazil, the Netherlands USA respectively. The results suggest that imported frozen chicken meats into the Ghanaian market have moderate quality with potential pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella spp.

Evaluation of Nutritional, Microbial and Sensory Attributes of Rice Tuwo Flour Fortified with Soy and Plantain Flour Blends

Aims: The aim of the work is to investigate the effect of soybean and Plantain flour fortification on the nutritional, microbial and sensory qualities of rice flour paste (Tuwo) fortified with soy and plantain flour blends.&#x0D; Methodology: White rice was cleansed, sorted and soaked in water for 12hrs and dried at 60OC for 12hrs. White rice was fortified with soybean and plantain flour at 10, 15, 20, 25% respectively while 100% white rice flour serve as the control. Nutrient, microbial and sensory qualities of the samples were determined using standard methods.&#x0D; Results: There were significant differences (p≤.05) and increase in values of all the nutritional properties with increase in substitution of soy-plantain flour. The protein content ranges from (2.19 – 21.46%), Fat content (1.67 – 18.51%), Fiber (0.68 – 6.78%), Ash content (1.37 - 2.26%), Moisture content (10.16 – 12.47%) of the blends respectively, while the carbohydrate contents of the blends was significantly lower to that of the control sample. The mineral content increased where the abundant mineral was potassium (29.22 – 45.57 mg/100g) and zinc (2.66 – 3.34 mg/100g) been the least mineral element. The microbial analysis shows a lower microbial counts of prepared tuwo samples, which makes it safe for consumption. Mean total viable count range from 1.10 to 3.50 x102 cfu/g, Staphylococcus count range from 0.00 to 1.03 x102 cfu/g. fungi count range from 0.00 to 0.60 102 cfu/g with no growh of salmonella from all the samples respectively. The sensory evaluation result shows that the sample from whole rice was highly rated but sample B with 80% rice flour, 10% soy flour and 10% plantain flour has the highest preference in terms of taste, colour, aroma, texture, smoothness and overall acceptability.&#x0D; Conclusion: This fortification highly improve its nutrient contents and slightly improves microbial and organoleptic properties of rice tuwo, which can serve as alternative protein supplement.

Microbial Diversity in the Sawmill Environment: Implications on the Health of Sawmill Workers and Merchants, Nigeria

There is an increasingly high suspicion of occupational health diseases amongst workers in sawmill factories. Hence this study aimed to determine the microbial diversity in some sawmill factories in Okada, Edo State, Nigeria to evaluate potential implications of the factory’s processing area on the health of the workers and wood merchants. Bacteria and fungi count in the bioaerosols within the processing area of each factory was performed with the passive air sampling technique. While in the sawdust samples, microbial counts were carried out with the pour plate technique. Identification of the microbes was performed with macroscopic and microscopic examinations as well as standard phenotypic tests. Mean total viable count (TVC) and total fungi count (TFC) of bioaerosols in the air within the processing area of the sawmill factories were found to be greater than 4162.99 CFU/m3 while mean total coliform count (TCC) was reported as 756.28 CFU/m3. Fisher (F) one-way ANOVA test of the TVC and TCC dataset of bioaerosols from the four sawmill factories indicated no significant difference (p = 0.77 and 0.83 for TVC and TFC respectively) in the mean TVC and TFC of the bioaerosols. Bacterial (Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Klebsiella and Serratia) and fungal (Saccharomyces, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium) species were isolated from the bioaerosols and sawdust samples. Results of this study indicated that workers in the sawmill factories and other wood merchants who visit sawmill processing area are most likely exposed to airborne contaminants that may cause occupational diseases such as ophthalmic irritations and dermatitis. Hence it is recommended that sawmill workers and other visitors wear personal protective gadgets in the processing area of the sawmill factories.

Effect of organic cow-dung based fertilizers on the soil microflora of fodder lands

A study was pioneered to evaluate the effects of cow-dung based fertilizers on the culturable resident bacteria in the soil. The effect of organic cow dung based fertilizers namely cow dung, aerobic compost and vermicompost on the microbial population of the soil with respect to Bacillus and Pseudomonas, were observed in this study. Soil from fodder lands of the University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research Development Scheme, Mannuthy was treated with the fertilizers of cow dung-1kg, aerobic compost-200g, and vermicompost-200g to equally divided experimental field (total area 4mx5m) and soil samples were analysed on the 0th, 10th, 21st day after application. Overall results showed that mean Total Viable count ranged from 9.72±0.04 to 10.38±0.19 log10CFU/g, mean Bacillus count ranged from 6.15±0.027 to 7.33±0.022 log10CFU/g and mean Pseudomonas count ranged from 5.95 ±0.33 to 6.36±0.361 log10CFU/g from 0th to 21st day. The application of cow-dung based fertilizers showed statistically significant increase in TVC and Pseudomonas count compared to control soil. Higher counts were observed on 21st day and lowest count on the 0th day. Of the three fertilizers, the aerobic compost fertilizer increased the Total Viable count, Bacillus count and Pseudomonas count compared to the other fertilizers. The highest Pseudomonas count was recorded in Vermicompost treated soil. Microbes in soil are affected by the physical and chemical constituents of the soil. Soil health in terms of the microbial load that enhances the fertility of soil is in many ways influenced by climate and the geography of the area. Thus, it could be surmised that organic farming could ensure inherent capacity to maintain and increase soil health and fertility leading to sustained increase in yield and production of crops, ultimately having a positive effect in improving the soil stability and economic sustainability in agriculture. Keywords: Organic cow-dung based fertilizer, Soil microflora, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Azetobacter spp

Activity pattern of bacteria in biodigester based on gas production and burning hour analyses

Pollution around the world continues to grow and hence there is a growing interest in devising efficient and cost effective waste management. Biogas technology has in recent times viewed as a very good source of sustainable waste management. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of different types of mesophilic, thermophilic and anaerobic bacteria in the bio digester responsible for biogas production. The activity pattern of bacteria in the bio digester based on gas production and the burning hour analyses of the biogas were also estimated in the study. Six samples of slurry from two biodigesters; one installed at University livestock farm and other at buffalo farm in the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy were collected using a pump in to UV sterilised polythene bag and subjected to microbial analysis. The activity pattern of microorganisms in the biodigester at the buffalo farm was studied based on the gas production pattern (Sasse, 1988). When the mean total viable count were examined (Mortan, 2001) from top to bottom of biodigester it was observed that aerobic mesophilic counts decreased and anaerobic mesophilic counts increased towards bottom. While both aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacterial count increased towards the bottom of the biodigester. Methanogenic bacteria constituting the thermophilc organisms were found to be actively growing at the bottom of biodigester. The burning hour analysis of biogas from one of the biodigester (at the buffalo farm) was also carried out (Sasse, 1988). Burning hour analysis showed that a volume of 0.1074 m3 methane rich biogas could produce a blue flame for an hour. The study illustrates the importance of biogas technology, besides supplying energy and manure, provides an excellent opportunity for mitigation of greenhouse gas emission and reducing global warming through substituting firewood for cooking. Keywords: biogas, biodigester, activity pattern, burning hour

Bacterial Contamination of Chicken Eggs from Poultry Farms and Retail Markets in the New Juaben Municipality, Ghana

This cross-sectional study seeks to investigate the bacterial contamination of poultry products (eggs) produced from selected farms and sold within the major markets in the New Juaben Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. A total of 100 eggs were sampled randomly from October to December, 2018 from five poultry farms and five retail markets in the municipality for microbial evaluation. The collected swabs of eggshells and its contents collected at various times of the day were cultured on suitable media and standard microbiological test were performed to identify the isolated organisms. The entire eggshell samples were positive for bacteria with only 13 (13%) having growth in the egg content. The genera of bacteria recorded are Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus and Citrobacter. The mean total viable count of bacteria from both shell and content sampled from poultry farms and retail markets were 13.2×107cfu/ml and 8.0 ×107cfu/ml (p&gt;0.05) respectively. These were higher than the acceptable value of 10×105 gm/cfu. The study also showed that the level of microbial contamination of the eggs was highest in the afternoon as compared to the morning and evening. The bacteria isolates and the sheer numbers from both the eggshells and the egg content confirm the poor hygienic conditions under which both the poultry farms and markets were kept. Even though serious human pathogens were not prevalent in this study, it is recommended that strict hygienic protocols be adhered to on the poultry farms and in the markets.

Microbial Sanitary Properties of Cup Soft Drinks and Hot Beverages from Automatic Vending Machines in Taiwan

Totally 459 specimens of cup-soft drinks and hot beverages were sampled from vending machines at Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhwa, Yunlin, Tainan, Chiayi, Kaohsiung, Pington, Ilan, and Hwalien. The sample pHs were around 2.44-2.97 for carbonated soft drinks orange soda, lemonade soda, sarsaparilla, and cola; 2. 73 for lemon tea; 6. 86 for cocoa; 5. 62 for coffee; and 6. 43 for fruit-milk. The average temperature of hot beverages was around 74. 3 - 76. O℃. Mean total viable count in hot lemon tea was 5.9 colony forming units (CFU)/ml; 14. 1 in cola; 31.6 in hot coffee; 51.3 in sarsaparilla; 53.7 in lemonade soda; 89. 1 in orange soda; 3.2 x 100 in cold coffee; 8. 7 x 100 in both cold cocoa and cold lemon tea; 4. 6x10000 in hot cocoa; 9. 6 x 10000 in fruit-milk. The mean total viable count in specimens taken in the summer was significantly lower than those in the spring and winter (p

Bacterial community analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in the boning room of Australian beef export abattoirs

Microbial contamination associated with beef slaughter and boning has been investigated using traditional culture dependent approaches. However, conventional counting methods have disadvantages of detecting only cultivable bacterial groups that may be a small subset of the true microbial population. This study investigated the microbiology in the boning room of an integrated (abattoir A) and a fragmented (abattoir B) Australian beef export abattoirs using culture independent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing coupled with total viable count (TVC). Transmission of microbial populations during processing of carcases onto beef trim was monitored and compared between the two abattoirs. The results showed that the abattoirs produced beef trim with a mean TVC of 2.64–2.70 log10 CFU/cm2. Initial counts of microbes on the chilled carcases entering the boning room were <1.5 log10 CFU/cm2 and the environmental surfaces had ≤2.0 log10 CFU/cm2 throughout the boning room. Profiling of 16S gene sequences demonstrated that the contamination of boned products (beef trim) may be a result of contamination accumulating from environmental surfaces that are regularly in contact with beef trim. The 16S data also showed that the bacterial communities on the carcases and trim shared similar community composition with microbiota on environmental surfaces at varying proportions depending on the day of processing. Bacteroidales, Clostridiales, Enterobacteriales, Lactobacillales and Pseudomonadales were predominantly present in the bacterial communities in both abattoirs. However, the changes in relative abundance of these bacteria through the boning process varied between the abattoirs. The findings from this study suggested that the transfer of bacterial contaminants in the beef cattle boning room can be dynamic, and a 16 s rRNA gene sequencing-based approach can improve our understanding of the sources of contamination in the boning environment.

ASSESSMENT OF BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION LEVELS ON THE SURFACE OF THE BOVINE CARCASSES AT SLAUGHTERHOUSES OF BARISHAL CITY IN BANGLADESH

Background: Meat industries in developing countries including Bangladesh are found to be challenged by severe hygienic and sanitation problems which are associated with heavy bacterial load on the different sites of carcasses and meat. Objectives: The major objectives of this study were to determine the bacterial load at the different risk sites of bovine carcasses and identification of pathogenic bacteria as well as to assess the associated hygienic and sanitation practices with public health significance of the isolated bacteria. Materials and Methods: The study on bacterial load of bovine carcasses was conducted on 200 swab samples of different risk sites of 20 bovine carcasses in the different slaughterhouses of Barishal City Corporation during the period from April to October 2017. The aseptically collected swab samples from different sites of bovine carcasses were processed and analyzed individually by standard bacteriological procedures for Total viable count (TVC), Total coliform count (TCC), Total Staphylococcus count (TSC) and Total Salmonella count (TSAC) and the bacterial species were identified by the conventional aerobic cultural, morphological and biochemical tests. The hygienic status and practices of slaughterhouses and workers were evaluated through a structured questionnaire survey and also a visual inspection. Results: Staphylococcus aureus (78.5%), Salmonella spp. (64.5%) and Escherichia coli (64.0%) were found widely prevalent bacteria on the surface of freshly slaughtered bovine carcasses. The mean TVC of bacteria at pre-and post-washing of the different risk sites of carcasses including neck, shoulder, rump and their used knife and workers’ hand was calculated and highest one was recorded for neck at both pre (8.17 ± 1.22) and post (8.41 ± 0.92) washings. These TVC were found higher compared to standards set by WHO. The TSC was found highest at shoulder site at both pre (7.26 ± 0.94) and post (7.43 ± 1.02) washing, whereas the neck site was found highest contaminated with E. coli (6.69 ± 1.06 and 6.87 ± 1.04) and Salmonella spp.(5.73 ± 1.05 and 6.07 ± 0.92), respectively. The questionnaire survey and visual inspection of slaughter houses revealed that none of the slaughterhouse workers received any training on slaughterhouses management and hygiene, not used any head and hair covering, protective clothes and hand gloves whereas only 25.33% workers washed their hands and 34.67% used clean water at slaughterhouses during processing of carcasses and meat. Conclusions: The slaughtering of the animals on the ground and then skinning and evisceration in the same place under poor hygienic conditions are the major risk factors for heavy bacterial contamination of carcasses which has been recognized as a threat to food safety and consumers health to foodborne illness. Therefore, it requires a serious attention from all relevant authorities to apply and maintain the basic hygienic slaughterhouse practices to prevent the bacterial contamination of carcasses to prevent food borne illness. However, these data should serve as a baseline for future comparisons in measuring the bacteriological status of beef carcasses in other districts and further research works.

Process hygiene of pig carcasses in one large-scale slaughterhouse in the west of Serbia, during 48 months

This study was conducted to determine microbial contamination of pig carcasses during four years in one slaughterhouse. The numbers of total viable counts and Enterobacteriaceae and the presence/absence of Salmonella spp. are the process hygiene criteria for pig carcasses. We collected 240 samples from April of 2015 to April of 2019, with swabs being continually taken from the carcasses of pigs every month for 48 months in slaughterhouse in the west of Serbia. Over 48 consecutive months of testing, Salmonella spp. presence was detected on 1.67% of the pig carcasses, while the determined mean numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were 0.18±0.37 log CFU/cm2, and the mean total viable count of aerobic bacteria was 1.88±0.85 log CFU/cm2. The process hygiene criteria results for the tested pig carcasses showed that for total viable count of aerobic bacteria, 95.35% of carcasses fell into the satisfactory process hygiene group, while 4.17% belonged to the acceptable group. Enterobacteriaceae numbers showed 97.90% of the tested pig carcasses belonged to the satisfactory process hygiene group, and 2.10% of carcasses belonged to the acceptable group.