Prevalence Of Bacterial Contamination Research Articles

Bacterial contamination and greenhouse gas emissions: A randomised study of reuse versus single-use of infusion-set components for intravenous anaesthesia.

Reusing anaesthesia infusion-set components may reduce the climate impact from plastic waste and discarded medications. Infusion-set contents can be shielded from patient contact by single use of an infusion line fitted with dual antireflux valves, preventing retrograde entry of microorganisms, and eliminating the risk for patient-to-patient cross-contamination. However, infusion-set contamination from compromised aseptic handling could affect quality of care. To determine the prevalence of infusion-set bacterial contamination and compare the climate effects, we randomised operating rooms scheduled for total intravenous anaesthesia to handle procedures by infusion-set reuse or single-use. Both methods used dual single-use antireflux valves. The primary outcome was infusion-set bacterial contamination assessed by aerobic culture of infusion-set fluid collected after each procedure. The secondary outcome was CO 2 emissions (CO 2 -eq) estimated by life cycle assessment of component and medication use. To assess feasibility of detecting an inter-method difference in bacterial contamination, an interim analysis was planned after including at least 150 procedures per group. After allocating 54 operating rooms per method, 189 and 159 procedures of reuse and single use were included. Reuse permitted a median of three procedures per infusion set (range 1 to 8). Positive cultures occurred in two procedures per method [mean (95% CI)]; prevalence 1.15% (0.03 to 2.27); relative risk of reuse versus single use 0.84 (0.12 to 5.93), P = 0.861. As prespecified, inclusion was stopped due to futility. The median (95% CI) per-procedure climate emissions were 0.43 (0.41 to 0.47) and 1.39 (1.37 to 1.40) kg CO 2 -eq for reuse and single-use respectively; difference -0.96 (-0.99 to -0.93), P < 0.0005. The main sources for climate emissions were production of infusion-set components and waste handling. We conclude that the prevalence of bacterial contamination was low for both methods. A much larger study would be needed to detect an inter-method difference. Reuse of infusion-set components allowed significantly reduced intravenous anaesthesia climate emissions.

Bacterial Contamination of Blood Products Stored at Room Temperature on Agitator in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract BACKGROUND: The relevance of some plasma-based medicinal products, especially platelet concentrates in modern medical care, is confirmed by their inclusion in the World Health Organization Essential Medicines. Therefore, this study characterized bacterial contamination in blood donor’s platelet concentrates in Lagos State. METHODS: A total number of 10 units of screened blood were collected and platelet concentrates were serially sampled following an aseptic procedure and stored for a period of 8 days (day 1 to day 8). The samples were incubated at 37°C on a daily basis for 7 days in brain–heart infusion growth medium and thioglycolate broth, respectively. The identities of the isolated organisms were determined by following standard microbiological techniques. The resistance pattern of isolates to selected antimicrobial agents was also determined by disc diffusion method. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that the overall prevalence of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates stored at room temperature was 20% (2/10), with the growth on the 1st day of culture. The pattern of the bacterial isolates was Staphylococcus aureus – 10% (1/10) and Staphylococcus epidermidis – 10% (1/10) from 10 platelet concentrates with agitation for 8 days with no evidence of co-bacterial contamination. The resistance pattern of the bacterial isolates to different selected antibiotics ranged from 50% to 100%. There was no significant difference in P value obtained in the comparative analysis of the proportions of S. aureus and S. epidermidis in platelet concentrates (P = 1.000; P &gt; 0.05). The findings of this study also confirmed the presence of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria in the blood component for transfusion studied in Lagos; the organisms isolated were S. aureus and S. epidermidis. The resistance pattern of the bacteria to the antibiotics ranged from 50% to 100%. CONCLUSION: This work revealed evidence of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates prepared for transfusion with an overall bacterial contamination of 20% (S. aureus – 10%; S. epidermidis – 10%) with no evidence of co-bacterial contamination but with evidence of S. aureus and S. epidermidis multidrug resistance, hence the need for proper storage and screening of platelet concentrates for bacterial contamination before transfusion to avoid platelet aggregation that may lead to fatal complications in the recipient.

Hand contamination and hand hygiene knowledge and practices among commercial transport users after the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) scare, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Contaminated hands are one of the most common modes of microorganism transmission that are responsible for many associated infections in healthcare, food industries, and public places such as transportation parks. Public health approaches during COVID-19 pandemic have shown that hand hygiene practices and associated knowledge are critical measure to control the spread of infectious agent. Hence, assessment of commercial transport users' knowledge, belief and practices on hand hygiene, and potential contamination with infectious agents which is the aim of the study, aligns with general health concern of quantifying contamination risk levels to predict disease outbreaks. This study utilized a randomized sampling approach to select 10 frequently used commercial parks within two districts in the State: Enugu and Nsukka. The parameters analysed include a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, hand swab and hand washed samples collected from dominant hand of participants. A total of 600 participants responded to the questionnaire survey, while 100 participants' hand swabs were examined for microbial contamination. This study recorded a high prevalence of fungal (90.0%) and bacterial (87.0%) species; 20 species of fungus were identified with prevalence range of 1% to 14%; 21 bacterial species were isolated with prevalence range of 1% to 16%. These species were identified as either opportunistic, non-invasive, or pathogenic, which may constitute a health concern amongst immunocompromised individuals within the population. Aspergillus spp. (14%), was the most common fungal species that was exclusively found amongst Nsukka commercial users, while E. coli was the most prevalent isolated bacterial species amongst Nsukka (12%) and Enugu (20%) commercial park users. Prevalence of fungal contamination in Nsukka (94.0%; 47/50) and Enugu (86.0%; 43/50) were both high. Prevalence of bacterial contamination was higher in Enugu than Nsukka but not significantly (47[94.0%] vs. 40[80.0%], p = 0.583). A greater number of participants (99.3%) were aware of the importance of hand hygiene, however with low compliance rate aside "after using the toilet" (80%) and "before eating" (90%), other relevant hand washing and sanitizing practices were considered less important. With these observations, we can emphatically say that despite the COVID-19 scare, commercial park users within the sampled population do not efficiently practice quality hand wash and hygiene measures, hence, risking the widespread of infectious agents in situation of disease outbreak or among immunocompromised individuals.

Preservation and Handling Practices of Household Drinking Water in Ahmedabad city with special reference to Bacterial Contamination and Diarrheal Episode in Children: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Safe drinking water is essential for healthy human life. Presence of coliform organism, E. coli in particular, has been found to be the most specific bacteriological indicator of faecal contamination. Studying their preservation and handling practices of household drinking water, its contamination and diarrheal episodes in children is very necessary for hygiene promotion intervention. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at urban field practice area of community medicine department B.J.M.C, Ahmedabad in year 2020-2021. Total 168 Drinking water samples were collected from each household and tested at microbiology department. Information regarding household characteristics, preservation and handling practices of drinking water were gathered from mother using pre-tested and pre-designed proforma. Data were entered in Microsoft excel and analysed using Epi-info Software. Result: Out of 168 households studied, 165(98.2%) households used matka / earthen pot and 161(95.8%) used narrow necked covered container to preserve drinking water. Only in 10 (5.8%) households’ water was filtered with folded cotton cloth at the time of collection. 101 (60%) water containers did have tap while 67 (39.8%) didn’t have it. 4/168 (2.3%) samples were bacteriologically not acceptable for drinking purpose. Conclusion: Narrow necked coveredmatka (earthen pot) was the most commonly used container to preserve drinking water. Though prevalence of bacterial contamination and ADD episodes in under five child were low due to pre-treated piped water supply, diarrhoeal morbidity is more in household where broad necked, non tapped containers used. Education of mother has positive impact on preservation and handling practices of drinking water. Keywords: Preservation, Handling, Drinking water, Coliform, Diarrheal episode, Under 5 children

Hand hygiene status and its associated factors among housemaids working in communal living residences in Jimma city, southwest Ethiopia

ObjectiveHand hygiene is a milestone, cost-effective, and convenient strategy to prevent the transfer of pathogenic micro-organisms. However, housemaids operating inside a kitchen can be the source of infection. In addition, hand hygiene among housemaids working in dwellings was underexplored. This study aimed to assess the hand hygiene status and associated factors among housemaids working in communal living residences in Jimma City, Southwest Ethiopia. MethodsA total of 230 housemaids were included in this cross-sectional study. Total samples were proportionally allocated for each residence and a simple random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Hand hygiene status and relevant characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews and observations. Hand swab samples were collected and tested for bacterial contaminants. Then, it was inoculated aseptically using streak-plating methods on mannitol salt agar (MSA), MacConkey agar (MCA), salmonella-shigella agar (SSA), and eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar and then incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Data was edited, cleaned, and double-entered into Epidata version 3.1 and then exported to the statistical package for social science statistics version 26 for further analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Statistically significant was declared at P value < 0.05. ResultsTwo hundred twenty-five housemaids were interviewed with a response rate of 97.8 %. The results showed that the proportion of good hand hygiene status among the housemaids was only 28.0 %. Although the majority of participants reported washing their hands frequently, the prevalence of bacterial contaminants on their hands was high at 72 %. The study identified several factors associated with hand hygiene status, including the occupational status of heads of households (AOR = 0.030, 95 % CI: 0.003, 0.348; P = 0.0050), the effectiveness of the heads of household (AOR = 13.955, 95 % CI: 1.442, 13.500; P = 0.0230), and the removal of accessories during handwashing (AOR = 20.844, 95 % CI: 2.190, 9.842; P = 0.0080). ConclusionOverall, the hand hygiene status of housemaids was found to be poor and influenced by demographics and other relevant characteristics. The study emphasizes the need for a multimodal strategy involving household heads, local and national authorities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for hand hygiene to prevent communicable diseases in the wider community, particularly in the study area.

Profiles of Bacteria Isolates and their Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern among Housemaids Working in Communal Living Residences in Jimma City, Ethiopia

Background: Bacterial pathogens continued to be the major causes of foodborne gastroenteritis in humans and remained public health important pathogens across the globe. As regards, housemaids operating inside a kitchen could be the source of infection and may transmit disease-inflicting pathogens through infected hands. Profiles of bacteria isolates and their antimicrobial resistance patterns among housemaids employed in dwellings in Ethiopia; particularly in the study area haven’t been underexplored yet. Objective: A study aimed to assess the profiles of bacteria isolates and antimicrobial resistance patterns among housemaids working in communal living residences in Jimma City, Ethiopia. Methods: Laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 230 housemaids from April-June 2022. Hand swabs samples from the dominant hand of the study participants were collected under sterile conditions for the segregation of commensal microbes following standard operating procedures. Then in the laboratory, the swabs were inoculated aseptically using streak-plating methods on mannitol salt agar, MacConkey agar, Salmonella-shigella agar, and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar. Then inoculated samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours for bacterial isolation. In addition, a set of biochemical tests was applied to examine bacterial species. Data was entered into Epidata version 3.1. All statistics were performed using SPSS® statistics version 26. Descriptive analyses were summarized using frequency and percentage. Results: The response rate of respondents was 97.8%. The prevalence of bacterial contaminants in the hands of housemaids who tested positive was 72% (95%CI: 66.2-77.8%). The isolated bacterial were Staphylococcus aureus (31.8%), Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (0.9%), Escherichia coli (21.5%), Salmonella (1.3%), Shigella (6.7%), Klebsiella species (23.3%) and Proteus species (14.8%). The isolation rate of bacteria was significantly associated with the removal watch, ring, and bracelet during hand washing. Most isolated bacteria were sensitive to Chloramphenicol while the majority of them were resistant to Tetracycline, Gentamycin, Vancomycin, and Ceftazidime. Conclusion: Hands of housemaids are important potential sources of disease-causing bacterial pathogens that would result in the potential risk of foodborne diseases. Most isolated bacteria were resistant to tested antimicrobial drugs. Everybody responsible should work practice of good hand hygiene.

Bacterial biofilm prevalence in dental unit waterlines: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundsNumerous studies have shown that dental unit water lines (DUWLs) are often contaminated by a wide range of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and various prevalence have been reported for it in previous studies. Therefore, this review study aims to describe the prevalence of bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs.MethodsThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which the related keywords in different international databases, including Medline (via PubMed) and Scopus were searched. The retrieved studies were screened and the required data were extracted from the included studies. Three standard methods including American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and contaminated > 100 CFU/ml(C-100) standards were used to assess the bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs. All studies that calculated the prevalence of bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs, and English full-text studies were included in the meta-analysis. Studies that did not have relevant data or used unusual laboratory methods were excluded. Methodological risk of bias was assessed by a related checklist and finally, the data were pooled by fixed or random-effect models.ResultsSeven hundred and thirty-six studies were identified and screened and 26 related studies were included in the meta-analysis. The oldest included study was published in 1976 and the most recent study was published in 2020. According to the ADA, CDC and C-100 standards, the prevalence of bacterial contamination was estimated to be 85.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66.0–94.0%), 77.0% (95%CI: 66.0–85.0%) and 69.0% (95%CI: 67.0–71.0%), respectively. The prevalence of Legionella Pneumophila and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in DUWLs was estimated to be 12.0% (95%CI: 10.0–14.0%) and 8.0% (95%CI: 2.0–24.0%), respectively.ConclusionThe results of this review study suggested a high prevalence of bacterial biofilm in DUWLs; therefore, the use of appropriate disinfecting protocol is recommended to reduce the prevalence of contamination and reduce the probable cross-infection.

Milk Product Safety and Household Food Hygiene Influence Bacterial Contamination of Infant Food in Peri-Urban Kenya.

BackgroundMilk is a common infant food in peri-urban Kenya that can transmit diarrhea-causing enteric pathogens. Little is known about how contamination of milk at point of purchase and household handling of milk-based infant foods contribute to infant exposure to enteric pathogens.ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence and concentrations of bacterial indicator organisms and enteric pathogens in unpackaged, fresh pasteurized, and ultra-high temperature (UHT) treated milk at purchase and assess the influence of the type of milk used to prepare infant food on contamination of this food.MethodsPaired samples of purchased milk and infant food prepared with this milk were obtained from 188 households in low-income neighborhoods in Kisumu, Kenya. Samples were cultured on selective media to isolate Salmonella enterica, Shigella spp., Klebsiella aerogenes, Proteus spp., and Escherichia coli, with pathogens validated by PCR. Probability of detection of these bacteria was compared by milk product treatment and packaging method, and between milk at point of purchase vs. food at point of infant consumption.ResultsUnpackaged milk was most contaminated at point of purchase, but bacterial contamination was also present in pasteurized and UHT milk at purchase. Presence of bacteria in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk at purchase predicted presence of the same bacteria type in infant food. Prevalence of bacterial contamination and concentration level for bacterial indicators generally increased between point of purchase and consumption in UHT and fresh pasteurized milk-based food but decreased in unpackaged milk-based food. Prevalence of the four fecal bacteria were similar in infant foods prepared with each type of milk.ConclusionBoth pre-market contamination and post-purchase handling influence the likelihood of infants ingesting foods contaminated by diarrheal pathogens.

The prevalence of bacterial contamination on mobile phones of pharmacy university students

The prevalence of bacterial contamination on mobile phones of pharmacy university students

Mobile Phones of Healthcare Workers are Possible Source of Nosocomial Infections: Evidence from Asante-Mampong Municipal Government Hospital, Ghana

Background: The users of mobile phones often contaminate them with several microflorae including viruses, fungi, and bacteria via unhygienic conditions and habits making phones a breeding ground and a tool for the transmission of infections. This study examined microbial contamination of mobile phones of health care workers (HCWs) and the risk of nosocomial infections at the Mampong Municipal Government Hospital (MMGH), Ghana.&#x0D; Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study design to characterize bacterial microflora on mobile phones of HCWs at the MMGH. A random sample of thirty-five [1] mobile phones of HCWs was swabbed for microbiological analysis from the Dental, Children, Male, Theatre and Laboratory departments. A 0.1 ml sterile buffered peptone water was used to make a uniform suspension of each sample and streaked on blood agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37℃ for 48 hours. Bacteria were isolated and identified using suitable laboratory and biochemical methods. Analysis of data was done using SPSS-IBM version 16.&#x0D; Results: All cell phones were contaminated with one or more species of bacteria. Cell phones from Male, Dental and Laboratory departments had 85.7%, 71.4% and 57.1% prevalence of bacterial contamination respectively while Children’s and Theatre departments each recorded 28.6%. Bacterial contaminants identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis (G+) (37%), Staphylococcus aureus (G+) (26%), E. coli (G-) (20%), Bacillus spp. (G+) (11%) and Klebsiella spp. (G-) (6%.). Apart from the Children’s Ward, E. coli was isolated at all study sites and the most prevalent (42.9%) at the Dental Unit. Klebsiella spp (G-) (28.6%) was isolated only at the Children’s ward.&#x0D; Conclusion: Mobile phones of HCWs harboured possible pathogens that could cause nosocomial infections among patients. Therefore, strict handwashing practices should be adhered to by HCWs before and after phone use before contact with the patient to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. This has become even more relevant in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic.

Prevalence of bacterial contamination of touchscreens and posterior surfaces of smartphones owned by healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMobile phones used by healthcare workers (HCWs) are contaminated with bacteria, but the posterior surface of smartphones has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of microbial contamination of touchscreens and posterior surfaces of smartphones owned by HCWs.MethodsA cross-sectional study of smartphones used by HCWs employed at two intensive care units at a Japanese tertiary care hospital was performed. Bacteria on each surface of the smartphones were isolated separately. The primary outcomes were the prevalence of microbial contamination on each surface of smartphones and associated bacterial species. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare dichotomous outcomes.ResultsEighty-four HCWs participated in this study. The touchscreen and posterior surface were contaminated in 27 (32.1%) and 39 (46.4%) smartphones, respectively, indicating that the posterior surface was more frequently contaminated (p = 0.041). Bacillus species and coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from each surface of the smartphones.ConclusionsThe posterior surface of a smartphone was more significantly contaminated with bacteria than the touchscreen, regardless of having a cover. Therefore, routine cleaning of the posterior surface of a smartphone is recommended.

Big Concern for Public Health: Microbial Contamination of Mobile Phones.

Mobile phones are dynamic source of microorganisms in households and professional settings. The aim was to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of the mobile phones, identify bacterial isolates, assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and define the efficiency of using disinfectant. This study included 233 dental students from Near East University, Faculty of Dentistry. Swab samples taken from mobile phones before and after disinfection were inoculated onto 5% sheep blood medium and eosin methylene blue medium and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Mold-growing mix cultures were sub-cultured on the sabouraud dextrose medium and allowed to grow at room temperature. Conventional microbiological techniques and VITEK 2 automated identification system were used for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were verified by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique according to the European Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Committee criteria. Mold colonies were identified macroscopic and microscopically according to their phenotypic properties using lacto-phenol cotton blue stain. Microbial contamination of mobile phones was 81% (120.953 cfu/ml) in swab samples taken without using alcohol-based wipes however, microbial contamination in swab samples taken after one-time disinfection was determined to be 21% (201 cfu/ml). The most common microorganisms isolated were coagulase negative Staphylococci (69%) and Aspergillus niger (13%). All of the isolated bacteria were susceptible to all antibiotics used. This study represents the first data on the rate of microbial contamination on mobile phones in Northern Cyprus and the efficiency of the use of alcohol to disinfect the mobile phones.

Types of bacteria isolated from Yemeni Currencies in Sana'a City and potential risk factors

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial contaminants on Yemeni paper currency notes and coins and some potential risk factors. This study was carried out on 140 paper currency and coins obtained from bus drivers, supermarket cashers and Qat sellers shops in Sana'a city, Yemen. Swabs were taken from 140 paper currencies and coins and were cultured on Blood and MacConkey agars. Gram stain, biochemical and serological tests were done to identify isolated bacteria. The percentage of different types of bacteria isolated from the currencies were as follow; Staphylococci spp (22.2%), Alcaligenes spp (11.2%) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, Gram positive bacilli (10.0%), Escherishia coli (9.3%) , Seratia marcescans (6.8 %) , Streptococci spp (5.3%) , Enterobacter aerogene (3.0%) , Klebsilla pneumoniae (3.0%) , Enterobacter cloacae (2.3%) , Yersinia enterocolitica (2.3%) , Citrobacter spp (2.3%) , Gram posative diplococci (1.5%) , Shigella spp (1.5%) , and same percentage (0.8%) of Gram negative cocci, Vibrio cholerae, Actinomysis spp, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis. The highest percentage of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria was found on currencies taken from supermarket cashers (31.4%) and (30.4), respectively. Whereas, lowest percentage were found in currencies taken from bus driver and Qat seller shops. Yemeni paper currency and coins are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Currency contamination is of importance issue to public health as it can provide a vehicle for easy transmission of pathogens between handlers. Therefore, public education on proper handling and great care should be taken during handling of money to avoid cross contamination.

Prevalence of bacterial contamination in uncooked sticky rice samples from markets in Japan

Prevalence of bacterial contamination in uncooked sticky rice samples from markets in Japan

The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Infertile Men and Association with Semen Quality in Southwestern Iran

Infertility considered as a social and public health issue and estimated that most of these infertile couples are residents of developing countries. Infectious diseases including the history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may impact on male reproductive function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants of semen and probable association with sperm quality of infertile men in Iranian population. The study population consisted of 200 infertile men and 150 fertile men attending an infertility Center in southwestern Iran during the study period in 2015. The assessment of sperm parameters was according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The presumptive pathogens were identified using standard microbiology tests and confirmed by specific PCR primers. The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group (48% vs. 26.7%, P <0.001). The microbiological analysis of samples showed that the most abundant species of bacteria in semen of infertile men were Chlamydia trachomatis (12.5%) followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). On the other hand, in the control group, Lactobacillus spp. (17.3%) was the most isolated pathogen. Results showed that the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Haemophilus, and Klebsiella was significantly associated with sperm abnormality. Based on our findings, it seems that bacteriospermia is associated with alterations in the properties of semen which may lead to a decrease in the fertilization potential of sperm. Therefore, immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary before investigating every other possible cause of infertility.

The Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination in Transfusable Platelets in Lilongwe, Malawi

The Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination in Transfusable Platelets in Lilongwe, Malawi

Prevalence of bacterial contamination in 50% dextrose vials in varying storage conditions after multiple punctures.

To determine the risk of bacterial growth in single use 50% dextrose vials punctured multiple times and stored in various hospital environments. Three groups of three 50% dextrose vials were stored in our hospital intensive care unit at either ambient light or in a darkened drawer at room temperature or refrigerated at 4°C. One vial in each group was punctured either once, once weekly or once daily for 28 days and samples taken for bacterial culture every 7days until completion of the project. A fourth group of three vials were inoculated with several species of bacteria and stored in our microbiology laboratory under the environmental conditions described above with cultures performed every 7days for 28 days. In addition, the water activity of 50% dextrose was determined using commercial laboratory equipment. Scant growth of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter agglomerans was detected in cultures performed on day 7, but not subsequent time points, from the inoculated refrigerated vials. The vial punctured once daily for 28 days and stored under refrigerated conditions showed growth of Bacillus subtilis on day 28. All remaining bottles had no bacterial growth at any time point or environmental condition. The water activity of 50% dextrose was 093 at 24°C and 092 at 4°C. Bacterial growth in 50% dextrose vials was uncommon even when inoculated with pathogens. Bacterial growth only occurred in refrigerated storage conditions. The water activity of 50% dextrose is not low enough to inhibit all bacterial and fungal growth.

Microbial contaminants isolated from items and work surfaces in the post- operative ward at Kawolo general hospital, Uganda

BackgroundNosocomial infections are a major setback in the healthcare delivery system especially in developing countries due to the limited resources. The roles played by medical care equipment and work surfaces in the transmission of such organisms have inevitably contributed to the elevated mortality, morbidity and antibiotic resistances.MethodsA total 138 samples were collected during the study from Kawolo general hospital. Swab samples were collected from various work surfaces and fomites which consisted of; beds, sink taps, infusion stands, switches, work tables and scissors. Cultures were done and the susceptibility patterns of the isolates were determined using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Data was analyzed using Stata 13 and Microsoft Excel 2013 packages.ResultsA total of 44.2% (61/138) of the collected swab specimens represented the overall bacterial contamination of the sampled articles. Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for the highest bacterial contaminants constituting of 75.4% (46/61) and 11.5% (7/61) respectively. Infusion stands and patient beds were found to have the highest bacterial contamination levels both constituting 19.67% (12/61). The highest degree of transmission of organisms to patients was found to be statistically significant for patient beds with OR: 20.1 and P-value 8X10− 4. Vancomycin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics with 100%, 80% and 80% sensitivity patterns among the isolates respectively. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 52% (24/46) with 4% (1/24) classified as a possible extensively drug resistant (XDR) whereas Gram negative isolates had 27% (4/15) MDR strains out of which 50%(2/4) were classified as possible pan-drug resistant (PDR).ConclusionThe high prevalence of bacterial contaminants in the hospital work environment is an indicator of poor or ineffective decontamination. The study findings reiterate the necessity to formulate drug usage policies and re-examine effectiveness of decontamination and sterilization practices within Kawolo general hospital. We also recommend installation of a sound Microbiology unit at the hospital to take on susceptibility testing to check on the empirical use of antibiotics as a way of reducing the rampant elevations in drug resistances.

Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination in Samples of Uncooked Rice from Markets and Homes in Asian Countries

Prevalence of Bacterial Contamination in Samples of Uncooked Rice from Markets and Homes in Asian Countries

Isolation of bacteria from mobile phones before and after decontamination: Study carried out at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Different fomites which are in regular contact with humans can play an important role in the transmission of microorganisms. Mobile phones have become indispensable in all walks of life; nevertheless their potential role in transmission of infections is of great interest. A cross-sectional study was done (April to June, 2015) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Faculty of Medicine (female campus), in order to detect the prevalence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones by students and staff, to investigate the most frequent habits associated with the use of mobile phones and effective cleaning of mobile phones with 70% alcohol for decontamination. A total of 168 swabs from 84 mobile phones derived from 80 volunteers were sampled at random. At the same time during sampling, a self-administered questionnaire was developed. All 84 mobile phones sampled were contaminated with bacteria, before decontamination. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated frequently (32.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.1%), viridans streptococci (15.7%), Bacillus spp. (13.4%) and Corynebacterium spp. (11.8%). Gram-negative bacilli and other Gram-positive cocci were also isolated but at lower levels. Mobile phones belonging to students had the highest rates of contamination (65.35%), followed by doctors (47%) and administrators (8.67%). Whilst, the lowest rate of bacterial contamination (5.5%) was observed among laboratory technicians, McNemar's analysis indicated that decontamination with 70% alcohol significantly decreased the rate of contamination from 100 to 47.6% (P<0.000). This study shows that all mobile phones examined were heavily contaminated with bacteria and the use of 70% alcohol for decontamination was effective in reducing bacterial colonization on these devices. Educating users on hygiene practices while using either mobile phones or other fomites in daily life aspects can help to reduce cross-transmission with microorganisms. Key words: Medical campus, mobile phones, bacteria, decontaminations, hygiene, contamination, Saudi Arabia.