Source Of Microbial Contamination Research Articles

Impact of operational conditions on drinking water biofilm dynamics and coliform invasion potential.

The revelation that even low concentrations of coliforms can infiltrate into mature drinking water biofilms highlights a potential public health concern. Nowadays, the measurement of coliform bacteria is used as an indicator for fecal contamination and to control the effectiveness of disinfection processes and the cleanliness and integrity of distribution systems. In Flanders (Belgium), 533 out of 18,840 measurements exceeded the established norm for the coliform indicator parameter in 2021; however, the source of microbial contamination is mostly unknown. Here, we showed that mature biofilms, are susceptible to invasion of Serratia fonticola. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding and managing biofilms in drinking water distribution systems, not only for their potential to influence water quality, but also for their role in harboring and potentially disseminating pathogens. Further research into biofilm detachment, long-term responses to operational changes, and pathogen persistence within biofilms is crucial to inform strategies for safeguarding drinking water quality.

Impact of medical waste bin on contamination of patient’s environment: An experimental study

Medical waste bins are potential source of microbial contamination in hospital environment, while there is no clear guidance for the management of them. We aimed to assess the impact of medical waste bins on patient's environment. This experimental study simulated microbial contamination by performing medical procedures on a patient model with fluorescent lotion. The waste bin was set as initially empty or two-thirds filled with waste, open or with a lid. The percentage of fluorescent contaminated area in designated patient's environments was analyzed by two independent observers. Among a total of 120 experiments, the sides of the bins were more contaminated in open-occupied bins compared to open-empty bins and in open-occupied bins compared to lid-occupied bins (median 1.9175% vs. 0.0916% [P=0.001] and 1.9175% vs. 0.0899% [P=0.003], respectively). The top of bedside equipment trolley for preparing medical procedure was more contaminated in lid-occupied bins than open-occupied bins (median 0.0080% vs. 0.0040%, P=0.013). In addition to reducing contamination of bin itself, the manually operated lid had potential risk of contributing microbial transmission by contaminating equipment trolley. Medical waste bin should be kept no more than two-thirds full, and cautions should be taken when using manually operated lid, to avoid cross-contamination.

Air Microbial Contamination and Risk of Respiratory Exposure of Workers in Chicken Farms

Animal farms are important sources of microbial contamination in the air environment. However, there are few reports on the time-regularity characteristics of airborne microbial contamination in farms. In the context of this situation, a study was conducted for more than 80 weeks using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the bacterial distribution and respiratory exposure in the farm air and fecal environment, respectively, taking a layer farm as an example. The results showed that 16S rRNA concentrations in air and manure samples ranged from 6.08×105-4.90×106 copies·m-3 and 4.27×108-1.15×1010 copies·g-1, respectively. The mean values of airborne bacterial concentrations were significantly higher in winter than in summer, whereas the biodiversity showed the opposite trend. The dominant bacterial phylum in both air and manure in the layer farm was Firmicutes. During the investigated time, the top three dominant genera in the air were relatively stable, in the order of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium, whereas the dominant genera in feces fluctuated with the increase in breeding time. The correlation between the community structure of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria in both air and manure was not significant, but the concentrations of both target microorganisms in different media were significantly correlated. The bioaerosolization index of bacteria in manure showed an increasing trend with increasing breeding time, whereas the opposite trend was observed for pathogenic bacteria. In this case, [Ruminococcus]_torques_group, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium were the top three pathogenic genera that were the most prone to aerosolization. There were seasonal differences in bacterial respiratory exposures of chicken farm workers, with mean intake values of 2.54×107 copies·d-1 and 2.87×105 copies·d-1 for bacteria and pathogenic bacteria, respectively. The results of this study will provide a scientific basis for systematically assessing the contamination characteristics and potential health risks of airborne microorganisms on farms and for developing corresponding industry standards for occupational exposure and prevention and control measures.

Microbial evaluation of borehole water used by selected bakeries in Ijebu-North, Ogun State, Nigeria

Water is one of the most important components of dough systems used to produce bread and other bakery products. Water could serve as a direct or indirect source of microbial contamination during baking, handling, or packaging, thereby affecting the quality and safety of bakery products. This study investigated the presence of faecal coliforms in water sources of selected bakeries in Ijebu North Local Government Area. Water samples were collected from the main sources of three bakeries located in the Ijebu North Area. Physical and microbiological parameters were then investigated and compared to the WHO guidelines. The average temperature and pH ranged between 24.30 and 25.27oC and between 6.40 and 6.73, respectively. The average total bacterial and coliform counts of the water samples collected from the three bakeries were in the ranges of 1.80-3.60 x 104 CFU ml−1 and 1.60-2.70 x 104 CFU ml–1, respectively (p < 0.0001). Twenty-nine isolates comprising four species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella spp.) were observed in this study. The study showed that all water samples under analysis were tainted with faecal coliform, which makes the water unsafe for use in bakeries.

Evaluation of the Hygienic and Microbiological Quality of Raw Milk from Cows Intended For Consumption or Processing in the Town of Abéche in Chad.

The objective of this study was to identify the sources of microbial contamination of was milk and to evaluate the degree of microbiological contamination of was milk, to isolate the suspected pathogenic germs in the milk consumed. A total of 30 farmers were surveyed simultaneously at the time of collecting 30 samples. The samples were immediately transferred to the laboratory for microbiological analysis. Pathogens were investigated according to standard microbiological methods. The analysis of was milk made in the laboratory of INSTA chowed that the load of FAMT was variable between 4, 00.104 cfu /ml to 7, 15.107 ufc /ml, those of CT and CF were included between 103 cfu / ml to 5,73.104 cfu /ml and staphylococcus aureus was between 1,36.102 cfu /ml to 4.5.103 cfu /ml. the microbiological quality of the raw milk samples according to FAMT, CT and CF were mostly unsatisfactory. The microbiological quality of the raw milk sample according to staphycocus aureus was mostly uncontaminated. In the light of these results, the improvement of the microbiological quality of milk based on the establishment of a quality policy, aimed at popularizing the application of good hygiene practices throughout the chain of milk production and veterinary monitoring could contribute to improving product quality.

Assessment of Bacteriological Contamination of Hand-Dug Wells in Rural and Urban Areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the total bacteria, total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations of ten randomly selected hand-dug groundwater wells: five each from Alagbaka (Urban area) and another five from Ijare communities (Rural area) in Ondo State. Collins and Lyne’s pour plate method was used for the laboratory analysis. The laboratory results showed that 30%, 90% and 0% of the groundwater samples were above the WHO drinking water standards for total bacteria, total coliform and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, the groundwater samples collected in the urban study area had total bacterial and total coliform mean levels of 24 and 15 cfu/100mL respectively compared to those of the rural study area with mean concentrations of 15 and 5 cfu/100mL, respectively. There was however no E. coli in the groundwater of both areas studies indicating the absence of faecal contamination in groundwater. It can therefore be concluded that there is a higher risk of microbial contamination of groundwater in urban land use than in rural land use and that groundwater in the study areas is unsafe for consumption unless it is first treated with appropriate treatment methods. For future research, the contamination level of other micro-organisms such as fungi, viruses, protozoa etc. should be assessed in study areas, as well the sources of microbial contamination in groundwater.

Land use and rainfall influences on bacterial levels and sources in stormwater ponds.

Urban stormwater runoff is a known source of microbial contamination of stormwater ponds. However, less is known about the influences of land use and rainfall on microbial quality over time in these receiving waters. In this study, two fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), namely Escherichia coli and thermotolerant coliforms, were monitored in three stormwater ponds in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The stormwater ponds were selected due to their potential as water sources for beneficial uses such as irrigation, which requires lower water quality than drinking water, thereby alleviating the pressure on the city's potable water demands. The selected stormwater ponds vary in size and shape, contribution catchment size, and percentages of several primary land use types. Microbial source tracking for human, dog, seagull, Canada goose, ruminant, and muskrat was also conducted to determine sources of bacterial contamination in the stormwater ponds. Sampling was conducted near the pond surface and adjacent to the shoreline, specifically near the outfalls that discharge stormwater runoff into the ponds and the inlets that convey water out of the ponds. Overall, the FIB concentrations in the vicinity of pond outfalls were significantly or relatively higher than those near pond inlets. The contamination in the McCall Lake and the Country Hills stormwater ponds showed higher amounts of human markers (40 to 60%) compared to the Inverness stormwater pond (< 20%), which coincided with their higher FIB concentration medians. The results revealed that stormwater drained from catchments with a higher percentage of commercial land use was more contaminated than those with primary residential land use, while the impacts of residential development on the FIB levels in the Inverness stormwater pond were not obvious. Furthermore, FIB concentrations in the ponds increased in response to both rain events and inter-event dry periods, with human-specific markers being predominant despite the high levels of animal markers during inter-event dry periods. Human-origin sources might be among the main microbial loading contributors in the pond catchments in general. All these findings can inform the development or improvement of measures for mitigating microbial pollution, strategies for reusing stormwater, and maintenance programs.

Microbiological Assessment of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Sold for Consumption in Ghana

The postharvest processes of groundnuts often become sources of microbial contamination leading to infections and intoxication. Hence, this study examined the microbial pathogens contaminating groundnuts after harvesting. About 50 samples were randomly collected from four major groundnut-producing towns: Bolgatanga, Chiana, Navrongo, and Bongo, all in the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana, and microbiologically examined using Analytical Profile Index (API® 20E). The results revealed that samples from Bolgatanga were the most contaminated, while Chiana has the least contaminated samples. Several species of bacterial genera such as Staphylococcus, Proteus, Escherichia, Bacillus, and Micrococcus, and fungal genera including Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Saccharomyces, and Eurotium were isolated as the main microbial pathogens contaminating the produce. Navrongo and Bolgatanga recorded the highest rate of bacterial species for unshelled (29.5%) and shelled (30.4%) groundnuts, respectively, while Bongo and Bolgatanga registered the highest rate of fungal species under unshelled (32.8%) and shelled (32.6%) groundnuts, respectively. Due to the high levels of microbial contamination of most of the samples and the kind of microbial species involved, proper hygiene standards must be adopted during the postharvest handling of the shelled and unshelled groundnuts.

Identifikasi Cemaran Mikroba Pada Jamu Tradisional Yang Dijual Di Pasar Andir Kota Bandung

Pasar Andir, Bandung City, is one of the markets where herbal medicine sellers carry it. The use of water to wash used glasses that look cloudy. This is a source of microbial contamination. This research was to determine the presence of bacterial and mold/yeast contamination as well as the identification of gram staining and fungal staining. This study uses a descriptive observation method. The results of the calculation of Total Plate Number and Yeast Mold Number compared to KBPOM No. 12 of 2014 colonies ≤106 Colonies/g, while for Mold and Yeast: ≤104 Colonies/g. Testing the Plate Count The total bacteria did not exceed the contamination limit, while the calculation of the Fungal Number of the JGK, JGT samples exceeded the contamination limit. Results of gram staining of JGK gram-negative bacilli, JGJ and JGK gram-positive cocci. The result of the staining of the JGK sample was yeast, while the JGJ and JGT samples were mold.

Evaluation of Microbiological Cleanliness of Machines/Equipment through Rinse Technique Using Statistical Process Control

To guarantee that patients receive safe therapy with predictable and acceptable medicinal properties, monitoring the quality standards in the healthcare sector and the pharmaceutical business, in particular, is essential. Medicinal products are no exception from these crucial characteristics and hence mitigation of the sources of microbial contamination is a mandatory strategy to avoid harming already-ill populations. Machines, equipment and tools that are used in the industry must be appropriately cleaned to ensure that they will not contaminate the product under processing. The study herein aimed to establish an evaluation system for cleaning efficiency through the rinse technique using Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies. A database was established and created for the recorded cleaning process over 20 months of the monitoring period. The control charts were constructed and evaluated from processed data using SPC software. A rare event control chart was used to track the cleaning process intervals with event probability estimated to be 0.080. Concerning the monitoring of the bioburden of rinse samples, the most appropriate fitting attribute chart is U type with Laney modification of over-dispersion to correct for tight control limits that increase alarming false points. Understanding the inspection property is inevitable for the right interpretation of trends.

Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Dried Meat Sold at Sokoto Metropolis

Thin sheets of high-quality, lean beef are partially dried in the sun to create dried meat made from animals. The duration of the solar drying phases and the infusion period of the ingredients rely on the ambient conditions, which are the primary sources of microbial contamination, notably fungi. This study's objective was to recognize and collect fungi connected to the dried meat offered for sale in Sokoto city. During the course of the research, dried meat samples were gathered from four different Sokoto metropolis locations, including Kusha Shagalinku on Atiku Road, Gidan Man Ada, Abdullahi Fodio Road, and Sasakawa. The samples were examined for microorganisms using serial dilution, and fungi were identified based on the morphology of the colony, conidia, and conidiogenous cells. The research's findings showed that four species of fungi were isolated, with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Aspergillus terreus having the highest and lowest percentages of occurrence, respectively, among the isolated species. According to the location, the dried meat retrieved from Atiku road has the lowest frequency occurrence (1.94) and the fungi isolated from it has the highest frequency occurrence (30.56%). These results suggest that eating dry meat may increase the risk of exposure to aflatoxins in humans. The preparation and storing of the dried meat should be done with the utmost safety and cleanliness.&#x0D;

Parasitological assessment of some fruits and vegetables commonly sold in retail outlets in the Mfoundi Division of Cameroon

BackgroundFruits and vegetables are very important for human diet as they provide all the nutrients needed to be healthy with just a daily-recommended intake of 400 to 600 mg. However, they constitute one of the major sources of human infectious agents. Thus monitoring of the microbial contaminants of the fruits and vegetables is very crucial for human safety. MethodA cross sectional study was conducted on fruits and vegetables in four markets (Mfoundi, Mokolo, Huitième and Acacia) of the Yaoundé city from October 2020 to March 2021. In all, 528 samples were purchased (carrots, cucumbers, cabbages, lettuces, leeks, green beans, okra, celeries, pepper, green peppers and tomatoes) and processed for infective agents using the centrifugation methods (Formalin, distilled and saline water). Seventy-four (74) soil/water samples collected from the sale environment were analysed using the same technics. ResultsOverall, 149/528 (28.21%) were contaminated by at least one infective agent: 130 (24.62%) and 19 (3.6%) having one and two pathogen species respectively. Vegetables had high contamination rate (22.34%) than fruits (5.87%). Lettuce (52.08%), carrot (41.66%) and cabbage (35.41%), were the most contaminated while okra was the least (6.25%). Candida spp. (14.01%) and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis (7.76%) were more observed while Hookworms (1.13%) was the least. Frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis (p = 0.001) and Candida spp. (p = 0.01) were statistically high than other pathogens. Contamination rates were similar for washed (27.65%) and unwashed (28.78%) samples before sale. Candida spp. (p = 0.001), Strongyloides stercoralis (p = 0.01) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (p = 0.017) showed significant contamination rates by month. Contamination trends were high in the rainy season (42.6%) than the dry season (15.1%). Correlation between environment and products sold revealed same pathogens in both cases. ConclusionThe study highlights that the sale environment and products constitute potential source of microbial contamination. These data raised the concern of stakeholders about health risk related to vegetables and fruits sold in some local markets in Cameroon. Thus the necessity for them to development more appropriate policies on the surveillance of sale environment and on the management of these products during the different process phases by the population.

Comparative study of deterministic and probabilistic assessments of microbial risk associated with combined sewer overflows upstream of drinking water intakes

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a source of microbial contamination of drinking water intakes located downstream from their discharge. To safeguard the quality of the source water, it is essential to evaluate the risk levels associated with these municipal structures. This study compares two risk assessment approaches to test their applicability for assessing the risk of CSOs to drinking water intakes in a highly urbanized watershed. The first approach was based on a deterministic equation that combines the characteristics of an overflow structure allowing the risk to be rated as very low, low, medium, high, or very high. The second probabilistic risk assessment approach yielded findings that are probabilistically distributed across the five levels of risk. This approach was developed by constructing a novel Bayesian network to probabilistically link the different factors defining the exposure of water intakes to the hazards of CSOs. The comparison between the results of these two approaches highlighted the importance of simultaneously considering many scenarios for assessing the risk of contamination of source waters. It was possible to use the Bayesian network rather than the deterministic equation, which only supports one scenario at a time. It was also shown that the deterministic approach often overestimated risk levels for CSO outfalls close to the water intake. This occurred because the assessment process emphasized the distance factor between the discharge point and the water intake, while neglecting other crucial characteristics of the overflow, such as duration and frequency. In particular, the deterministic approach tended to underestimate risk for CSOs associated with low overflow frequencies as it did not support scenarios of overflow duration, unlike the probabilistic approach. The validation and sensitivity analysis of the Bayesian model revealed that the population residing in the CSO's drainage basin, along with the frequency and duration of the overflows, exerted the greatest influence on the resulting risk levels. These factors outweighed other variables utilized in the risk assessment, including vulnerability of the drinking water intake, the type of overflow recorder, pipe diameter, and variables defining the exposure of the water intake to the discharge. In the context of implementing action plans, the Bayesian network is estimated as a cost-effective technique as it prioritized overflow structures needing special attention in a highly urbanized watershed, where the same CSOs were deterministically rated as having the same risk level. The results also demonstrated the effectiveness of the Bayesian model in addressing data gaps faced by water managers and stakeholders. The Bayesian model proved capable of assessing risks with uncertainties for CSOs, even with limited input data available. These findings can assist managers in identifying problematic structures by considering various scenarios, unlike the deterministic approach, which left almost half (n = 42) of the study site's overflow structures unassessed due to data limitations.

The microbiome of an outpatient rehabilitation clinic and predictors of contamination: A pilot study.

Understanding sources of microbial contamination in outpatient rehabilitation (REHAB) clinics is important to patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to characterize the microbiome of an outpatient REHAB clinic and examine relationships between clinic factors and contamination. Forty commonly contacted surfaces in an outpatient REHAB clinic were observed for frequency of contact and swiped using environmental sample collection kits. Surfaces were categorized based on frequency of contact and cleaning and surface type. Total bacterial and fungal load was assessed using primer sets specific for the 16S rRNA and ITS genes, respectively. Bacterial samples were sequenced using the Illumina system and analyzed using Illumina-utils, Minimum Entropy Decomposition, QIIME2 (for alpha and beta diversity), LEfSe and ANCOM-BC for taxonomic differential abundance and ADONIS to test for differences in beta diversity (p<0.05). Porous surfaces had more bacterial DNA compared to non-porous surfaces (median non-porous = 0.0016ng/μL, 95%CI = 0.0077-0.00024ng/μL, N = 15; porous = 0.0084 ng/μL, 95%CI = 0.0046-0.019 ng/μL, N = 18. p = 0.0066,DNA. Samples clustered by type of surface with non-porous surfaces further differentiated by those contacted by hand versus foot. ADONIS two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction of porosity and contact frequency (but neither alone) had a significant effect on 16S communities (F = 1.7234, R2 = 0.0609, p = 0.032). Porosity of surfaces and the way they are contacted may play an underestimated, but important role in microbial contamination. Additional research involving a broader range of clinics is required to confirm results. Results suggest that surface and contact-specific cleaning and hygiene measures may be needed for optimal sanitization in outpatient REHAB clinics.

Microbial Colonization of Capsular Traction Sutures in Hip Arthroscopic Surgery.

A common practice in hip arthroscopic surgery is the utilization of capsular traction sutures that can be incorporated into the capsular repair site at the end of the procedure, potentially seeding the hip joint with colonized suture material. To investigate the rate of the microbial colonization of capsular traction sutures used during hip arthroscopic surgery and to identify patient-associated risk factors for this microbial colonization. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 50 consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopic surgery with a single surgeon were enrolled. There were 4 braided nonabsorbable sutures utilized for capsular traction during each hip arthroscopic procedure. These 4 traction sutures and 1 control suture were submitted for aerobic and nonaerobic cultures. Cultures were held for 21 days. Demographic information was collected, such as age, sex, and body mass index. All variables underwent bivariate analysis, and variables with a P value <.1 underwent further analysis in a multivariate logistic regression model. One of 200 experimental traction sutures and 1 of 50 control sutures had a positive culture. Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter koseri were isolated in both these positive experimental and control cultures from the same patient. Age and traction time were not significantly associated with positive cultures. The rate of microbial colonization was 0.5%. The rate of the microbial colonization of capsular traction sutures used in hip arthroscopic surgery was low, and no patient-associated risk factors were identified for microbial colonization. Capsular traction sutures used in hip arthroscopic surgery were not a significant potential source of microbial contamination. Based on these results, capsular traction sutures can be incorporated in capsular closure with a low risk of seeding the hip joint with microbial contaminants.

Evaluation of microbiological criteria and quality of packaged herbal medicinal products

The broad use of packaged herbal medicinal products has highlighted many issues associated with the quality, safety, and efficacy (QSE) of these products. Regardless of extensive applications of herbal medicines, this fact cannot be denied that the plant materials are exposed to various contaminants like toxic elements, pesticide residues, insects etc. But the main contaminants responsible for the deterioration of the herbal medicinal products (HMPs) are the microbes. They exert a bad impact on the overall quality and shelf life of the herbal products. The qualities of these products not only revealed changes in the physical appearance but could also pose a risk of acquisition of pathogenic microbial agents such as bacteria spores and mycotoxins to those taking these products. Exposure to these microbial agents can cause adverse health effect and toxicity. The integrity of composition depends upon the harvesting, handling, packaging, distribution, and storage conditions. In absence of good manufacturing practice, however, the nutritional richness of HMPs makes the product good medium for microbial growth, vehicle of microbial pathogens and associated complications. In Nigeria the issues of non-standardization, improper regulation and registration of these herbal products has raised a lot of questions about the inherent health risk associated with the consumption of these products, especially now there is increasing popularity of the use of herbal medicines. This paper addresses microorganisms and their agents as the major contaminants of herbal medicinal products. It reviews precise sources of microbial contamination and harmful effects of contaminated herbal medicinal products, when consumed by the consumers. It also reviews the methodological aspects regarding the influence of different commonly used pharmaceutical preparation techniques on the microbiological criteria of the products. And finally discussed the way forward to ascertain these quality, safety, and efficacy (QSE), of herbal medicinal products, quality standards which could be considered for guidelines and or possible inclusion in herbal pharmacopeia.

Effects of magnesium oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles on biofilm formation of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes

Biofilms formed in food-processing environments are of special importance as they have the potential to act as a persistent source of microbial contamination that may lead to food spoilage or transmission of diseases. The creation of microbial biofilms, which can be a source of food product contamination with food spoilage and foodborne pathogenic bacteria, is one of the most critical elements in the food industry. The goal of this study was to see how well magnesium oxide (MgO) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) inhibited growth and biofilm formation of two common foodborne bacterial pathogens. This study was completed in the year 2020. Resazurin reduction and micro-dilution procedures were used to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of magnesium oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles for Escherichia coli O157: H7 (ATCC 35 218) and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) (ATCC 19 118). The bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbon technique was used to determine the cell-surface hydrophobicity of the selected bacteria. The surface assay was also used to calculate the influence of the NPs coated surfaces on the biofilm formation of the selected bacteria. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles had MICs of 2 and 2 mg ml−1, while copper oxide nanoparticles had MICs of 0.16 and 1 mg ml−1 against E. coli and L. monocytogenes, respectively. At the MIC, the magnesium and copper nanoparticles inhibited biofilm formation of E. coli and L. monocytogenes by 89.9 and 96.6 percent and 93.6 and 98.7 percent, respectively. The hydrophobicity of E. coli and L. monocytogenes was determined to be 74% and 67%, respectively. The surface assay revealed a substantial reduction in bacterial adhesion and colonization on NPs-coated surfaces. Both compounds had inhibitory effects on E. coli and L. monocytogenes, according to our findings. Even at sub-MICs, NPs were found to be able to prevent biofilm development. The microbial count and production of microbial biofilms were reduced on surfaces coated with MgO and CuO nanoparticles. MgO and CuO nanoparticles can be utilized as a cleaning agent for surfaces to avoid the formation of foodborne bacterial biofilms, which is important for public health.

Microbiome-scale analysis of aerosol facemask contamination during nebulization therapy in hospital

Microbial contamination of aerosol facemasks could be a source of nosocomial infections during nebulization therapy in hospital, prompting efforts to identify these contaminants. Identification of micro-organisms in medical devices has traditionally relied on culture-dependent methods, which are incapable of detecting the majority of these microbial contaminants. This challenge could be overcome with culture-independent sequencing-based techniques that are suited for the profiling of complex microbiomes. To characterize the microbial contaminants in aerosol facemasks used for nebulization therapy, and identify factors influencing the composition of these microbial contaminants with the acquisition and analysis of comprehensive microbiome-scale profiles using culture-independent high-throughput sequencing. Used aerosol facemasks collected from hospitalized patients were analysed with culture-independent 16S rRNA gene-based amplicon sequencing to acquire microbiome-scale comprehensive profiles of the microbial contaminants. Microbiome-based analysis was performed to identify potential sources of microbial contamination in facemasks. Culture-independent high-throughput sequencing was demonstrated for the capacity to acquire microbiome-scale profiles of microbial contaminants on aerosol facemasks. Microbial source identification enabled by the microbiome-scale profiles linked microbial contamination on aerosol facemasks to the human skin and oral microbiota. Antibiotic treatment with levofloxacin was found to reduce contamination of the facemasks by oral microbiota. Sequencing-based microbiome-scale analysis is capable of providing comprehensive characterization of microbial contamination in aerosol facemasks. Insight gained from microbiome-scale analysis facilitates the development of effective strategies for the prevention and mitigation of the risk of nosocomial infections arising from exposure to microbial contamination of aerosol facemasks, such as targeted elimination of potential sources of contamination.

Analysis of microbial contamination during use and reprocessing of surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems.

A surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common surgical complications. This study analyzed different sources of microorganisms in the air, on reusable surgical instruments, and the outer surface of sterile packaging systems during the use and reprocessing of sterile goods (from the operating room (OR) to the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)). The microbial load in the air was analyzed via active air sampling and settle plates. Furthermore, the airborne particle load was measured by a particle counter. Contact agar plates were used to determine the microbial load on surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems. The highest average microbial and particle load was measured in the air of the OR (active air sampling: max. 56 CFU/m3; settle plates: max. 9 CFU; ≥0.3 μm particles in size: 1,958,403 no./m3). However, no microbial load (0 CFU) was detected on surgical instruments sampled in the OR. The outer surface of stored sterile packaging systems showed a maximal microbial load of 64 CFU. The most common identified pathogen was coagulase-negative staphylococci. Compared to properly reprocessed reusable surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems, the air still seems to be the primary potential source of microbial contamination, especially within the OR.

An overview of meat composition, postmortem changes, and sources of microbial contamination in developing countries abattoirs

An overview of meat composition, postmortem changes, and sources of microbial contamination in developing countries abattoirs