Reduction Of Microbial Contamination Research Articles

The application of ozone within the food industry, mode of action, current and future applications, and regulatory compliance.

The food industry faces numerous challenges today, with the prevention and reduction of microbial contamination being a critical focus. While traditional chemical-based methods are effective and widely used, rising energy costs, the development of microbial tolerances, and growing awareness of the ecological impact of chemical biocides have renewed interest in novel biocides. Ozone, in both its gaseous and aqueous forms, is recognized as a potent disinfectant against bacteria, viruses, and fungi due to its high oxidation potential. Our review highlights several studies on the applications of ozone within the food industry, including its use for surface and aerosol disinfection and its capacity to reduce viable Listeria monocytogenes, a pertinent foodborne pathogen harbouring environmental and biocide stress tolerances and biofilm former. We also explore the use of ozone in food treatment and preservation, specifically on blueberries, apples, carrots, cabbage, and cherry tomatoes. While ozone is an effective disinfectant, it is important to consider material incompatibility, and the risks associated with prolonged human exposure to high concentrations. Nevertheless, for certain applications, ozone proves to be an efficacious and valuable alternative or complementary method for microbial control. Compliance with the biocide products regulation will require ozone device manufacturers to produce proven efficacy and safety data in line with British standards based on European standards (BS EN), and researchers to propose adaptations to account for ozone's unique properties.

Preparation and properties of PCL coaxial electrospinning films with shell loaded with CEO and core coated LEO nanoemulsions

During storage and transportation, the reduction of microbial contamination and management of the exudation of fluids from the fish can effectively mitigate spoilage and degradation of fish fillets. In this work, the coaxial electrospinning films loaded with natural plant preservatives, namely laurel essential oil (LEO) and clove essential oil (CEO), were prepared by the coaxial electrospinning method synergistic with nanoemulsion techniques, and the hydrophilic preservation pads were prepared. The morphology of the film fiber is clear, without beads or damage, with fiber diameters falling within the 230–260 nm range. It has a distinct core–shell structure, exceptional thermal stability, and strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The core–shell structure of the fiber subtly regulates the release of preservatives and significantly improves the utilization efficiency. At the same time, the synergistic use of two essential oils can reduce the amount while amplifying their effectiveness. The pads significantly slowed down the increase of key indicators of spoilage, such as total viable count (TVC), pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), during the storage of the fish fillets. Furthermore, the pads effectively slowed down the decline in water-holding capacity, the deterioration of textural qualities, and the negative changes in the microstructure of the fish muscle. Ultimately, the pads notably delayed the spoilage of fish fillets, extending their shelf life from 5 d to 9 d. The efficient utilization of biological preservatives in this film can provide technical support for the development of food preservation materials.

Efficiency of antiseptic agents for treatment of autogenous dentinal blocks

BACKGROUND: Autogenous material is currently one of the most common and effective materials used for bone grafting. In recent years, materials based on extracted teeth have attracted attention. When analyzing modern articles, all authors agree that before using autogenous dentinal material, it is necessary to carry out antiseptic treatment to prevent possible complications.
 AIM: A comparison was made of various antiseptic agents for the treatment of autogenous dentinal blocks with subsequent osteoplastic operations in the pre-implantation period.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: At the Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery of the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov, 43 teeth were removed for orthodontic indications, the teeth were processed mechanically and fragmented into 125 autogenous dentinal blocks. Then they were treated with antiseptic agents (0.01% Miramistin solution, 95% ethyl alcohol solution, 0.05% and 2% chlorhexidine solution) for 15 min and were sent to the Department of Microbiology, Virology, Immunology of the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov for the isolation of microbial cultures.
 RESULTS: The use of antiseptic agents showed a significant reduction in microbial contamination compared with the control group, which did not undergo antiseptic treatment, which indicates the effectiveness of the treatment of extracted teeth before using it as an osteoplastic material for bone grafting.
 CONCLUSION: Autogenous dentinal blocks must be processed before being used as an osteoplastic material.

Reduction of Microbial Contamination in Kaolin from Belitung Island, Indonesia

Kaolin is often used as an excipient in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as well as an anticaking, bulking, absorbent, and opacifying agent. It is also required in some cosmetic industries with a limited number of microbial contaminations, but no study has explored the reduction of these contaminant microbes based on the requirements. Therefore, this study aims to produce kaolin that complies with the microbial contamination specifications. Several methods were used in this study to reduce the microbial content, including heating, sterilization using anautoclave, as well as soaking with ethanol, methanol, and chloroform. The number of microbial contaminations was then measured using the Petri dish method. The result showed that the 2 h heating treatment was not sufficient to eliminate microbial contamination even at a temperature of 250°C, hence, it was combined with the addition of sodium hypochlorite to obtain a better outcome. Furthermore, autoclave treatment at 121°C for 20 min with or without pre-treatment successfully reduced the population of microbes to <102 per gram and this met the standardrequirement for cosmetic industries.

METHOD OF CORRECTING NONSPECIFIC IMMUNITY IN PATIENTS WITH ORAL CANCER

Aim: To evaluate the antioxidant-prooxidant system of oral fluid, indicators of antimicrobial protection and bacterial contamination of the oral cavity in patients with cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx at the stages of surgical treatment with topical lysozyme in the form of mucosa-adhesive phytogel. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in 38 patients (20 men and 18 women) with stage I-III oral cancer. The average age of patients was 56.5 years (from 33 to 75 years). The normal group included 10 people without changes in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Catalase, urease, lysozyme and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) activity were determined. Тhe antioxidant-prooxidant index (API) was calculated and the degree of dysbiosis. The study was performed on day 2 of hospitalization and day 14 of treatment. In the experimental group, the correction of local immunity was performed. Results: The conducted biochemical studies of oral fluid of patients with tumors of the oral cavity demonstrate the high effectiveness of the proposed local treatment. Thus, under its influence in the oral cavity of patients found a decrease in the intensity of lipid peroxidation (MDA content), reduction of microbial contamination (urease activity) and the degree of dysbiosis with a simultaneous increase in nonspecific antimicrobial protection (lysozyme activity) and antioxidant system. Conclusions: Topical application of muco-adhesive phytogel Lysozyme in patients with tumors of the oral cavity in the postoperative period indicate its antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy, increase local immunity.

English

BACKGROUND Oral health is the integral part of good general health and toothbrushes are the most common and vital component of daily maintenance of oral hygiene used for prevention of oral diseases. Toothbrushes used routinely are known to get contaminated over time by pathogenic organisms. Retention and survival of microorganisms on toothbrush is a possible cause of re-contamination of the mouth. Various approaches have been tried for decontamination of the tooth brushes mainly involving disinfectants. Blue light with wavelength of 450 ± 30 nm has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial effect. Thus, this study was planned to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of blue light for effective decontamination of toothbrushes against commonly isolated pathogenic microorganisms contaminating the toothbrushes along with determining the best exposure time for effective decontamination. METHODS In this cross-sectional analytical study, participants were enrolled after IEC approval in 3 groups based on duration of blue light exposure. Two different set of toothbrushes were given to participants, one to determine the contamination and other to see the effect of exposure to blue light for different durations on decontamination. Data was maintained and analysed using in Microsoft Office Excel with appropriate statistical tools. RESULTS The use of blue LED light emitting 450 ± 30 nm wavelength used in our study has shown a significant reduction in microbial contamination by pathogenic and commensal organisms in the daily use of toothbrushes. The participants with an exposure of 30 minutes effectively with best results statistically were with 8 hours of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Study suggests that exposure of blue light with wavelength of 450 ± 30 nm can be effectively used to routinely decontaminate the toothbrushes against pathogenic microbes. Thus, causing them to absorb violet/blue light and subsequently lead to the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can inactivate microbes. KEY WORDS Blue Light, Phototherapy Treatment, Decontamination, Tooth Brushes, Reactive Oxygen Species

Microbial contamination of hands with or without the use of bidet toilets (electric toilet seats with water spray) after defecation.

Bidet toilets (electric toilet seats with water spray) are increasing in popularity worldwide. However, the extent of reduction of microbial contamination of the hands with the use of bidet toilets after defecation is unclear. Microbe contamination of the hands with and without the use of bidet toilets after defecation was examined in 32 nursing students. Double gloves were worn on the dominant hand and four layers of toilet paper were used to wipe the buttocks after defecation, and microbe contamination of the second glove (outer glove) of the double gloves was examined. The volunteers were free to select the flow volume, wash time of the bidet, and the type of bidet. Without the use of a bidet toilet, the average value ± standard deviation of the number of microbes attached to the gloves was 39,499.3 ± 77,768.3 colony forming units (cfu)/glove; however, it was 4,146.9 ± 11,427.7 cfu/glove when the bidet toilet was used. The number of microbes adhering to gloves was significantly reduced when a bidet toilet was used (p < 0.00001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).

Quality profile of catfoods

There is a series of feeds aimed at cats in the pet market, amongst which extruded feeds stand out, because their manufacturing process goes through thermal treatment. Such process is the main factor for the reduction of microbial contamination, as well as the action of the water in the feed. This is responsible for controlling degradation by bacteria and fungi after the manufacturing process. After opening the packages, there are several ways and factors that lead to contamination in feed. This study aimed at assessing cat feeds for their microbioligical and brotmathological content. For this, we analyzed different kinds of cat feed in the original package and traded in bulk, with different types of classification as to their quality. The assessments consisted in finding if the nutrients of the feeds were within the minimum levels required by the Manual Pet Food Brazil (2014). Analyses were performed to determine the presence of Salmonellae spp., Eschirichia coli, coliforms at 35ºC e 45ºC, Aspergillus spp e Penicillium spp; and also, for the existence of aflatoxin in the feeds. The microbiological results showed that the feeds traded unpackaged in the city of Alfenas Minas Gerais obtained results with higher levels of contamination in relation to those traded in their original packaging. This showed that the feeds exposed to the environment may compromise their microbiological quality and endanger the pets’ health. These results prove the need of greater restrictions to the trading of feeds in bulk, so that the degradation of the product is reduced, thus preserving the quality of the feed and the safety of the cats.

Impact of Good Hygiene Management Practices on the Reduction in Microbial Contamination of Roasted Sheep Meat Sold at Urban Dibiteries in Senegal

Impact of Good Hygiene Management Practices on the Reduction in Microbial Contamination of Roasted Sheep Meat Sold at Urban Dibiteries in Senegal

Reduction of microbial contamination using household techniques in rural area of India

Groundwater is the major source of domestic water for people residing in Amingaon – a rural area in North Guwahati, Assam, India. However, it contains an excessive amount of dissolved iron (Fe) (11.3 mg/l); hence, the people resort to the use of indigenous household groundwater filter (IHGF) units. A survey of different variants of IHGF units within a radius of 5–6 km from the campus of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati reveals that the filter medium – that is, river sand, gravel, wooden charcoal and mesh – are arranged in different combinations layerwise and bounded in plastic buckets, reinforced cement concrete rings and tin (Sn) containers. An IHGF unit is selected for performance monitoring. The iron concentration in the filtered water is within the permissible limits (0.3 mg/l), but when the water is assessed for pathogenic contamination using the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) strip test, it is found to be contaminated with pathogens, making it unfit for drinking. Efforts have been made to reduce the faecal microbial contamination present in the filtered groundwater using household treatment options such as additional filtration using folded cloth, use of Ocimum tenuiflorum (tulsi) and copper (Cu) utensils and solar disinfection (Sodis). Sodis is found to be the most effective in reduction of faecal microbial contamination present in the filtered water.

Incorporating strain variability in the design of heat treatments: A stochastic approach and a kinetic approach

For the design of thermal processes, the decimal reduction times (D-values) of target organisms can be used. However, many factors influence the D-value, like inherent organism’s characteristics (strain variability), the effect of the history of the cells, as well as product factors and process factors. Strain variability is a very large contributor to the overall variation of the D-value. Hence, the overall reduction of microbial contaminants by a heat treatment is a combination of the occurrence of a strain with a certain heat resistance and its reduction given the prevailing conditions. This reduction can be determined using two approaches: a kinetic analysis based on integral equations or a stochastic approach based on Monte Carlo analysis. In this article, these two approaches are compared using as case studies the inactivation of two microorganisms: Listeria monocytogenes in a pasteurization process and the sporeformer Geobacillus stearothermophilus in a UHT process. Both approaches resulted in similar conclusions, highlighting that the strains with the highest heat resistance are determinant for the overall inactivation, even if the probability of cells having such extreme heat resistance is very low.

Elastomeric Respirator Contamination of Sterile Fields Compared to Surgical Masks

Background: Elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMRs) are a reusable, reliable option for protection from infectious aerosol particles such as SARS-CoV2. There is a lack of safety data for their use in sterile fields. We hypothesized an equivalent reduction in aerosol/droplet contamination of the sterile field for an EHMR covered with a surgical mask (EHMRwM) as achieved by a standard surgical mask.Methods: In an operating room setting, participants performed droplet and aerosol generating procedures while wearing: (Group 1) EHMRwM, (Group 2) EHMR only, (Group 3) N95, and (Group 4) surgical mask. A positive control was established with the participant unmasked (Group 5). Contamination of the sterile, anesthesia, and nursing field was measured by microbial growth on settling plates and optical particle counters (0.2+ and 2 um+ particles). 16 experiments were performed by 4 participants with 4 iterations with randomized testing order.Findings: There was a reduction in microbial contamination at the sterile field (pInterpretation: An EHMR covered by a surgical mask is as effective as a standard surgical mask for reducing contamination at the sterile field in an operating room. Consideration should be given to expanding the use of EHMRs to operating rooms with sterile fields.Funding Statement: No funding sources were used in this research.Declaration of Interests: Brittany E. Howard MD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Ryan M. Thorwarth MD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Karam Abi Karam BS: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Sam L. Snider BS: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Erica Forzani PhD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures related to this research. She does have a pending patent application “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING AIRBORNE CONTAMINATION IN CONDITIONED INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS” E. Forzani, B. Patel, K. McKay, G. Pyznar, Provisional Patent, August, 2020. Joseph G. Hentz MS: This author has no personal or financial disclosures related to this research. He has previously received grant funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Erin H. Graf PhD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Bhavesh Patel MD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Kelly J. McKay EMT-P: This author has no personal or financial disclosures. Michael L. Hinni MD: This author has no personal or financial disclosures related to this research. He is the inventor of a laryngoscope manufactured and sold by Karl Storz. He receives an honorarium from this. Devyani Lal MD: This author has no personal or financial disclosuresEthics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board.

Effects of workers’ hand washing and knife disinfection practices on microbiological quality of small animal carcasses in slaughterhouse environment

The aim of this study conducted in two slaughterhouses was to reveal the effect of workers’ hand washing and knife disinfection practices in reduction of microbial contamination on small animal carcasses. Hand washing and immersing blade into hot water (≥82°C for 5 s) practices resulted in significant reductions in microorganism counts of the workers' hands and knives and provided 0.1–0.7 log10 and 0.5–1.0 log10/cm2 decreases in TVC and Enterobacteriaceae counts on the carcasses, respectively (p < .05). However, it was seen that still a high number of microorganisms remained on the workers' hand and blades after the hand washing and blade disinfecting practices. Although these practices are important and must be applied, it can be said that they are partly effective in reducing of microbial contamination of carcasses. Practical applications The EU approach favors the use of strict hygiene measures to lessen the microorganisms on the carcass surface, and refers that there is no need for carcass decontamination with chemicals when the hygienic measures are applied in slaughtering process. Also, there is an argument that decontamination procedures may mask poor hygiene during slaughtering. This study, provides knowledge about effect of hygiene practices on small animal carcasses microbiological quality in real slaughterhouse conditions.

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma decontamination of allspice berries and effect on qualitative characteristics

The effect of low-temperature plasma generated at atmospheric pressure was studied in term of reduction of bacterial contamination and influence on nutritional characteristics of allspice (Pimenta dioica). The low-temperature plasma was generated in ambient air using Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD). The bacterial species inoculated on the surface of samples were reduced in dependence on exposure time. Plasma treatment time of 240 s led to log10 CFU/g of Salmonella Enteritidis to below detection level (1.0 log10 CFU/g) from initial population of 7.64 log10 CFU/g. After treatment with DCSBD plasma for 300 s, the populations of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus subtilis endospores were decreased by 2.85 log10 CFU/g and 1.70 log10 CFU/g, respectively. The parameters related to the decontamination effect were measured. Temperature of samples does not exceed the value declared as low-temperature limit and water activity decreased after plasma treatment. The effect of plasma on the qualitative properties of allspice studied by infrared spectroscopy showed no changes in characteristic chemical bonds on the surface and also inside the samples. Measurements of polyphenolics content in allspice showed that plasma has negligible impact on these main constituents affecting taste and flavor. The experiments demonstrated an efficient reduction in microbial contamination and minimal influence on the aroma profile of treated and stored spice.

Effects of Chitosan and Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Preservation Characteristics of Cucumber Samples

This study evaluated the effect of Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings on the preservation of selected cucumber samples. Chitosan was produced from orange-crab shells with 76% degree of deacetylation while homogenized Aloe vera gel extracted from the plants was thermally pre-treated at 70 °C for 30 minutes. Coatings were applied using dipping techniques and air-dried before storage in discrete plots under ambient conditions. The study estimated physicochemical, nutritional and microbiological qualities of the coated and uncoated samples for a period of 4 weeks using standard procedures. Chitosan and Aloe vera gel had antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week three while Chitosan- Aloe vera mix had more antimicrobial effect on the cucumber samples at week four of storage period. Eight bacterial and seven fungal isolates were obtained from the chitosan and Aloe vera coatings on the cucumber samples namely Aeromonas, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia, Proteus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Enterobacter, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and, Saccharomyces; with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger as most occurring bacterial and fungal species respectively. Chitosan, Aloe vera and Chitosan-aloe vera mix coated samples had moisture content, protein content and carbohydrate retention of 95.09±0.01 %, 1.31±0.09 % and 0.46±0.14 %; 94.67±0.14 %, 0.65±0.03 % and 1.61±0.44 % ; 93.76±0.09 %, 1.27±0.66 %, and 0.69±0.51 % respectively. It can be concluded that Chitosan and Aloe vera gel coatings are effective in preservation of cucumbers with significant retention of nutrients and reduction in microbial contamination.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF DALMAXIN RECTAL SUPPOSITORIES (THIOTRIAZOLIN) IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF ACUTE PARAPROCTITIS

Summary. The problem of treatment of acute purulent paraproctitis is one of the most urgent problems of modern coloproctology.&#x0D; Study objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the use of Dalmaxin rectal suppositories in the complex treatment of acute paraproctitis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The effectiveness of use of Dalmaxin rectal suppositories was conducted in 62 patients with acute subcutaneous paraproctitis, assigned to two groups, a main group of 30 patients and a comparison group of 32 patients. All patients underwent radical surgery. Antimicrobial, detoxification and symptomatic therapy was prescribed postoperatively. Local treatment of purulent wounds was carried out using hydrophilic ointments depending on the phase of the wound process; the patients of the main group were additionally administered Dalmaxin rectal suppositories twice a day. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by the severity of the swelling, the nature of the discharge from the wound, the level of microbial contamination, the wound cleansing period, the appearance of granulation tissue and epithelialization, and by cytological examination. Furthermore, general laboratory and biochemical studies were performed. Endogenous intoxication (EI) and its changes in the course of treatment were evaluated by the level of average-mass molecules, leukocyte intoxication index and hematological intoxication index. Statistical processing and comparison of the obtained data was performed using the STATISTICA® 5.5 integrated system (STATSOFT® Inc., USA), license A XX 910A374605FA.&#x0D; Results. The study showed that in patients with acute paraproctitis, the severity of the postoperative period is due to the severe intoxication and the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome that were observed in patients at the time of hospitalization. After surgical intervention, clinical and laboratory parameters did not normalize in the first five days of the postoperative period, and only starting from the fifth day, there was a gradual decrease in the level of EI and laboratory indicators, reaching the normal ones only at the time of discharge from the hospital. EI complicates the course of the postoperative period, primarily by weakening the level of humoral immunity and inhibiting the processes of reparative regeneration. When comparing the results of treatment of acute paraproctitis in patients using Dalmaxin rectal suppositories with traditional methods. The hospitalization period of the patients of the main group was also shorter than in the comparison group, and was (9.2 ± 0.5) and (11.9 ± 0.9) bed days, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions. A comparative evaluation of the use of Dalmaxin in the complex treatment of acute purulent paraproctitis showed that the drug, due to its properties, significantly improves the course of the postoperative period, as evidenced by faster reduction of endogenous intoxication, reduction of microbial contamination and wound cleansing from necrotic tissues, faster granulation and epithelialization, as well as wound healing, thus helping to reduce the time of hospitalization.

Reduction of microbial contamination of goat meat using dietary brown seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplementation and chlorinated wash

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of brown seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplementation and chlorinated skin wash on skin and carcass microbial contamination in goats....

Optimization of Ozonation Process for Disinfection of Dental Unit Waterlines Using Response Surface Methodology

ABSTRACTThe reduction of microbial contamination in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) appears to be necessary because of a potential risk of infections in immunocompromised patients and medical staff, which are regularly exposed to water and aerosols generated from DUWLs. In the present study, the qualitative and quantitative microbial contamination of water in DUWLs were determined and the conventional biomedical diagnostic tests were applied to identify microorganisms. A 3-level, 2-factor central composite design was utilized to investigate the effects of chief operating parameters and optimize ozone disinfection conditions. Also, the activity of three disinfectant (ozone, NaOCl, and peracetic acid) in microbial decontamination of DUWLs were compared. The results indicated that Microbacterium laevaniformans were the most prevalent genera (21%) among both Gram-negative and positive species in all samples. Regression analysis illustrated the good fit of the experimental data to the predicted model with R2 and R2adj correlation coefficients of 0.988 and 0.980, respectively. Moreover, under the optimal circumstances (Ozone concentration = 1.2 ppm and reaction time = 13.5 min) the disinfection efficiency was 97.52%. The results also revealed that ozone was effective disinfectant to reduce prevalent genera (with the removal of 93.75%, 92.57% and 96.15% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Microbacterium ‎laevaniformans, and Alcaligenes faecalis, respectively) and already formed biofilms under optimum conditions. Based on achieved results, ozone was highly effective on microbial decontamination compared to peracetic acid and NaOCl disinfectant and can be used for disinfection of DUWLs.

Antibiogram Testing of Bacterial Isolates from Cassava, Yam and Plantain Flours and Shelf Life Studies of the Products Sold in Some Markets in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics is a threat to public health. This study focused on antibiogram testing of bacterial isolates from packaged and exposed cassava, plantain and yam flour using chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ampiclox, rifampicin, amoxil, streptomycin, norfloxacin, ampicillin, ceporex, tarivid, nalidixic acid, peflacine, augmentin and septrin. Shelf life studies involved monitoring total viable count, total fungal count and moisture content of the flour samples stored at room temperature (28± 2°C) at 1 Wk interval for 4 Wks. Standard methods and agar diffusion technique were adopted. Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. (Gram-positive) were identified in all the flour samples. Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli (Gram negative) were isolated from exposed plantain and yam flour, respectively. Gram-positive isolates susceptible and resistant to each antibiotic ranged between 65.38-96.15% and 3.85-30.77%, respectively whereas that of Gram-negative isolates was between 25-75%. Antibiogram testing revealed that 76.92 and 30.77% of Bacillus and Staphylococci isolates, respectively were sensitive; 100% Salmonella sp. and E. coli (isolate OMY) was resistant and sensitive, respectively. Among antibiotics used for Gram-positive bacteria, rifampicin was most effective whereas streptomycin, tarivid, nalidixic acid, gentamycin, augmentin and ciprofloxacin were more effective than other antibiotics used for Gram negative bacteria. During storage of the flour samples, moisture content (8.6-23.20%) and total viable count (6.47-6.86 log10cfu/g) increased but total fungal count (3.53-2.15 log10cfu/g) decreased with few exceptions. Therefore, reduction in microbial contamination of edible flours by implementing good manufacturing practices and proper packaging of the commercialized products could reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Reduction Of Microbial Contamination Of Whole Broiler Chicken Carcasses During Processing

Contamination of broiler carcasses during processing with several microorganisms as salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli and staphylococcus aureus is frequently occurring. Scalding, defeathering, chilling are critical points at which cross contamination may occur during processing. Recently several interventions for carcass decontamination have been employed in order to reduce the levels of microbial hazards on poultry carcasses during processing; among which chlorine and organic acids are the most common. This study was carried out in a traditional poultry abattoir in Fayoum Governorate in order to improve the microbial quality of broiler carcasses. During 10 replicate a total of 160 carcasses were collected at 4 sampling points in the processing line (scalding, defeathering, final wash and chilling). Bacterial counts recovered from broiler carcasses rinse were lowered by 1.3, 1.3, 0.3 and 0.5 Log10 cfu ml after treatment of scalding water with 100 ppm Calcium hypochlorite in scalding. Adding peracetic acid (PAA) 50 ppm + 0.5 % acetic acid to the defeathering machine spraying system during defeathering lowered the count of coliforms and faecal coliforms significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by 1.5 and 1.6 Log10 cfu ml of carcass rinse, while it wasn't significant for E. coli and staphylococcus counts (1.2 and 0.95 Log10 cfu ml), respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in the reduction of all bacterial counts were observed in the washing stage (P ≤ 0.05) after treatment of broiler carcasses with a mixture of lactic acid 1 % + acetic acid 1 % in the final washing step. At chilling stage Na hypochlorite 50 ppm reduced the bacterial counts by 2, 2.2, 1.3 and 0.8 log10 cfu ml of carcass rinse for coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus, respectively. E. coli, salmonellae, staphylococcus aureus and campylobacter spp. were reduced by different percentages. The used interventions effectively or significantly reduced microbial populations on broiler chicken carcasses during processing.