Sterile Containers Research Articles

Diagnostic accuracy of saliva as a specimen for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR.

COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging pandemic that is rapidly spreading with more than 114 million confirmed cases and 2.5 million deaths by far. Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) in VTM has been used as the gold standard respiratory specimen for SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR (rRT-PCR) tests. But now the virus can also be detected in other clinical specimens like bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, saliva, throat swab, blood, and stool specimens. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic potential of saliva as a sample in comparison to NPS for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by rRT-PCR. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 paired samples (NPS and Saliva) received in the Department of Microbiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur over a period of 2 months. NPS from individuals were collected in a sterile tube containing Viral Transport Medium™. Before swab collection, whole saliva was collected by spitting from the suspected patient into a sterile container. Both were stored at room temperature and transferred to the diagnostic laboratory within four hours of collection where extraction was done using Perkin Elmer chemagic extractor and rRT- PCR was performed using NIV, Pune mastermix. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of RT-PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in saliva were 84.26%, 100%, 100%, and 54.05%, respectively. The accuracy of detection of COVID-19 by saliva samples compared to the routinely used NPS samples (considered as the standard reference) for RT PCR was 86.72%. Our results show that saliva as a reliable sample type for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Detection of the Coronavirus

Corona is a single stranded RNA virus contains two subfamilies: Coronavirinae and Torovirinae. Its genome size is very larger and divided into four different strains. First autopsy material is collected from the lung tissue for the detection. The sample then stored in a sterile container at 2-8°C. The samples should be the properly labeled. Birthdate, medical record and name of patient must be mentioned. The initial cases were observed in China, Wuhan. The data collected by WHO from the patient’s admitted in ICU. On the basis of their genetic sequence, detection is done by the antibodies. Lateral immune-flow assay can detect the IgG and IgM antibodies. RT-PCR assays can detect the virus by specific primer and probe designing. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) can be detected by real time PCR. X-ray Crystallography and Computed Tomography can be used for this purpose. Different X-rays analysis like inception, Xception and ResNeXt net are proposed for the detection.

Effect of Formaldehyde Exposure on Oxidative Stress Markers, Liver and Kidneys of Medical Students during Dissection in Gross Anatomy Laboratory

Background: Medical students are routinely exposed to formaldehyde during their dissecting practical classes and human exposure to formaldehyde is associated with multiple adverse effects. Chronic exposures may cause oxidative stress and may result in some vital organ damage. Materials/Methods: The study included the total class population of the 2017 set of medical students (56 male students) from College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli. These students were recruited immediately after first year, that is, before the commencement of dissection. Baseline samples were collected before exposure to formaldehyde. Subsequent samples were collected at one month, three and six-month intervals. All samples were collected immediately after dissection at the required period. The dissection periods are two times per week each lasting for 3 hours (1-4 pm). Eight millilitres (8 ml) of fasting blood samples were collected from all subjects by sterile disposable syringes into a sterile plain container and allowed to clot, retracted and centrifuge at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. Thereafter, serum was separated into two aliquots. One part of the samples were stored at -20 ˚C for analysis of oxidative stress markers (GPx, SOD and MDA) within two weeks of collection, while the remaining aliquot was stored at -20 ˚C and used for the analysis of liver and kidney markers. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 2021. Results: Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly reduced after one and three-month periodic exposures when compared with the baseline study. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly lower when the baseline study was compared with the one month and three-month exposure but does not differ significantly from that of six-month exposures. The activity of ALT was significantly higher after one and three-month periodic exposures when compared with the baseline study. However, when the baseline study was compared with six-month exposures, it was not significant. When the activities of AST, ALP and other liver markers which include albumin, AFP, total protein, conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin of baseline study were compared with the one, three and six-month periodic exposures, it was not statistically significant across all groups. When the concentrations of the serum electrolytes of the baseline study were compared with one, three and six-month periodic exposures, it was not statistically significant. However, the concentration of urea was found to be significant when one-month periodic exposures were compared with the baseline study.

Breast milk contains red cell isohaemagglutinins: An observational study of 176 mothers.

Maternal antibodies are transferred to the child, predominantly IgG, via the transplacental route, and mostly IgA through breast milk. Cases reported by us and others have shown the transfer of red cell allo-antibodies through breast milk. This study was conducted to assess the presence of isohaemagglutinins in breast milk, the range of titres, and the correlation between breast milk and maternal plasma titres. A total of 176 mothers were recruited in this study. Breast milk was collected after sufficient feeding was established and within 2-5 days of delivery in a sterile container without any anticoagulant. Antibody screen, identification and titres were performed on maternal plasma as well as breast milk. Anti-A and anti-B in breast milk corresponding to their respective maternal blood groups were found in all the samples. This study has shown titres in the breast milk of anti-A and anti-B ranging from 2 to 1024 in both saline and Coombs phases. There was no association between plasma and breast milk titres, thus making it impossible to predict which mother may potentially transfer a larger amount of these haemagglutinins. Isotypes of anti-A and anti-B were evaluated in both plasma and breast milk of 11 samples, which showed predominantly IgG in 7 (63.63%) and predominantly IgA in 4 (36.36%) samples. Our study demonstrates the presence of a wide range of titres for IgG antibodies of the ABO blood group system in breast milk. The clinical impact of this finding needs to be studied further, as it assumes great relevance in developing countries where anaemia continues to challenge young infants.

Microbiological evaluation of urinary tract infection in menopausal and older women: Sample study from peripheral India

During a period of one year in a clinical laboratory in Ratnagiri city [Maharashtra, India]; there was a rising trend of Urinary Tract Infection [UTI] in a subgroup of patients. To understand this observation, we conducted a study to explore the bacteriology of UTI in women during Peri-menopause with predominantly Menopausal and postmenopausal women. Menopause is a stage of Women's life when they have withdrawal of their monthly cycles and there is significant fluctuation or distortion in reproductive hormone profile. Wide ranges of behavioral and clinical parameters were assessed at baseline survey. Women were instructed to collect a midstream urine sample after perineal cleansing in a sterile container. We gathered 132 urine samples of women with or without UTI. No catheterized specimens were included in the study. Appropriate media and reagents were used for culture and biochemical characterization of bacteria and detailed analysis of the results was done. It was observed that the women belonging to the age group of 51 to 60 years were most affected and Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant microorganism in their urine samples.

The influence of clove leave extract (Syzygium aromaticum) on growth performance and bacterial population of broiler chickens raised in stressful conditions of high stocking density

Broilers maintenance at high stocking density impacts uncomfortable conditions; this increases the potential for stress, reduces feed consumption, and reduces production performance and health in broiler chickens. This study aims to evaluate the effect of clove leaf extract on growth performance and microbial population in the digestive tract of broiler chickens reared at high density. From the eighth day, five treatment groups, T0 (negative control with a typical density of 10 birds/m2), T1 (positive control with a high density of 16 birds/m2), T2, T3, and T4 with a high density of 16 birds/m2, were randomly assigned from 444 broilers (bodyweight of 129.78±0.75 g) with six repetitions each on the eighth day. The feed includes clove leave extract as much as 0.5, 0.75, and 1 ml/kg for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were tracked weekly. One chicken from each replicate was taken randomly, slaughtered, and feathered on day 35. The digesta was taken from the ileum and cecum to measure the intestinal bacterial population and put into a sterile container. Digesta from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and cecum were also collected to determine pH levels. MRS agar was used to determine the amount of LAB in the digesta. The findings revealed that giving clove leaf extract of feed to broiler chickens kept at high stocking density could higher body weight gain (P < 0.05), higher feed consumption (P < 0.05), decreased the pH of the ileum and cecum (P < 0.05), increased lactic acid bacteria and decreased coliform bacteria in the ileum and cecum (P < 0.05).

PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ISOLATION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS WITH ITS DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY: IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Background: Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) for Isoniazid and Rifampicin is a major threat to Antitubercular therapy. At present it is infecting approximately one third of the world population with 500 new cases annually. Hence this prospective study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, M.K.C.G. Medical College Berhampur from November 2012 to October 2014. Aim: To isolate Mycobacterium species from clinical samples and identify the drug susceptibility pattern for all mycobacterium species. Methods: All the samples were collected aseptically in the appropriate sterile container and subjected to direct microscopy and culture. Direct microscopy smear was done by Zeihl – Neelsen and Fluorochrome stains. After digestion and decontamination the samples are subjected to appropriate culture medium for their growth and sensitivity to anti tubercular drugs. Results: In the present study majority of cases were from the age group of 15-30 years (45.19%) with a male predominance and the M:F ratio was 3.3. Out of 208 cases, 19.23% were found to be HIV positive followed by association with Smoking (16.82%), Diabetes Mellitus (7.21%) and COPD (7.21%). Culture positivity was highest in persons having a history of smoking. Sputum was the most common sample received 157(75.5%) followed by pleural fluid. Out of 57 culture positives 9(15.78%) were resistant strains. Discussion and conclusion: A total of 57 samples from 208 cases yielded Mycobacteria by culture on L-J Media. Culture positivity of sputum samples is considered to be the gold standard as it leads to access to the drug susceptibility of the grown mycobacterial culture. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the major isolate (89.47%) and 6 cultures grew non tuberculous mycobacteria (10.52%) (NTM).

Soil-transmitted helminths contamination of carrots and cucumbers, and molecular identification of Ascaris lumbricoides in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are group of parasitic nematodes transmitted through ingestion of eggs in contaminated food and water or through active skin penetration by an infective larva. Aim: This study determined the prevalence of STHs and molecular identification of Ascarislumbricoides in fresh carrots and cucumbers in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study of carrots and cucumbers obtained from two vegetable markets and streets of Jos metropolis. About 200 g of each sample was weighed and washed separately in a sterile container using 200 ml of normal saline. This was allowed to sediment overnight, and the sediment was examined microscopically for eggs or larvae of parasites using ×10 and ×40 objectives of the light microscope. The positive samples for eggs of A. lumbricoides were subjected to molecular identification. The data obtained were computed using IBM SPSS software version 26. Results: The overall prevalence of STHs was 38.3% (138/360). The rate of contamination was higher in carrots with 45.0% (81/180) compared to 31.7% (57/180) of the total cucumbers examined. This was statistically significant (P = 0.009). The vegetables from the Farin-Gada market were the most contaminated, having a prevalence of 63 (52.5%), followed by the building Materials Market 50 (41.7%) and street traders 25 (20.8%). Strongyloidesstercoralis was the most identified parasite totaling 69 (50.0%), followed by hookworm 51 (37.0%), A. lumbricoides 10 (7.2%), and Trichuristrichiura 8 (5.8%) being the least. Conclusions: There was a high contamination of carrots and cucumber studied in this research by STHs. Hence, there is a need for proper washing and possible decontamination before consumption to prevent food-borne infections.

Role of microalbuminuria, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate and body mass index in predicting early nephropathy in patients with sickle cell disease

Background: Notably, sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major risk for renal problems. Proteinuria is a feature of sickle cell nephropathy that can develop into end-stage renal disease. Objective: The main goal of this study was to assess the link between microalbuminuria, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and body mass index (BMI) with the predicting early nephropathy in sickle cell disease patients who were admitted to Kosti Teaching Hospital during the period from June to August 2018. Materials and Methods: A total of 156 SCD participants were enrolled in this study. Venous blood and fresh urine samples were collected from each participant using sterile containers. Serum creatinine and urine microalbuminuria were measured. Results: Out of 156 patients, 61.5% were underweight. Interestingly, a decline in creatinine level and GFR was observed in 21.1% and 64.7% of the SCD cases, respectively. Likewise, microalbuminuria was detected in 55.8% of participants. Notably, the duration of SCD (P < 0.05), creatinine level (P < 0.05), age (P < 0.05) and microalbuminuria (P < 0.05) was significantly positively correlated with BMI. SCD duration, GFR, microalbuminuria, weight and highest exhibited a significant positive correlation with creatinine. Furthermore, GFR has presented a positive correlation with weight and highest, P < 0.05. In addition, weight displayed a positive correlation (P < 0.000) with disease duration. Conclusion: Altogether, the study findings highlighted the link of BMI, creatinine, microalbuminuria and GFR with SCD, which is significant in the prediction and assessment of early nephropathy in SCD patients.

Fair Strategies to Tackle Unfair Risks? Bacteriological Assessment of Food and Water Prepared in Standard Hotels in Abuja Metropolis, Fct, Niger

In Nigeria, with a populace of more than 170 million individuals it was accounted for that just 90,000 cases of food borne ailments happen every year. There was also a report of 60 cases and 3 deaths due to food borne disease with symptomatic gastro intestinal disorders among people who ate in a funeral service. In Nigeria, food safety is not given high preference. Since the hospitality industries manages giving food, drink or convenience to individuals who are away from home, food contamination may emerge at whatever point there is unhygienic food preparation. The study seeks to assess the bacteriological assessment of food and water prepared in standard hotels in Abuja. The study made use of a descriptive cross-sectional study with stratified purposive sampling technique, hotels with 3, 4 and 5 star ratings in Abuja were selected for this study, 45 foods and water samples were aseptically collected for this study. The instrument for data collection was sterile container for sample collection. Data were analysed using, SPSS version 23.0 to present inferential statistics (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics (charts and tables). Staphylococcus aureus (69.75%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%), E. coli (33.75%) and Bacillus spp (18.2%) were isolated in the food samples while E. coli (48%), S. aureus (77.5%), P. aeroginosa (27%), P. vulgaris (12%) Shigella dysentriae (6%) were isolated in water samples. The percentage occurrence of bacteria isolated in the samples were in compliance with the WHO limit for microorganisms in food and water (105 ) cfu/m. This could be as a result of the poor food handling practices carried out in the hotels. However, According to WHO, there should be zero tolerance of E. coli and Samonella typhii, in food and water because at low levels they can still pose risk to health. The results from this study will enable health inspectors and food handlers in hotels to implement stringent food safety methods like HACCP in hotels of their standard to bring about satisfaction and safety of food in their hotels.

Association with oral microbial alteration and oral disease among patients attending ruhengeri referral hospital, Rwanda: A case–control study

Background: Dental disease remains a public health concern of this era. In 2020, World Health Organization reported that 3.5 billion of oral disease occurs every year. About 2.3 billion case is attributed to dental caries while gum disease affects 10% of the global population. Methods: This was a case control study carried out from November 2020 to February 2021. About 120 participants were recruited, of them, 60 were oral diseased, while the remaining 60 were selected as a control group. Oral swab samples were collected with the swab stick, and put into plastic sterile container to avoid external microbial contamination. Samples were transported to INES clinical microbiology laboratory for microbial identification. chi square was performed to test for association, while odd ratios and relative risk were performed to test for pathogenic microbial fraction. Results: The common oral diseases were tooth decay (56.6%) and gum disease (43.4%). the most affected age range was 5-19years (53.33%), while females (63.3%) were the most affected sex. The most isolated microorganism was Lactobacillus spp (15.8%) for patients, while Staphylococcus aureus (11.2%) was the most isolate in the control group. The statistical significant association with oral microbial alteration and oral disease was observed on Streptococcus mutans (x2=8.9, P= 0.002852), Lactobacillus spp (x2=9.84, P=0.001708), Candida spp (x2=5.2, P=0.02258), Staphylococcus aureus (x2 = 15.6, P= 0.000078), and Providencia spp (x2 = 6, P=0.014306). The overall oral microbial alteration (x2=53, P< 0.00001) was statistically significant. The ratio of pathogenic microorganisms (OR=4, 95%CI:2.3786-7.062 and RR=1.477, 95%CI:1.2478-1.7153) was significantly associated with oral disease. Conclusion: Oral microbial alteration contributes to oral disease. Early detection of oral microbial alteration, and oral diseases are recommended.

Correlation Between Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology, Cell Block Cytology, and Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Lesions.

Context:Fine-needle aspiration cytology is considered the gold standard screening test in the evaluation of a thyroid nodule. We studied whether cell block cytology can be used in addition to conventional smears for the evaluation of tissue from fine-needle aspirations or fluid aspirations and also compared it with histopathological diagnosis.Aims:The primary aim of this study was to know the utility of cell blocks in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions.Settings and Design:This was a prospective observational study conducted from June 2018 to September 2020 at a tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the institution. Patients above 18 years who presented with goiter were included in the study. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study after informed consent.Methods and Material:Smears prepared from the aspirates were stained with Leishman-Giemsa (LG) and Pap stain. The remnant from the needle hub was transferred to a sterile container. Cell blocks were prepared from the remnants. Smears were scored based on cell obscuration by blood, cellularity, cell degeneration, and cell architecture. The results were compared with histopathology.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were recorded using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics, frequency, and proportion were used to describe demographic variables.Results:The majority of the patients (23.3%) were in their third decade of life, followed by 16.7% of the patients in their fourth and fifth decades. The patient age ranged from 25 to 80 years, with a mean age of 50.83 years and a standard deviation of 16.72. The largest number of patients were females accounting for 80% (24/30) of the total participants. The majority of the patients (36.7%) (11/30) had thyroid gland enlargement for a period of 15 days to three months. 14% of the participants were not able to recall its duration. The majority (60%) (18/30) had left lobe lesions, followed by 33.3% (10/30) who had right lobe lesions, and 6.7% (2/30) who had bilateral lobe swelling. The mean size of the lesion was 2.84 cm. 50% were found to be Bethesda II lesions, while 13.3% were Bethesda IV, and 36.7% were found to be Bethesda VI lesions. The cell block score (7) was found to be better compared to Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) (4.7). Tissue Coagulum Clot and Clot Scrape methods were found to yield better results compared to the Cytocentrifuge method. The P value was found to be significant (<0.001).Conclusions:Cell blocks were found to improve the cell morphology compared to FNAC alone and can be used as an adjunct to FNAC in the diagnosis of various thyroid lesions.

Microbiological profile of oxygen humidifiers at a tertiary care centre in the Himalayas

Background: Reusable humidifiers are often colonised by microbes, the aerosols generated from which are hypothesised to transmit respiratory infections-jeopardising patient safety. Materials and Methods: In this time-bound cross-sectional study, 10 ml of water was collected in sterile containers from humidifiers installed in selected wards/critical care units/intensive care units and from the source used to refill these humidifiers. These samples were subjected to KOH and gram staining followed by inoculation on blood, MacConkey and Sabouraud dextrose agar and brain heart infusion broth in the aerobic environment at 37°C. Observations were recorded as per standard guidelines and compared against blood and respiratory cultures of patients. Results: Despite an average of 8.23 days of exposure to oxygen humidified by contaminated water, n = 28 (of n = 39) blood samples reported no growth (NG) and n = 12 reported nonpathogenic organisms (NPO). Among n = 18 available respiratory samples, n = 1 reported Escherichia coli, which was not cultured from the same humidifier indicative of some other source. n = 1 reported NG, n = 6 reported NPO and n = 10 reported normal throat flora. No fungal elements were reported from any humidifier, source, or patient samples. The source-humidifier pathogen pair did not match for any humidifier. Conclusions: Sterile patient cultures, despite prolonged exposure to oxygen humidified with contaminated water, indicate that humidifier contaminants did not infect patients. The disparity between the source or patient cultures and humidifier contaminants may be attributed to compromised universal precautions due to the exhaustion of health-care professionals during COVID-19. Furthermore, the type of water used to refill (Distilled/RO/Tap water) had no effect on the microbial contamination of humidifiers.

Antibacterial efficacy of manuka honey, ocimum sanctum, curcuma longa and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on the level of streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus acidophilus - A randomized controlled trial.

: To assess the effects of Manuka honey, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus levels. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on dental students of Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad. The study participants will be divided into four groups. Each group will have a total of 20 individuals. By using a lottery system, Group A (Manuka honey mouthrinse), Group B (Ocimum sanctum mouthrinse), Group C (Curcuma longa mouthrinse), and Group D (0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse) will be chosen. To match the circadian cycle, saliva will be collected at baseline and again after 2 weeks between 10 and 10.30 a.m. The sterile container will subsequently be delivered to the microbiological laboratory and processed as soon as possible to measure Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus count. For 2 weeks, participants were told to use 10 mL of mouthrinse twice daily. : The mean oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) score of all the four groups showed reduction in their scores from baseline to after the study period. For both S. mutans and L. acidophilus, there was a substantial Percentage Reduction (PR) between the prerinse and postrinse samples in all four groups. : Because quantitative actions play a crucial part in the caries disease process, the changes in microbial activity before and after administration of experimental mouthwashes were examined. : Essential oil aqueous extracts were as efficient antibacterial mouthwashes as chlorhexidine and iodine mouthwashes.

Profiles of sugar fermenting bacteria of the oral cavity among children with dental caries attending stomatology services at Ruhengeri referral hospital in Musanze District, Northern Rwanda.

Dental caries remains a public health threat of concern among children. About 2.3 billion people are affected by dental caries, of which 530 million are children globally. This study was carried out to identify sugar fermenting bacteria in the oral cavity and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, assess the association with sugar fermenter bacteria and dental caries and evaluate dental caries outcomes among children. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2021 and February 2022 at Ruhengeri Referral Hospital. About 136 oral swab samples were collected from children with and without dental caries at 1:1 ratio. The samples were put in Stuart sterile container and transported to INES-clinical microbiology laboratory for microbial identification. Logistic regression analysis of demographic characteristics was performed to study the relationship between demographic variables and dental caries. Chi-square test was performed for the association between variables. About 67.6% were male, while children of age 7-9 years (64.7%) dominated the age groups. Lactobacilli spp (15.29%) and Streptococcus mutans (12.94%) were the most predominant microorganisms observed in the oral cavity among children with dental caries. The S. mutans (x2 = 27.03, P < 0.00001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.2901-0.5785), S. aureus (x2 = 34.59, P < 0.00001, 95% CI = 0.3541-0.6292), Enterobacter aerogenes (x2 = 13.5, P = 0.000239, 95% CI = 0.151-0.4622), Serratia marcescens (x2 = 11.64, P = 0.00645, 95% CI = 0.1275-0.4418) and Klebsiella pneumonia (x2 = 13.51, P = 0.000237, 95% CI = 0.1511-0.4623) were significantly associated with dental caries. Teeth loss (x2 = 51.04, P < 0.00001, 95% CI = 0.4757-0.7205), teeth pain (x2 = 5.05, P = 0.0246, 95% CI = 0.0249-0.33499), and infection (x2 = 4.73, P = 0.02964, 95% CI = 0.0186-0.3441) were dental outcomes associated with tooth decay. Ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and amoxicillin were the most sensitive antibiotics, while vancomycin and chloramphenicol were the most resistant. Sugar consumption favours the growth of sugar fermenter bacteria that cause dental caries among children. Dental caries is associated with adverse oral health outcomes among children. Oral health education is recommended for children. Parents are advised to reduce the consumption of sugary food for their children for oral health safety.

Determinants and bacteria associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria among women attending antenatal care service at muhoza health centre, Rwanda

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a global health concern during pregnancy. It accounts for 2%–15% of pregnant women globally. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of ASB, the leading cause of ASB during pregnancy, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria associated with ASB. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2021 at Muhoza Health Centre. About 142 pregnant women without symptoms of urinary tract infections were recruited. The urine sample collected was put in a sterile Stuart plastic container and transported to INES Ruhengeri clinical microbiology for bacterial identification. The structured interview was conducted to assess factors associated with ASB among women. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between demographic characteristics and ASB, while a Chi-square test (x2) was performed to test for association with ASB and other determinants considered in this study. Results: About 70.40% of participants had ASB. Pregnant women in the second trimester (28.16%) and first trimester (25.35%) were the most affected, while women aged 24–29 (28.16%) were the most affected. Escherichia coli (27.6%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (23.8%) were the predominant isolated bacteria in the urine and was observed to be the most coloniser of the urinary tract throughout all the pregnancy trimesters. Among demographic characteristics, urban residence (P = 0.005, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.717–4.160), primary education (P < 0.00001, 95% CI = 15.390–19.310), ordinary education (P < 0.00001, 95% CI = 16.550–20.455) and advanced level education (P < 0.00001, 95% CI = 17.194–20.650) were statistically significant to contribute to ASB. Hygiene (x2 = 6.81, P = 0.009) was significantly associated with ASB. K. pneumonia and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were the most resistant bacteria to selected antibiotics. Conclusion: ASB may be an epidemic in pregnancy. Early diagnosis of ASB is recommended in early pregnancy to prevent pregnancy-associated complications.

A Comparative Analysis of Different Species of Fungi Associated with Oil and Non-Oil Garri (Cassava Flour) Sold in Mudalawan Market, Bauchi State, Nigeria

In this study, different species of fungi associated with oil and non-oil Garri were isolated at Mudalawal market, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of eight different samples were obtained inside a sterile container and transported to the microbiology laboratory at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi state for analysis. Malt Extract Agar was used for the isolation and identification; about five fungal species were isolated and identified using the standard method of Microbiological techniques. Penicillium spp. (26.9 %) had the highest occurrence in oil and non-oil Garri, followed by Aspergillus spp. (23.1 %), and Rhizopus spp. (19.2 %) with Fusarium spp. and Mucor spp. having the minor frequency of 15.4 %. Higher fungal species were isolated from non-oil Garri compared to oil Garri samples. Moisture content recorded showed higher Oil Garri than in the Non-oil Garri. The fungi isolated were characterized and identified based on their morphological and colonial appearance. The results show that consumers are exposed to the risk of aflatoxin poisoning. Efforts should therefore be made to improve the quality of Cassava by addressing its handling and processing practices.

GAMBARAN HASIL PEMERIKSAAN KADAR GLUKOSA URIN PADA PENDERITA DIABETES MELLITUS DENGAN PENYIMPANAN DI LEMARI PENDINGIN SELAMA 24 JAM DAN TANPA PENYIMPANAN DI RS BANDUNG MEDAN

Glycosuria is where sugar (glucose) is excreted in the urine, even though blood sugar levels are low or normal. Glycosuria is a disease characterized by the presence of glucose in the urine. The disease is often also called diabetes or diabetes mellitus. Urine that is delayed for more than 2 hours will result in changes in its composition by germs because the collected urine sample is not accommodated in a clean and sterile container. This study aims to determine the urine glucose levels of patients with Diabetes Mellitus directly examined and stored 24 hours in a refrigerator at Bandung Hospital Medan using the Dip method. This study is descriptive in nature, where the population in this study is all people with diabetes mellitus from September to October 2021. The research sample was determined by Total Sampling. The results obtained from 10 positive urine glucose samples with the Dip method, all experienced a decrease in glucose levels when compared to direct examination. It is recommended that further research does not delay urine examination.

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Sterilization Packaging for Surgical Instruments in the Operating Room: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable versus Reusable Systems

The widespread use of single-use polypropylene packaging for sterilization of surgical instruments (blue wrap) results in enormous environmental pollution and plastic waste, estimated at 115 million kilograms on a yearly basis in the United States alone. Rigid sterilization containers (RSCs) are a well-known alternative in terms of quality and price. This paper deals with two research questions investigating the following aspects: (A) the environmental advantage of RCS for high volumes (5000 use cycles) in big hospitals, and (B) the environmental break-even point of use-cycles for small hospitals. An in-depth life cycle assessment was used to benchmark the two systems. As such a benchmark is influenced by the indicator system, three indicator systems were applied: (a) carbon footprint, (b) ReCiPe, and (c) eco-costs. The results are as follows: (1) the analyzed RSC has 85% less environmental impact in carbon footprint, 52% in ReCiPe, and 84.5% in eco-costs; and (2) an ecological advantage already occurs after 98, 228, and 67 out of 5000 use cycles, respectively. Given these two alternative packaging systems with comparable costs and quality, our results show that there are potentially large environmental gains to be made when RSC is preferred to blue wrap as a packaging system for sterile surgical instruments on a global scale.

Prevalence of Diarrheagenic Bacteria in Stool Samples of Adult Patients Attending Dutsin-Ma General Hospital, Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria

Enteric infections and diarrheal diseases (EIDD) pose serious threats to human health globally, closely associated with poor environmental sanitation, poor water supply and unhygienic nature of individuals, which are common in developing countries. Viruses and Parasites are the major microbial agents known to cause Diarrhea and Bacteria especially Escherichia coli, Salmonella Spp. and Shigella Spp. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species among adults attending Dutsin-Ma General Hospital, Katsina State, and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacterial isolates to commonly prescribed antibiotics against them. A total of 30 fresh diarrheic samples were collected from the study participants, 17 samples from male and 13 from female participants in sterile sample containers between May and July, 2021. The samples were put in ice packed container and then transported to the laboratory of the Microbiology Department, Federal University, Dutsin-Ma for processing and analyses. Out of the 30 samples examined, 29 (96.67%) were found to be positive, 16(53.33%) E. coli and 13(43.33%) Salmonella species, respectively. The result of antibiotic susceptibility test showed that both E. coli and Salmonella species had highest resistance to ampicillin but were found to be sensitive to chloramphenicol, hence, it could be used as a best drug of choice for the treatment of diarrhoea caused by the pathogens.