Microbiological Analysis Research Articles

Microbial spectrum and resistance of odontogenic abscesses - microbiological analysis using next generation sequencing.

This study aimed to map the microbiome of odontogenic abscesses using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify bacterial and fungal species, as well as antibiotic resistances. Wound swabs were taken from patients treated for odontogenic abscesses at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Bonn. NGS was used to analyze the swabs, and bioinformatic analysis assigned the genetic material to microorganism profiles and identified antibiotic resistances. Bacteria were detected in all samples from 51 patients. Anaerobes were found in 50 swabs, while aerobic bacteria were detected in 30. Four of the five most common bacterial genera were anaerobes (Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Parvimonas, Porphyromonas). A median of eight genera were identified per swab. Infections were mostly polymicrobial; only one case was a monoinfection with Streptococcus. Aerobic bacteria were less frequent in patients who had prior antibiotic therapy (p = 0.015). Fungi were present in 52.9% of cases, with Malassezia (33.3%), Aspergillus (9.8%), and Candida (3.9%) being the most common. Antibiotic resistance was detected in 66.7% of patients, mainly against lincosamides, macrolides and tetracyclines. Fusobacterium showed a 25.9% resistance rate to clindamycin. The microbiome of odontogenic abscesses is polymicrobial, dominated by anaerobic bacteria, and more extensive than indicated by traditional cultural diagnostics. NGS provides detailed pathogen diagnostics, aiding in precise and individualized antibiotic therapy. Improved understanding of the bacterial and fungal spectrum, along with current resistance patterns of odontogenic abscesses, is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. NGS offers rapid, accurate and detailed microbiome analysis, enhancing patient-specific therapeutic strategies.

Investigation Growth and Survival Of Some Pathogens In Koumiss

The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in koumiss produced from raw mare's milk during the fermentation process. E. coli O157:H7 (Group 1), L. monocytogenes (Group 2) and S. aureus (Group 3) were added to the raw mare’s milk that would used to producing koumiss and a combination of all three pathogens (Group 4) was inoculated. These microorganisms were introduced at 106 cfu/ml concentration into the raw mare’s milk, which served as the base for koumiss production. During fermentation, microbiological and chemical analyses were carried out by taking one sample from each group at the 1st, 5th and 24th hours and at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th days. As a result of analyzes; pH, dry matter, and protein content declined, while titration acidity and alcohol content increased. A positive correlation was found between the bacterial count and the utilized pathogenic microorganisms. Conversely, a negative correlation was observed with the count of yeast molds. Remarkably, the counts of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus reduced starting from the fifth hour of fermentation and diminished to undetectable levels by the second day. This decline in pathogenic microorganisms below detectable thresholds during the fermentation process was linked to the rise in titration acidity and alcohol content and the decrease in pH.

Application of a Multi-Component Composite Edible Coating for the Preservation of Strawberry Fruit

The rapid perishability of strawberries due to factors such as fungal decay, mechanical damage, and respiration significantly limits their shelf life. In this study, a novel multi-component edible coating composed of bacterial cellulose, chitosan, and gellan gum (BChG) was developed to enhance the postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of strawberries. The coated fruits were evaluated over a 15-day storage period for key parameters such as weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), enzymatic activity, color retention, antioxidant activity, and microbiological analysis. The results demonstrated that coated strawberries exhibited significantly lower weight loss, reduced cellulase activity, and higher retention of TSS and TA compared to uncoated controls. The evaluation of microbial quality indicated that coatings, particularly those with higher concentrations of chitosan, control the growth of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and molds and yeasts (MY), due to the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. This contributed to extending the shelf life of the fruit by preventing spoilage and reducing the risk of toxic compound formation. Additionally, the BChG coatings also preserved the characteristic red color of the fruit and maintained higher antioxidant activity, with BChG-4 being the most effective formulation. The inclusion of chitosan in the coatings was found to play a crucial role in reducing respiration, delaying ripening, and enhancing the fruit’s resistance to oxidative damage. Overall, multi-component coatings, particularly those with higher chitosan concentrations, offer a promising method for extending the shelf life of strawberries, reducing postharvest losses, and preserving fruit quality under ambient storage conditions.

What Is the Accuracy of 16S PCR Followed by Sanger Sequencing or Next-generation Sequencing in Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Identifying a microorganism in patients with native vertebral osteomyelitis presents diagnostic challenges. Microorganism identification through culture-based methods is constrained by prolonged processing times and sensitivity limitations. Despite the availability of molecular diagnostic techniques for identifying microorganisms in native vertebral osteomyelitis, there is considerable variability in reported sensitivity and specificity across studies, leading to uncertainty in their clinical utility. What are the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios for 16S broad-range PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (16S) and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) for detecting bacteria in native vertebral osteomyelitis? On June 29, 2023, we searched Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and Scopus for results from January 1970 to June 2023. Included studies involved adult patients with suspected native vertebral osteomyelitis undergoing molecular diagnostics-16S bacterial broad-range PCR followed by Sanger sequencing and shotgun or targeted metagenomic NGS-for bacteria detection. Studies involving nonnative vertebral osteomyelitis and cases of brucellar, tubercular, or fungal etiology were excluded. The reference standard for the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis was a composite clinical- and investigator-defined native vertebral osteomyelitis diagnosis. Diagnostic performance was assessed using a bivariate random-effects model. Risk of bias and diagnostic applicability were evaluated using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. After a manual screening of 3403 studies, 10 studies (5 on 16S, 5 on NGS) were included in the present analysis, from which 391 patients were included from a total of 958 patients overall. Quality assessment via QUADAS-2 criteria showed moderate risk of bias and good applicability. 16S showed 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95% CI 31% to 96%) sensitivity and 94% (95% CI 73% to 99%) specificity, whereas NGS demonstrated 82% (95% CI 63% to 93%) sensitivity and 71% (95% CI 37% to 91%) specificity. In addition, the diagnostic ORs were 59 (95% CI 9 to 388) and 11 (95% CI 4 to 35) for 16S and NGS, respectively. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves showed high test performance for 16S (area under the curve for 16S 95% [95% CI 93% to 97%] and for NGS 89% [95% CI 86% to 92%]). Certainty in estimates was moderate because of sample size limitations. This meta-analysis found moderate-to-high diagnostic performance of molecular methods on direct patient specimens for the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. When used as a complementary test to microbiological analyses, a positive 16S result rules in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis, while further studies are needed to understand the role of NGS in the diagnosis of native vertebral osteomyelitis. When available, these tests should be used in addition to conventional microbiology, especially in complex cases with extensively negative standard microbiological test results, to detect fastidious bacteria or to confirm the causative bacteria when their isolation and pathogenicity are unclear. A large sample size is needed in future research to understand the use of these techniques as standalone tests for diagnosis. Level III, diagnostic study.

Effect of the Storage Conditions on the Microbiological Quality and Selected Bioactive Compound Content in Fruit Mousses for Infants and Young Children

Fruit mousses, as low-processed products, are highly susceptible to external conditions, and storage leads to the degradation of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds and vitamins, as well as promoting the growth of yeasts and molds. This study investigated the impact of storage conditions on the microbiological quality and degradation of selected bioactive compounds in fruit mousses from various producers (from apples, pears, and multi-components). Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, vitamin C level, antioxidant capacity (AC, measured by the DPPH assay), and concentrations of macro- and microminerals were evaluated in fresh mousses and those stored for 48 h at 23 °C and 4 °C. Changes in total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), yeast and mold counts, and selected microbial groups were also checked. It was found that the analyzed compounds varied depending on the components of the mousses. Multi-component mousses contained the highest levels of TPC, TFC, and vitamin C, and had 2–5 times higher AC values compared to apple and pear mousses. Storage at room temperature resulted in TFC lowering of up to 25% in apple mousses and vitamin C reductions of up to 22% in multi-component mousses. During refrigerated storage, the highest losses were observed in pear mousses, with TPC decreasing by up to 13% and vitamin C by up to 11%. Among the minerals, magnesium and zinc levels decreased most significantly in apple mousses stored at 23 °C (up to 33% and up to 29%, respectively). Microbiological analysis revealed variability in TAMB, yeast, and mold counts, with refrigeration (4 °C) generally limiting microbial growth compared to room temperature (23 °C). Notably, no pathogenic bacteria were detected under any storage conditions, and the mousses retained a high microbiological quality even after room-temperature storage.

Outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial dermatosepticemia in wild leopard frogs (Rana pipiens complex) in Mexico

This report presents a case of dermatosepticemia in ten wild leopard frogs (Rana pipiens complex) captured in Mexico, where the presence of Aeromonas hydrophila was confirmed. This polyphasic study included macroscopic, microbiological, histological, and molecular analyses. Externally, the specimens exhibited erythema, hemorrhage, and erosions on various body parts. Internal observations revealed hemorrhaging of the oral cavity and stomach, as well as sero-sanguineous ascites. Parasites were also identified, including Ochoterenella sp. in the mesentery, Glypthelmins sp. in the liver, Clinostomum sp. in the thigh muscles, and Opalina sp. and Glypthelmins sp. in the intestine. Histopathological analyses showed skin hemorrhaging, erosion and ulceration, myositis, coagulative myonecrosis with the presence of bacteria, and damage to internal organs with an abundant presence of bacteria. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated in pure culture from the skin, muscle, mouth, heart, liver, and kidney of all ten frogs. The Mexican isolate (cos-ciesa 01) had high biochemical-enzymatic similarity to the strain A. hydrophila subsp. hydrophila CECT 4330. Additionally, the Mexican strain's 1 414 bp nucleotide sequence of 16S ribosomal RNA gene (GenBank Accession MN795652) showed high identity with A. hydrophila strain ATCC 7966. Ranavirus was not recovered in the cell cultures and PCR did not detect its DNA from paraffin-embedded tissues. These results suggest A. hydrophila as the causative agent of the dermatosepticemia disease outbreak.

Comparação da qualidade de dietas distribuídas em seringas e frascos e seu custo em um lactário de um instituto nacional de saúde

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are considered a serious public health issue. When caring for newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the administration of a diet contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms can help spread infections. Objective: To compare the cost and microbiological quality of the diet offered in syringes and bottles by the lactator for enteral administration to patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods: An exploratory experimental study “in loco” carried out between January and May 2019, consisting of the microbiological analysis of 72 samples of enteral diets and pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) distributed in syringes and bottles. The microbiological parameters used were those of the Board of Health Collegiate Resolution No. 63/2000 and No. 171/2006. The microbiological quality of the water used in the reconstitution of the enteral diet; the swab of the manipulators’ hands and oropharynx; surfaces such as benches and equipment, utensils, and the air quality of the areas for diet preparation were also assessed. The critical control points of the diet manipulation flowcharts reviewed were defined. Results: In the enteral diet samples, coliforms at 35˚C and mesophilic aerobic microorganisms above the established standards levels were found in both modalities of the diet administration (bottle and syringe) during two days of collection (lots). In the LHOP samples, no microorganisms from the coliform group were found. When filling plastic bottles, mesophilic bacteria exceeding the established standards were detected. It was observed that the cost of distributing the diet in bottles was higher than that of using a syringe. Conclusion: It was found that the microbiological quality of the diets supplied in syringes was safer than that of the diets distributed in bottles. In addition, the diet infusion time was shorter and cost was lower with the use of the syringe.

A comparison of postoperative microbiological and histological test results with the indication for revision as listed at the time of surgery in the National Joint Registry: a single-centre cohort study of metal-on-metal total hip replacement and hip resurfacing revision procedures.

Surgeons allocate an indication(s) for revision surgery on NJR Minimum Data Set forms in the immediate perioperative period, when results from intraoperative histology and microbiology samples are not available. We evaluated to what extent the postoperative diagnostics obtained for patients undergoing metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty (MoMHA) revision surgery align with the indication for revision listed in the NJR. NJR data for MoMHA revision patients (2004-2015) at a single centre were linked to hospital records of microbiology and histology testing for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). The Musculoskeletal Infection Society and Mirra classifications were used as "gold standards' to classify PJI and ARMD respectively and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the clinician selected revision indication recorded on MDS forms. Of 301 cases, 5.6% (n = 17) and 3.7% (n = 11) were revised for PJI and ARMD respectively. In a further 6.6% (n = 20, PJI) and 15.6% (n = 47, ARMD) the indication for revision selected at the time of surgery did not corroborate with the test results from intraoperative samples. Diagnostic accuracy analysis revealed sensitivity and specificity of indication for surgery at the time of revision for PJI of 35.5% (95% CI, 19.2-54.6) and 97.8% (CI, 54.6-95.2) respectively, and for ARMD of 7.41% (CI, 2.06-17.9) and 97.2% (CI, 94.3-98.9) respectively. We observed that the results of histology and microbiology analyses of intraoperative samples may provide evidence to support alternative diagnoses in 20% of cases. This indicates a need for a change in the work-up of these cases to allow a more accurate prediction of the indication for revision. Alternatively, if there was evidence of a difference in outcome for patients where the indication may be changed when such data becomes available, the feasibility of a facility to add additional information from samples taken intraoperatively when it becomes available should be explored.

Full-scale simultaneous partial nitrification, anammox, and denitrification for the efficient treatment of carbon and nitrogen in low-C/N wastewater

A full-scale simultaneous partial nitrification, anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox), and denitrification (SNAD) reactor was initiated to address the problem of high energy consumption for the treatment of low C/N wastewater. The SNAD system achieved a nitrogen removal rate of 0.9 kg/(m3·d) at an influent NH₄+–N concentration of 500 mg/L after 450 days of stable operation. Partial nitrification was achieved by maintaining free ammonia levels at 0.8 ± 0.3 mg/L and dissolved oxygen concentrations between 0.3 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L, which resulted in synergistic nitrogen removal, with anammox contributing 61 % and denitrification contributing 39 %. Microbiological analyses indicated that the dominant microorganisms were Candidatus Brocadia, Thauera, Denitratisoma, and Nitrosomonas. In conclusion, study provides a solid foundation for the broader implementation of the SNAD process in wastewater treatment systems.

Effect of olive leaf extract on the quality of Cantal cheese

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of olive leaf extract (OLE) on the quality of Cantal cheese. The cheeses were fortified with different concentrations (Control, 1, 2, and 3 %) of OLE and analysed for quality during storage. The cheeses were evaluated on days 1, 28, and 63 for physicochemical, compositional, textural, rheological parameters, colour, microbiological analysis, and antioxidant activity. The MIR and fluorescence spectroscopies were used to study the changes in the cheese structure. A positive impact of OLE was observed on the antioxidant capacity. A mild inhibitory effect was observed against some beneficial bacteria (such as Lactococcus and Lactobacillus), while a strong inhibitory effect was found against pathogen microorganisms. No negative impact was found on the texture and chemical composition. Significant colour and structural changes were observed. The results indicate the potential of OLE to be used as bioactive ingredient to improve the quality of cheese.

Preparation And Evaluation Of A Mixed Vegetable Drink Based On Coconut Milk, Amaranth, Quinoa And Acerola

Allergic substances present in food pose a great risk to an individual's nutrition and health, depriving them of nutrients due to food restrictions. The vegetable drink made with coconut milk, amaranth, quinoa and acerola pulp (BVCAQA) could become a healthy and innovative drink, since the simplicity of the product's composition and the absence of additives allow it to be used as a nutritious, functional and hypoallergenic food. Formulations were made without the addition of acerola pulp (A) and with the addition of acerola pulp (B). The physicalchemical analyses followed the Adolfo Lutz Institute's physical-chemical methods for food analysis and the microbiological analyses followed the Manual of methods for microbiological analysis in food. In order to check whether there were any significant differences, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied using the SISVAR program version 5.6. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out using the PAST software. The vegetable drink based on coconut milk, amaranth, quinoa and acerola pulp was produced naturally, without stabilizers, thickeners or industrial emulsifiers. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between formulations A and B for the physicochemical parameter’s soluble solids, pH and humidity. The acerola pulp is acidic and has a high moisture content. Its addition helps to reduce the pH and increase the moisture and soluble solids content of the vegetable drink. Its production could be a feasible technological possibility for small manufacturers. The hygienic and sanitary procedures used in the production of the vegetable drink contributed to its safety and the absence of microbiological contamination. The coconut, amaranth and quinoa drink flavored with acerola pulp could be a viable alternative for people looking for a balanced, nutritious diet or people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk and soy proteins

Development and characterization of active gelatin-chitosan packaging incorporated with guava leaf extract for extending meat shelf life

Biopolymer films (biofilms) were evaluated for suitability in meat packaging applications. Polyesters, proteins, and carbohydrates are among the most commonly utilized materials for producing bioplastics due to their mechanical properties, which closely resemble those of conventional plastics. However, these properties are significantly influenced by the film's composition, molecular weight, solvent type, pH, component concentration, and processing temperature. Conventional plastic films, including microplastics, are non-bioactive and contribute to persistent pollution. This underscores the importance of developing novel materials that incorporate bioactive plant compounds to endow plastic films with antimicrobial and antioxidant functionalities. In this study, two gelatin-chitosan films were fabricated: one without any extract and another incorporating guava leaf extract. These films were characterized to determine their optical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. Additionally, a microbiological analysis was conducted to assess the impact of polymeric biofilm packaging on the shelf life of beef. Both films exhibited favorable tensile strength values (24.74 – 27.12 MPa), high transparency (0.79 – 1.18), and effective barrier properties against water vapor (8.95 – 9.29 × 10⁻⁸ g·mm·Pa⁻1·h⁻1·m⁻2) and oxygen (9.7–9.10 × 10⁻1⁸ m³·m⁻2·s⁻1·Pa⁻1). During storage, the biofilm containing guava leaf extract demonstrated a reduction in microbial growth, and this enhanced the beef’s color stability. In conclusion, biopolymeric films incorporating guava leaf extract demonstrated notable antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting microbial growth, preserving the physical quality of beef, and significantly extending its shelf life under refrigerated conditions.

Development And Evaluation Of A Vegetable Drink Based On Rice Milk, Quinoa And Passion Fruit Pulp

A portion of the Brazilian population has an inability to digest, metabolize, or absorb food or some of its nutrients. Lactose intolerance is a disorder that occurs at all ages. Lactose-free products are a necessity to meet the needs of individuals who suffer from this disorder. Due to the demand for lactose-free foods, a plant-based beverage based on rice milk, quinoa, and flavored with passion fruit was developed as a nutritional beverage option. Formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were developed by varying the amounts of rice and quinoa and fixing the amounts of passion fruit pulp, water, and sucrose. The physicochemical analysis followed the physicochemical methods for food analysis of the Adolfo Lutz Institute and the microbiological analysis followed the Manual of Methods for Microbiological Analysis of Foods. In order to verify whether there were significant differences, the ANOVA analysis of variance was applied using the SISVAR program version 5.6. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed with the PAST software. The plant-based beverage made from rice milk, quinoa and passion fruit pulp had a low lipid index and low ash concentration, an acidic pH and 4.01% of the daily protein intake required for individuals aged 4 to 8 years. It was produced naturally, without stabilizers, thickeners or industrial emulsifiers. Its production could be a feasible technological possibility for small manufacturers. The rice and quinoa beverage flavored with passion fruit pulp could be a viable alternative for people seeking a balanced, nutritious diet or for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to animal milk or soy proteins

Risk factors and molecular Epidemiology of colonizing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales in pediatric inpatient in Shenzhen, China

The spread of CRE has been rapid on a global scale and represents a significant challenge in nosocomial infections worldwide. The aim is to evaluate the risk factors for CRE colonization and to describe the molecular and clinical characteristics of CRE colonization in pediatric inpatients in Shenzhen, China. We collected stool specimens from 2474 randomly selected pediatric inpatient hospitalized in 2 pediatric hospitals in Shenzhen between January 2023 and December 2023 for subsequent microbiological analysis, including microbial culture, species identification, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, genetic characterization and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In addition, we conducted a case-control study to identify potential risk factors for gastrointestinal CRE colonization. Of the 2474 non-replicating pediatric stool specimens collected, 3.6% (n=90) test positive for CRE. The most dominant CRE species were Escherichia coli (n=67, 74.5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=17, 19.0%). Multidrug resistance and carbapenemase production were observed in most CRE isolates. In CR E. coli and CR K. pneumoniae, the blaNDM was the predominant resistance gene, accounting for 95.5% and 76.5%, respectively. MLST showed considerable clonal diversity among the CR E. coli and CR K. pneumoniae isolates and the most common ST in CR E. coli was ST48 (n=6, 9.0%) and ST35 in CR K. pneumoniae (n=4, 23.5%). This study once again shows that pediatric inpatients in South China were colonized by a diversity of CRE strains, increasing the likelihood of difficult-to-treat infections. Hospitals and competent authorities should take appropriate public health measures, to prevent the further spread of CRE.

Microbiome shifts elicited by ornamental lighting of granite facades identified by MinION sequencing

Night-time outdoor illumination in combination with natural sunlight can influence the visible phototrophic colonizers (mainly algae) growing on stone facades; however, the effects on the microbiome (invisible to the naked eye) are not clear. The presence of stone-dwelling microbes, such as bacteria, diatoms, fungi, viruses and archaea, drives further biological colonization, which may exacerbate the biodeterioration of substrates. Considering the microbiome is therefore important for conservation of the built heritage. The impact of the following types of lighting on the relative abundance and diversity of the microbiome on granite ashlars was evaluated in a year-long outdoor pilot study: no lighting; lighting with a metal halide lamp (a traditional lighting system currently used to illuminate monuments); and lighting with a novel LED lamp (an environmentally sound prototype lamp with a biostatic effect, halting biological colonization by phototrophs, currently under trial). Culturable fractions of microbiome and whole-genome sequencing by metabarcoding with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing (MinION) was conducted for bacteria and fungi in order to complement both community characterization strategies. In addition, the possible biodeteriorative profiles of the isolated strains, relative to calcium carbonate precipitation/solubilisation and iron oxidation/reduction, were investigated by plate assays. Alpha and beta diversity indexes were also determined, along with the abundance of biocide and antibiotic resistance genes. Culture-dependent microbiological analysis failed to properly show changes in community composition, for which metagenomic approaches like MinION are better suited. Thus, MinION analysis identified shifts in the granite microbiome elicited by ornamental lighting. The novel LED lamp with the biostatic effect on phototrophs caused an increase in the diversity of bacteria and fungi. In this case, the microbiome was more similar to that in the unlit samples. In the samples illuminated by the metal halide lamp, dominance of bacteria was favoured and the presence of fungi was negligible.

Assessment of the risk of Staphylococcus aureus infection associated with the consumption of braised beef meat sold on the streets in Côte d'Ivoire

Braised beef meat sold on the streets, a meat product that poses a potential risk of food poisoning to humans. This study was to assess the risk of foodborne infection by S. aureus associated with the consumption of braised beef in Côte d’Ivoire, to improve food safety in this country. A preliminary survey was first carried out in six (06) separate towns in Cȏte d'Ivoire, among consumers (n = 900) and sellers (n = 300) of braised beef meat with a view to characterizing the behavior of these actors. A microbiological analysis was then carried out in accordance with the ISO 6888-1/-3 standard (1999) on 189 samples of this braised beef meat taken from various sales outlets in these towns. A risk model was developed. The risk of infection linked to the consumption of this braised beef was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation procedure. The results of the consumer survey showed that the percentage of the population consuming braised beef meat (BBM) was 74.4%, with an average consumption of 114.3 ± 0.5 g/person/day. Microbiological analysis revealed the isolation of 92% S. aureus with a mean load of 6.0 ± 0.19 log10∙cfu/g greater than 105 CFU/g. The probability of ingesting a dose greater than 108 S. aureus bacteria ranged from 4.2% to 4.3%. Braised beef meat sold in the streets of Côte d'Ivoire's towns and cities poses a real risk of infection. S. aureus is one of the causes. S. aureus-associated gastroenteritis is caused by failure to observe simple hygiene rules. The risk of infection should be mitigated by cleaning up the places where this product is sold and promoting good hygiene practices in the informal sector.

Isolation and identification of mycoplasma strains in the inner ear of cattle and small ruminants in Mali

Mycoplasmas are microorganisms characterized by the absence of a cell wall and affecting animals and humans. In domestic ruminants, the role of inner ear swabbing was determined in the isolation of mycoplasmas in cattle and small ruminants in Mali. From 250 asymptomatic carriers, inner ear swabs were taken from 126 cattle and 124 small ruminants in the regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou and the District of Bamako. Microbiological analysis by isolation on Hyflick medium revealed 38 strains of mycoplasma including 23 in cattle (6 strains from Kayes, 3 strains from Sikasso, 1 strain from Ségou, 13 strain from Bamako) and 15 strains from small ruminants (1 strain from Sikasso, 2 from Ségou, 12 from Bamako). Growth inhibition and PCR tests (FusA, Polc) made it possible to identify in cattle 8 strains of Mycoplasma bovis, 13 strains of Mycoplasma yeatsii and 2 strains of Mycoplasma alkalescens and in small ruminants, 5 strains of Mycoplasma mycoides capri, 3 strains of Mycoplasma yeatsii and 7 strains of Mycoplasma agalactiae. Overall, the prevalence rate of mycoplasmas from inner ear swabs was 42.11% (16/38) of Mycoplasma yeatsii, 21.05% (8/38) of Mycoplasma bovis, 18.42% (7 /38) of Mycoplasma agalactiae, 13.16% (5/38) of Mycoplasma mycoides capri and 5.26% (2/38) of Mycoplasma alkalescens. The results of this study confirmed that the ear canal of cattle and small ruminants could be suitable sources for the detection of pathogenic strains such as Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma agalactiae, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri in asymptomatic herds of cattle and small ruminants.

Microbiological quality analysis of grouper salted fish (Epinephelus Fuscoguttatus) in several traditional markets in ambon

Salted fish is one of the food ingredients that is in demand by the community and has great potential in almost all traditional markets in Maluku, especially in the city of Ambon. One of the salted fish is grouper fish (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) great potential, so it is necessary to conduct food safety checks from the microbiological aspect. This study aimed to analyze the total plate count of bacteria in grouper salted fish sold in several traditional markets in Ambon City, Indonesia. The research method used was quantitative descriptive with an experimental laboratory approach. The results of the total bacterial plate in the grouper salted fish sample from the Mardika market ranged from 1,55 x 103 CFU/mL to 1,05 x 104 CFU/mL, the origin of the Rumah Tiga market ranged from 3,85 x 103 to 3,5 x 104 and the origin of the Waiheru market ranged from 9,5 x 102 to 4,5 x 103 CFU/mL. In conclusion, the three samples of grouper salted fish do not exceed the maximum limit of the total plate count according to the Indonesian National Standard (INS) of 1x105 CFU/g so considered safe for consumption from a microbiological aspect.

Influence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on potato yield and development of soil microflora

The purpose of this work was to study both the separate and combined effects of the liquid-phase biological (LPB) product and Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the yield of potatoes of the Skarb variety, as well as on soil microflora. The biosynthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was carried out using green tea extract and FeSO4∙7H2O solution, concentration 0.1 mol/l. The effectiveness of the obtained LPB-Fe product was studied under field conditions against the background of NPK fertilizers application. The results of a three-year experiment (2020–2022) showed that when spraying plants at vegetative stage with a 1% LPB-Fe product, potato yield increased by 16.9%, and when treating tubers before planting – by 14.8% compared to the control. At the same time, when using LPB without the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, potato yield increased by 9.8% after foliar treatment and by 6.8% after tubers treatment, compared to the control. Based on the results of microbiological analysis, the coefficient of soil mineralization was calculated and the correlation of potato yield and its value was established. Varying concentrations of LPB-Fe preparation resulted in strong but multidirectional dependence of potato yield on the soil mineralization coefficient: both when treating tubers (regression equation y = 0.2639x – 39.9329 with a correlation coefficient r = 0.72) and when spraying potato plants (regression equation y = -0.2536x + 55.882 with correlation coefficient r = -0.77). In addition, during foliar treatment of potato plants with a 1% solution of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, there was recorded a very strong inverse relationship between the yield and the number of nitrogen-transforming microorganisms (correlation coefficient r = -0.90, with the regression equation y = -0.0841x + 37.9421).

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Groundwater in Bathindi, Jammu, (J&K)

This Paper has been made in order to examine the “Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of groundwater in Bathindi, Jammu, (J&K)”. Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium (Saxena and Saxena, 2015). Water is a key component in determining the quality of our lives. Although water covers about 70 percent of the earth’s total surface, only 0.3% of it can be used by humans (Sabo and Christopher, 2014; Tiimub et al., 2012). Water is one of the basic needs of life and essential for survival (Das et al., 2014). Water is a vital component in socio-economic life of people (Shankar et al., 2014). The present analytical study of water samples evinces that the quality of water vis-à-vis various physico-chemical and biological parameters are within the permissible limits except for the parameters like TDS, Calcium and Total Hardness which have exceeded the desirable limits compared with National and international standards. According to standards recommended by British Ministry of Health (1957), the water quality comes under the category of satisfactory except for 2nd and 4th (Tubewell, Home and Tap), 1st, and 6th (Home and Tap), 7th (Tubewell) and 8th (Tubewell and Tap) readings. The total coliform count observed also exceeded the permissible limits, indicates that there is entry of sewage and soil sediments in the distribution pipes.