Microbiological Swabs Research Articles

Effectiveness of sanitation regime in a milking parlour to control microbial contamination of teats and surfaces teat cups'.

The major sources of bacterial contamination of raw milk are post-harvest manipulation; therefore the disinfection of teat and teat cups which decrease the bacterial load has a positive impact on minimizing new infection rates. The aim of the study was determination of the incidence of pathogens on investigated surfaces, evaluation of the effectiveness of sanitation regime in the reduction of surface microbial load, and determination of the effectiveness of mechanical cleaning of teats in a milking parlour for dairy cows. Samples from surfaces were taken by microbiological swabs using a sterile cotton swab from area of 5×2cm2. Sanitation regime was evaluated based on the effectiveness of active substances - lactic acid and sodium hypochlorite. From a total of 105 swab, 44 samples were found positive for Staphylococcus aureus, 16 samples for E. coli, 15 samples for Micrococcus spp., 8 samples for Staphylococcus xylosus, 9 samples for Staphylococcus cohni urealyticum, 1 sample for Enterococcus faecalis. Among isolates, S. aureus was the predominat species from teats - 19/45, teat cups, 15/45 and from wiping cloths 10/15. Sanitation regime was confirmed by a decrease in the number of coliform bacteria (CB) determined on teat and teat cups from 2.33-0.95 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001) and 0.90-0.62 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), respectively, and in the number of total bacteria count (TBC) determined on teat and teat cups from 4.36-0.99 Log10CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), and 1.85-0.77 Log10 CFU/cm2 (p<0.001), respectively. Incidence of CB (2.53 Log10 CFU/cm2) and TBC (3.83 Log10 CFU/cm2) on wiping cloths after mechanical cleaning of udders stress the importance of this step. Results show that disinfectant with lactic acid as the main active ingredient is suitable for bacterial reduction. Post-milking disinfection of teat and teat cups reduces bacterial contamination and proves to be most effective against environmental bacteria.

Microbiology of Facial Skin Infections—Strains, Susceptibility, and Therapeutic Consequences

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common conditions with severe and potentially life-threatening outcomes. However, the use of antibiotics to treat these infections is controversial. This study was to identify the microorganisms responsible for facial SSTIs, their antibiotic sensitivities, and the therapeutic outcomes of treatment. This was a retrospective, observational cohort study conducted at a single oral and maxillofacial plastic surgery department. The study sample included 103 patients with facial SSTIs (61 men, 42 women) with a mean age of 41.8years (standard deviation±20.4). The predictor variables included patient characteristics, antibiotic use before the clinic visit, and the infection's site and origin. The primary outcome variable was the presence of antibiotic resistance in the bacterial strains isolated from the infections. The data were collected by reviewing the results of microbiological swabs and patient records obtained from patients with facial SSTIs. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, and continuous variables were described using mean and standard deviation. The association between antibiotic resistance and the predictor variables was analyzed using Pearson's χ2 test and student's t test. The most common cause of SSTI was an infected epidermal cyst (60.1%). Of all the microorganisms identified, 80.6% were Gram-positive, and 55.8% showed antibiotic resistance against one or more of the evaluated antibiotics, including several backup antibiotics. There were no identified risk factors that significantly influenced the probability of resistance, and there were no adverse events observed. The results of this study suggest that surgery should be the primary approach for treating SSTIs, as antibiotic administration may not be effective due to the unknown susceptibility of the causative strains. Antibiotics should be reserved for severe cases and high-risk patients, and if deemed necessary for SSTI management, a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be administered to cover resistant organisms.

Twenty-four months of bacterial colonialization and infection rates in patients with transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthetic systems after lower limb amputation-A prospective analysis.

Transcutaneous osseointegrated prosthesis systems (TOPS) are alternative rehabilitation methods to socket prosthetics, after limb amputation. TOPS compromise a two-step surgery: starting with the implantation of the stem which is then followed by the creation of the transcutaneous stoma through which the exoprosthesis can be connected. Immediately after surgery, this opening is permanently exposed to pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of bacterial colonization of the stoma to analyze whether obligate bacterial colonization leads to a risk of periprosthetic infections after TOPS treatment. This prospective study analyzed data from 66 patients (aged 26-75 years) after TOPS treatment between 2017 and 2019. Microbiological swabs from the stoma were analyzed on the first postoperative day and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after stoma creation. Infection rates, laboratory values (CRP, leukocyte count, hemoglobin), and body temperature were recorded at these points in time. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28. The results show the formation of a stable environment dominated by Gram-positive bacteria in the stoma of TOPS patients over 24 months. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. were the most common species found. With regard to the cohort up to the 3 months follow-up, 7.9% (five patients) developed infections surrounding the TOPS procedure. In relation to the whole cohort with loss to follow-up of 80.3% at the 24 months follow-up the infection rates increased up to 38.3%. The soft tissue inside and around the transcutaneous stoma is colonialized by multiple taxa and changes over time. A stable Gram-positive dominated bacterial taxa could be a protective factor for ascending periprosthetic infections and could possibly explain the relatively low infection rate in this study as well as in literature.

Incidence and Management of Acute Otitis Externa in a UK Centre Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: Patients with otitis externa (OE) are commonly referred to acute ENT services after failed treatment in community. This case series analyses the prevalence and management of OE in a UK ENT rapid access clinic (RAC) prior to and following the national lockdown imposed in March 2020. Materials and Methods: Retrospective case review of all patients referred with OE to the RAC between January 2019 and March 2021 with comparison of the cohorts before and after 1st March 2020. Data anaylsed included demographics, treatment methods, rates of admission, microbiological swab and CT results and rates of necrotising otitis externa (NOE). Results: There were 239 new referrals over the total study period. The rate of referral dropped from 12.1/month to 5.8/month following the March 2020 lockdown. There were no significant differences in rates of severe infection or NOE before and after the lockdown. The most common organisms grown were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: There was a considerable reduction in acute referrals for OE to this centre in the year following the March 2020 lockdown. There was no significant change in disease severity or management trends.

Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Posttraumatic Hip Arthroplasty following Acetabular Fractures.

Raised complication rates have been reported for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in posttraumatic hip joints after acetabular fractures with prior open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The present study evaluated (I) postoperative surgical site infection and the risk of early infection following THA in posttraumatic hip joints after acetabular fractures and (II) the discriminatory ability of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) blood levels for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Patients were included who had undergone THA (2014-2019) after prior ORIF, and nonsurgically treated acetabular fractures. Patients' demographics and the duration between fracture and THA implantation were assessed. Preoperative diagnostic testing (laboratory results, hip aspirations) as well as the results of intraoperative microbiological swabs and sonication were also evaluated. Postoperative complications were recorded. Sixty-seven patients (51 men/16 women) were included, with a mean age of 54.7±14.0 years (range: 18.0-82.9). The mean time between acetabular fracture and THA was 13.5±14.9 years (0.2-53.5). Four subgroups were classified: subgroup I (nonsurgical, n=15), subgroup II (complete removal of osteosynthesis, n=8), subgroup III (partial removal of osteosynthesis, n=15), and subgroup IV (remaining osteosynthesis, n=29). Preoperative CRP blood levels were normal. CRP levels had no discriminatory ability to predict PJI (AUC: 0.43). Positive microbiological swabs were assessed in subgroups III (n=1) and IV (n=2). Complications during follow-up occurred in subgroups I (one aseptic loosening [6.7%]), III (one wound revision [6.7%], two low-grade infections [13.3%]), and IV (three low-grade infections [10.3%]). High infection rates were found in patients with THA after acetabular fracture with remaining implants or partial implant removal. Serum CRP alone seems to be a poor predictor. Therefore, an extensive diagnostic algorithm can help to detect an occult infection, including preoperative hip aspiration (microbiological samples and measurements of synovial CRP, WBC, and alpha-defensin levels). Intraoperative tissue samples and sonication results should be obtained during THA implantation.

MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Human Post-Mortem Microbial Community: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The human post-mortem microbiome (HPM) plays a major role in the decomposition process. Successional changes in post-mortem bacterial communities have been recently demonstrated using high throughput metagenomic sequencing techniques, showing great potential as a post-mortem interval (PMI) predictor. The aim of this study is to verify the application of the mass spectrometry technique, better known as MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry), as a cheap and quick method for microbe taxonomic identification and for studying the PM microbiome. Methods: The study was carried out on 18 human bodies, ranging from 4 months to 82 years old and with a PMI range from 24 h up to 15 days. The storage time interval in the coolers was included in the final PMI estimates. Using the PMI, the sample study was divided into three main groups: seven cases with a PMI < 72 h; six cases with a PMI of 72–168 h and five cases with a PMI > 168 h. For each body, microbiological swabs were sampled from five external anatomical sites (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and rectum) and four internal organs (brain, spleen, liver, and heart). Results: The HPM became increasingly different from the starting communities over time in the internal organs as well as at skin sites; the HPM microbiome was mostly dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla; and a PM microbial turnover existed during decomposition, evolving with the PMI. Conclusions: MALDI-TOF is a promising method for PMI estimation, given its sample handling, good reproducibility, and high speed and throughput. Although several intrinsic and extrinsic factors can affect the structure of the HPM, MALDI-TOF can detect the overall microbial community turnover of most prevalent phyla during decomposition. Limitations are mainly related to its sensitivity due to the culture-dependent method and bias in the identification of new isolates.

Evidence of Antimicrobial Resistance from Maternity Units and Labor Rooms: A Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Study from Gujarat, India.

The main objective of this study was to determine the microbial contamination and antimicrobial resistance pattern among isolated bacteria from the environment surfaces of maternity units and labor rooms of healthcare facilities in the Gujarat state of India. The cross-sectional study was conducted in ten healthcare facilities, where the microbiological swab samples were collected from various pre-decided environmental surfaces of the maternity and labor rooms as part of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assessment. The swabs were analyzed by conventional microbiological culture methods to identify microorganisms, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The study provides an insight into the microbial contamination of the visibly clean areas, i.e., the maternity ward, labor room, and general wards of the healthcare facilities. The labor rooms were found to be highly contaminated in comparison to other selected sites. The microbiological findings revealed a predominance of Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Pseudomonas species. The antibiotic susceptibility testing indicates resistance against many commonly used antibiotics. This study produces an identified necessity for enhancing microbiological surveillance in labor rooms and maternity units. This study also highlights the importance of microbiological status along with the WASH status of healthcare facilities.

Evaluation of Glycologic Point-of-Care Infection Test Kit for Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Relation to Bacterial Presence: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Point-of-care testing for infection might help podiatric physicians optimize management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Glycologic's proprietary GLYWD product has been developed to detect changes in a patient's immunologic/inflammatory response related to wound infection. We evaluated how bacterial presence in DFUs relates to GLYWD test outcome. This was a single-organization, prospective, controlled cohort study of clinical opinion versus GLYWD test result for DFU infection status and the appraisal of bacterial presence in the wounds and semiquantitative microbiology swab at weeks 0, 3, 6, 12, and 18. Spearman correlation, backward elimination linear regression, and principal components analysis were applied to determine which variables, including degree of bacterial load, are associated with a positive clinical opinion or GLYWD result for DFU infection. Forty-eight patients were enrolled, and 142 complete wound appraisals were conducted; a consensus outcome between clinical opinion and GLYWD result was achieved in most (n = 122, 86%). Clinical opinion significantly correlated with a higher bacterial load (Spearman rho = 0.38; P < .01), whereas GLYWD did not (rho = -0.010; P = .91). This observation was corroborated with logistic regression analysis, in which a previous observation of both clinical opinion and GLYWD associating with wound purulence and erythema was also confirmed. Podiatric physicians are guided by hallmark signs of DFU infection, such as erythema and purulence; furthermore, we found that clinical opinion of infection correlates with increased bacterial load. GLYWD test results match clinical opinion in most cases, although the results obtained with this point-of-care method suggest that the degree of bacterial presence might not necessarily mean a higher chance of inducing an immunologic/inflammatory host response to said bacteria.

Oral Anaerobic Microflora and Pregnancy Complication

Bacterial vaginosis and periodontal diseases share very similar pathogenesis. Each of these diseases occurs when healthy microbiome changes to predominately anaerobic bacterial flora. Bacterial vaginosis is proven factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. In recent years it has been hypothesized that infection from distant sites of the fetoplacental unit may also elicit an inflammatory response in utero. Aim: The study is designed to determine whether the presence of specific oral anaerobic bacteria in subgingival sulcus of mother increase the risk of adverse obstetric outcomes. Material and Methods: Case-control study. Control group: 50 patients who gave birth to neonate whit normal birth weight at term. Group cases: I group - 40 pregnant women who were hospitalized with signs of preterm labor. II - 20 pregnant women, who have an ultrasound diagnosis of fetal growth retardation. Sub-gingival microbiological paper-point swab was taken in all patients. Results: The total number of isolated oral anaerobic bacteria was statistically significantly higher in the cases group compared to control group p &lt;0.01. In our study, pregnant women who tested positive for Porphyrmonas gingivalis for 6.65 times were more likely to have preterm labor compare with pregnant women with negative oral swabs (95.0% CI: 1.38-32.11 / p &lt;0.05), and for 2,79 times more likely to have fetus with intrauterine growth restriction (95.0% CI: 1.10-7.91 / p &lt;0.05 Conclusions: The study confirmed the hypothesis of a statistically significant association between oral anaerobic infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the future, more studies are needed to investigate the role of the microbial load, maternal immune response, pathophysiological pathway that leads to negative pregnancy outcome.&#x0D;

Implementation of a structured practical activity to analyse student healthcare worker perceptions and compliance with prescribed infection control procedures

BackgroundNon-compliance with infection control guidelines has been reported within healthcare settings. Infection control education in undergraduate healthcare education programs forms a critical component in preparing student healthcare workers for vocational roles.MethodsClinical sciences students (nutrition science, paramedicine, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry studying for qualifications recognised by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) self-reported hygiene perceptions and practices and collected microbiological swabs from personal or medical equipment items before and after recommended disinfection procedures.ResultsCultivable microorganisms were isolated from 95% of student medical equipment items. Disinfection significantly reduced microbial growth on student medical equipment items (P < 0.05).ConclusionsStudent perceptions of infection control procedures do not always correlate with infection control practice. Infection control education of undergraduate healthcare students requires ongoing assessment to ensure successful translation into clinical practice.

EP.FRI.469 A closed-loop audit regarding the practice of sending Pus Swab for culture and sensitivity in Pilonidal abscess drainage

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Microbiological swabs taken during an Incision and drainage for Pilonidal abscess in patient management. Method We performed a closed-loop audit to determine the role of pus swabs in the management of pilonidal abscess. Parameters like patient demographics, date of surgery, whether or not pus sent for microbiological examination, the subsequent report, the time required for sample processing, antibiotics prescribed were considered. The data was collated, analysed, and presented at clinical governance. We then implemented in our treatment protocol to stop the practice. This data was again, prospectively collected to complete the audit cycle. Result A total of 250 patient were included in this study. Prior to the change of practice, swabs were sent in 77% of the cases. The average reporting time of the swabs was 4.3 days and 92% of the patients were discharged on antibiotics. After conducting multiple teaching sessions for the trainees and educating the theatre staff, the percentage of swabs sent was brought down to 58%. Conclusion The pilonidal abscess has high infection and recurrence rate. Hence, the management involves incision, drainage and antibiotics cover in most cases. In our study, the swab results did not alter patients management. Most of them were treated with Co-Amoxiclav and some required additional Metronidazole. Hence, we suggested the routine use of swab for culture in pilonidal abscess cases are unwarranted. This change of practice resulted in huge cost savings at our hospital.

Postmortem interval assessment by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis in murine cadavers.

AimsThis study assessed the use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry as an alternative method to identify species associated with the thanatomicrobiota and epinecrotic communities.Methods and ResultsThe study was conducted on 10 murine cadavers, and microbiological swabs were collected from five external anatomical sites (eyes, ears, nose, mouth and rectum) and four internal organs (brain, spleen, liver, heart), during 16 and 30 days, for the thanatomicrobiota and epinecrotic communities, respectively. Our results revealed that the postmortem microbiota associated with the external cavities showed changes over time and reduced taxonomic diversity. The internal organs, initially sterile, showed signs of microbial invasion at 3 and 10 days postmortem for the liver‐spleen and heart‐brain, respectively. The postmortem microbiota was mainly dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria.ConclusionsMALDI‐TOF is a promising method for estimating postmortem interval (PMI), associated with rapid sample handling, good reproducibility and high productivity.Significance and Impact of the StudyThis study investigated microbial changes during the decomposition process and proposed a simple strategy for PMI estimation. Results introducing the application of the MALDI‐TOF method in the field of forensic.

Bacterial bioburden of wounds: influence of debridement and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

To clarify the role of microbiological swabs in surgical decision-making, we investigated the effect of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and serial surgical debridement on bacterial bioburden in hard-to-heal wounds and ultimately correlated them with the success of surgical closure. All patients were treated with surgical debridement, jet lavage and NPWT before their wounds were finally closed. The treatment effect was assessed by correlating microbiological swabs obtained immediately after intervention with those obtained after removal of the dressings during the following surgical procedures. The result of the last microbiological swab taken before definitive surgical closure was correlated with the requirement for revision surgery. We included the results of 704 microbiological swabs from 97 patients in 110 wound localisations in this monocentric, retrospective study. NPWT did not improve bacterial bioburden in 77% of cases and the duration of NPWT did not affect the result. Furthermore, no significant effect of NPWT could be found for either anaerobic (p=0.96) or aerobic bacteria (p=0.43). In contrast, surgical debridement decreased bacterial load in approximately 60% of cases. If sterile wound swabs could be obtained at all, it was during the first four surgical debridements in 60% of patients; after that only 10% became sterile. Sterile microbiological wound swabs before surgical closure were associated with lower rates of revision surgery, while low or medium bacterial loads did not increase revision rates.

27 Do Microbiology Swabs Taken During Incision and Drainage of Acute Perianal Abscess Affect Clinical Management and Future Clinical Course?

Abstract Introduction This study assesses whether microbiology swabs taken during incision and drainage of perianal abscesses have any impact on the post-operative clinical course and management. Method Data from emergency operative theatre lists were interrogated for patients undergoing incision and drainage of perianal abscess in the period March 2019 – March 2020. Each electronic medical record for patients who had perianal abscess surgery was interrogated for age, sex, smoking status, diabetic status, whether microbiology swab was taken for analysis, what organism was grown and any post-operative fistula development. Results 71 patients met inclusion criteria. 55 (77.5%) patients had pus swabs sent at incision and drainage for microbiological analysis. Of the 55 patients swabbed, 20 (36%) had no organism growth, 22 (40%) had anaerobes growth – the most common organism in this study. Of all 55 swabs sent, only 14 (25%) were acknowledged. The presence of smoking (p &amp;lt; 0.05) was statistically significantly associated with development of fistula-in-ano longer term. Conclusions Our data may indicate that microbiology swabs do not influence management of patients with acute perianal abscess. There are discrepancies in whether swabs are taken and acted upon. No organism was associated with fistula development. We would suggest national scale studies to explore our conclusions.

Microbiological effects in patients with leg ulcers and diabetic foot treated with Lucilia sericata larvae.

Lucilia sericata bottle fly worms can be used to heal infected, chronic, or necrotic wounds, including those associated with ulceration and diabetic foot. The study aimed to evaluate changes in the microflora in patients treated with L sericata larvae due to leg ulcers and diabetic foot. One hundred twenty‐nine patients diagnosed with lower limb ulceration and diabetic foot were enrolled in the study, of which 80 of them met the eligibility criteria for maggot debridement therapy (MDT). On the contrary, 49 unqualified patients were offered ozone therapy (22 with leg ulcers; 27 with diabetic foot). In each of these patients, a microbiological swab was performed before and after the start of therapy. The group of 80 patients was further divided into four equal groups in terms of the treated area (lower leg vs foot) and the number of larvae/cm2 (5 vs 10). Twenty‐three particular species of bacteria in the infected wound were studied microbiologically in terms of presence/absence within the wound environment before and after treatment of patients with diabetic foot and lower limb ulceration. It was noted that there was a more intensive bacterial accumulation in the feet of patients compared to legs; furthermore, this applies to almost all analysed species. Diabetes status is also a clinical factor that generates a lower chance of bacterial appearance in the wound environment. Densification of MDT larvae per wound area unit also reduced the chance of the presence of Corynebacterium species, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, and Streptococcus coagulase negativa; however, it increased the likelihood of occurrence for Proteus mirabilis and the Proteus species. A microbiological analysis in this non‐reference study shows the efficacy of larval therapy for leg and foot ulcers. Rearrangement of the microflora within the wound has been reported as a result of the therapy.

593 The Utility of Routine Operative Swab Culture in Uncomplicated Peri-Anal Abscesses

Abstract Introduction Despite perianal abscess being a common presentation, certain aspects of its management remain controversial, especially the routine use of intra-operative swab cultures. Method A retrospective review of patients that underwent incision and drainage procedures for a perianal abscess over a six-month period was undertaken. Results Over 6 months, 50 patients were identified. The male to female ratio was 3:1 and median ASA score was 1. Only 6/50 patients presented with recurrent abscess and 1 patient had history of inflammatory bowel disease. On the basis of operative findings, 39 patients (78%) had uncomplicated abscess (not associated with cellulitis, sinus or fistula); swab cultures were performed in 26 (67%) of these patients. All patients were discharged on the same day; microbiology reports did not impact the treatment and no patients were followed up in clinic post-operatively or presented with recurrence. The number of unnecessary microbiology swabs undertaken in this cohort equates to approximately 52 unnecessary swabs a year. The cost of one swab is £10.10p, which means £520 could potentially be saved annually. Conclusions Routine intra-operative swab cultures do not impact management decisions, add to unnecessary costs and therefore should not be undertaken in uncomplicated or first presentation of peri-anal abscesses.

P129 The utility of routine operative swab culture in uncomplicated peri-anal abscesses

IntroductionDespite perianal abscess being a common presentation, certain aspects of its management remain controversial, especially the routine use of intra-operative swab cultures.MethodsA retrospective review of patients that underwent incision and drainage procedures for a perianal abscess over a six-month period was undertaken.ResultsOver 6 months, 50 patients were identified. The male to female ratio was 3:1 and median ASA score was 1. Only 6/50 patients presented with recurrent abscess and 1 patient had history of inflammatory bowel disease. On the basis of operative findings, 39 patients (78%) had uncomplicated abscess (not associated with cellulitis, sinus or fistula); swab cultures were performed in 26 (67%) of these patients. All patients were discharged on the same day; microbiology reports did not impact the treatment and no patients were followed up in clinic post-operatively or presented with recurrence. The number of unnecessary microbiology swabs undertaken in this cohort equates to approximately 52 unnecessary swabs a year. The cost of one swab is £10.10p, which means £520 could potentially be saved annually.ConclusionRoutine intra-operative swab cultures do not impact management decisions, add to unnecessary costs and therefore should not be undertaken in uncomplicated or first presentation of peri-anal abscesses.

P93 Pre-operative assessment and management of open tibia fractures at a Major Trauma Centre (MTC): a review of cases over a one-year period

IntroductionDespite perianal abscess being a common presentation, certain aspects of its management remain controversial, especially the routine use of intra-operative swab cultures.MethodsA retrospective review of patients that underwent incision and drainage procedures for a perianal abscess over a six-month period was undertaken.ResultsOver 6 months, 50 patients were identified. The male to female ratio was 3:1 and median ASA score was 1. Only 6/50 patients presented with recurrent abscess and 1 patient had history of inflammatory bowel disease. On the basis of operative findings, 39 patients (78%) had uncomplicated abscess (not associated with cellulitis, sinus or fistula); swab cultures were performed in 26 (67%) of these patients. All patients were discharged on the same day; microbiology reports did not impact the treatment and no patients were followed up in clinic post-operatively or presented with recurrence. The number of unnecessary microbiology swabs undertaken in this cohort equates to approximately 52 unnecessary swabs a year. The cost of one swab is £10.10p, which means £520 could potentially be saved annually.ConclusionRoutine intra-operative swab cultures do not impact management decisions, add to unnecessary costs and therefore should not be undertaken in uncomplicated or first presentation of peri-anal abscesses.

Evaluation of the hygienic condition of the slaughterhouse

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-06 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.37-40 The food industry has an important role in the prevention of food borne illnesses. Contamination of food can occur in any stage of the production, storage and distribution. An essential part of keeping the products safe is food hygiene. The production process is complicated, changing the processes of production, preparation, and distribution, means there is more room for doubt about the hygienic status of the food. Slaughterhouses are primary production sites and their general hygiene requirements are set out in Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 and the commission regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. These regulations include the minimum rules for cleaning and sanitation of the production sites and requirements for education and training of personnel. Regulations must be followed by all businesses that produce food of animal origin. All levels of the production must operate under hygienic conditions in accordance with above mentioned regulations.The objective of this study was to determine the hygienic level of evaluated surfaces – stunning box, shower wall, floor and lift by microbiological swabs from room, where was perform slaughtering and bleeding. Microbiological swabs were taken before process of slaughtering and bleeding, during process and after disinfection. The swabs were taken from evaluated areas of 10 x 10 cm. The sampled areas were wiped by sterile cotton swabs, the swabs were placed in a sterile tube containing 10 ml of sterile saline solution. From this mixture 0.1 ml was applied to the different agar plates Meat peptone agar, Endo agar, Sabouraud agar. For disinfection of monitored surfaces in slaughterhouse was used disinfectant Virkon S in a 1 % concentration which was effective on all monitored surfaces which was confirmed by statistical analysis. 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Brussels: Official Journal of the European Union. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2006/2023/oj ZAILANI, A., BELLO, M., RAJI, A., KABIR, J. &amp; YAHUZA, M. (2016). Microbial evaluation of meat contact surfaces in red meat abattoirs of Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. Open Journal of Medical Microbiology , 6, 3–8. DOI: 10.4236/ojmm.2016.61002

Evaluation of the effectiveness of disinfection in dog shelter

Cleaning and disinfection are among the most important tasks in shelters and an important link in the prevention and battle against infectious diseases. Inadequate cleaning and ineffective disinfection can spread the disease to animals in the surrounding pens or to people during their daily contact and care of the animals. It is important to follow the order of the individual steps performed during hygiene procedures and carry out subsequent control of their efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection by means of swabs taken from selected surfaces in a dog shelter – Happy dog, located in eastern Slovakia. The surfaces were disinfected with Savo Prim contains active substance sodium hypochlorite and anionic surfactant. For good cleaning effect was added disinfectant in a ratio of 1:5 to hot water at a temperature of 50°C and sprayed under pressure of 50 Bar. The effectiveness of mechanical cleaning followed by disinfection was evaluated by microbiological swabs from watering and food bowls, wall and floor. Swabs were taken before and after mechanical cleaning and disinfection, from 10cm2 areas. The surface area was wiped with a sterile cotton swab, the swab was placed in a sterile tube with 10ml of sterile saline solution and 0.1ml from this mixture was applied to Endo agar and meat peptone agar. Swabbing of the disinfected surfaces showed a significant decrease in TCB (total count of bacteria) and CB (coliform bacteria). However, on the walls and floors were detected small count of TCB and CB after disinfection in comparison with the counts detected before cleaning but the number of indicator bacteria was below the recommended value. Based on these observations, we can evaluate the hygienic program with the disinfection performed in the shelter as sufficient.