Swab Technique Research Articles

Bacteriological Monitoring of Inanimate Surfaces and Equipment in Some Referral Hospitals in Assiut City, Egypt.

Hospital-acquired infections represent a serious public health problem in all countries. It is clear that monitoring of the hospital environment is an essential element in the control and a part of the policy for preventing nosocomial infections. It allows a better understanding of the microbial ecology for the purpose of conducting preventive and corrective actions. The aims of this work were to determine the percentage of bacterial contamination of environmental samples and to identify potential nosocomial pathogens isolated from environments of seven referral hospitals from 2009 to 2015. By using the swab technique, 12863 samples were collected. Qualitative and quantitative cultures were performed. The organisms were primarily identified by colony morphology, microscopy of Gram stain, and standard biochemical tests. 25.6% of total samples showed contamination (93% was monomicrobial and 7.0% was polymicrobial). The predominant species was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS) (32%), followed by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (26%) and then K. pneumonia (10.6%). The percentage of contamination varied among the covered hospitals and according to the year of monitoring with highly statistically significant difference (p value < 0.001). Direct contact with environmental surfaces or equipment transmits the majority of nosocomial infection. Major nosocomial pathogens have been identified. Hospital managers and healthcare bodies must be aware of the reality of the concept of environmental bacterial tanks and the need for respect of biocleaning procedures and choice of biocleaning tools.

PSI-9 Validation of environmental swabbing to detect Senecavirus A in feed

Abstract Senecavirus A (SVA) is an emerging virus impacting the U.S. swine herd. Environmental swabbing can help better detect the probability of feed contamination than product testing, but the detection of SVA by swabs has not yet been validated. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to validate standardized swabbing techniques for detection of SVA. A secondary objective was to determine if a freeze/thaw cycle impacted detectable RNA. This experiment was a 3×4×2 factorial, with 3 forms (inoculum, feed, or swab), 4 doses (0, 10^3, 10^5, or 10^7 TCID50/mL SVA), and 2 storage methods (analyzed initially vs. after a freeze/thaw cycle). One mL SVA was added to 16 g of swine feed. One g reserved, and remaining 15 g spread over a 10 cm×10 cm stainless steel coupon and incubated for 15 minutes. Feed was removed, but residual feed dust remained. Next, surfaces were swabbed, swabs vortexed, and supernatants collected. Samples were split, with one set analyzed initially, and another frozen at -20°C for 7 days, then thawed and analyzed. Results are expressed as threshold cycle (Ct) from qRT-PCR analysis. There were 4 replicates per treatment. There was a sample type×SVA dose interaction (P &lt; 0.0001; Table 1). Feed samples were approximately 8 Ct higher than the inoculum, and swab samples were approximately 4 Ct higher than feed. As expected, SVA level impacted (P &lt; 0.0001) detectable SVA RNA. Finally, a freeze/thaw cycle did not impact (P = 0.846) detectable SVA RNA compared to samples that were analyzed immediately. In summary, this research validated that an environmental swab can be used to detect SVA in feed, however with approximately 4 Ct lower than analyzing feed samples directly. Furthermore, the limit of detection of SVA in environmental swabs appears to be near 10^3 TCID50/mL. Finally, samples can be frozen prior to analysis without impacting detectable SVA RNA.

Management of DNA evidence collected on adolescents in sexual assault investigations: A 10-year review from a large Italian rape centre.

Little research is available on the actual forensic use of genetic analyses performed in sexual violence cases, despite their relevant role in legal processes. The present retrospective study aimed to contribute to filling this gap in research, evaluating the actual number of serological/DNA analyses that followed medical examination of female adolescent victims of sexual violence. The study was performed in a large rape centre in Milan (North Italy) by analysing all medical records of female victims of sexual violence aged 13–19 years in the period from January 2006 to December 2015. The total number of sexual assault victims examined aged 13–19 years was 599. In 473 of the cases, biological evidence had been collected. The gathering of biological evidence was accurately performed (double swab technique) in multiple anatomical regions on the victims’ bodies, and clothes were acquired when biological stains were present or could be present. Proper handling under chain of custody for all the items collected followed in every case. Despite all of this, serological/DNA analyses were requested in only 9/473 (1.9%) cases. Procedural issues possibly affecting the magistrates’ decisions not to use DNA extensively as an investigative tool are also discussed.

Abstract 32: Implementation of Bedside CYP2C19 Genotype Testing and Personalization of Antiplatelet Therapy in Cardiac Catheterization Lab

Background: CYP2C19 polymorphisms affect clopidogrel metabolism and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although FDA recommended pharmacogenetic testing and alternative antiplatelet agents in CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LoF) allele carriers, implementation in practice has been minimal. Our goal is to personalize antiplatelet therapy using point-of-care (POC) assay to genotype patients immediately prior to PCI in a hospital cardiac catheterization lab. Methods: Appropriate P2Y 12 receptor antagonist therapy following non-emergent PCI based on bedside genetic testing (SpartanRx system) was initiated at Inova Heart and Vascular institute catheterization laboratory in February 2017. Patients were genotyped using buccal swab technique before proceeding to the catheterization laboratory. A best practice advisory (BPA) was implemented into the EPIC EMR prescription medication ordering system based on genotype. Poor (*2/*2, and *2/*3) and intermediate metabolizers (*1/*2, *1/*3, and *2/*17) were recommended more potent P2Y12 inhibitor therapy using BPA. Demographics, BPA compliance and 1 year outcomes including major adverse cardiac events (Cardiovascular death, MI, Ischemic stroke) and NACE (MACE + major bleeding) were collected. Results: Between 2/2017 to 12/2017, 1050 patients underwent POC genetic testing. The frequency of poor, intermediate, extensive, and ultra-rapid metabolizer status was 2.9%, 26.8%, 42.5%, and 27.9%, respectively. The highest percentage of poor metabolizers were observed in Middle-Eastern (12.1%) and Asian (8.9%) populations as compared to African Americans (n=3.4%) and Caucasians (1.1%). In patients treated with PCI (n=429), 28.9% were intermediate (n=112) or poor (n=12) clopidogrel metabolizers, with 87.1% of these patients receiving ticagrelor (n=84) or prasugrel (n=24) based on the BPA from genotype consortium. MACE (0.7%) and NACE (0.9%) rates were minimal as compared to historical controls (5-10%). Conclusions: CYP2C19 genotyping at the bedside facilitated early personalization of antiplatelet therapy according to BPA and is associated with low one year MACE and NACE rates.

Patterns of antimicrobial resistance bacteria from respiratory tract of psittacine pet birds in Thailand

Purpose: Parrots or psittacine birds are one of the most popular pets. The common problem in birds is respiratory disease, which spread mainly through contact, droplet and aerosol transmission. In particular, opportunistic bacteria normally involve in disease progression and threat of antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, close contact with a sick bird may pose health risk to owner due to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Thus, the aim of this work was to provide data on the characterization of antimicrobial resistance bacteria from upper respiratory tract of psittacine cases in Thailand. Methods & Materials: The case records for all psittacines visiting the exotic pet clinic, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Bangkhen from January to October, 2015 were used to assess type and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria. Swab technique at choanal or nasal area of bird was used for bacteria collection and culture. Eleven antimicrobial drugs were tested using disk diffusion method, which represented 9 antimicrobial groups. Results: A total of 80/376 psittacine cases (21%) was diagnosed to have respiratory problem. Then, eighty-eight isolates were obtained from 53 respiratory cases consisting of Streptococcus spp. (18 isolates, 20%), Staphylococcus spp. (16 isolates, 18%), Escherichia coli (15 isolates, 17%), Pseudomonas spp. (9 isolates, 10%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7 isolates, 8%), Pasteurella spp. (6 isolates, 7%) and Enterobacter spp. (5 isolates, 6%). The staphylococci presented highly resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (>50% of isolates) meanwhile Pasteurella spp. appeared to show susceptible almost of antimicrobial drugs except clindamycin. However, clindamycin seemed to resist with E. coli, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pasteurella in all isolates. Patterns of multiple drug resistance (MDR) indicated in this study, which presented in all Pseudomonas isolates, 93% of E. coli isolates, 80% of Enterobacter cloacae isolates, and 57% of Klebsiella isolates. Additionally, two isolates of Pseudomonas were resistant to 8 antimicrobial categories. Conclusion: Bacteria isolated from upper respiratory psittacine cases presented antimicrobial resistant trend and MDR. Respiratory treating in Psittaciformes should concern with susceptibility test and prudent use of antimicrobial usage in practice for therapeutic plan. Furthermore, link between colonized bacteria in a pet bird and owner should not be overlook.

Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans from a Chesnut Tree (Castanea sativa), Denizli, Turkey

Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycetous encapsulated yeast that can cause life-threatening infections in immunosuppressed humans and animals. C.neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii infections are considered to be acquired via inhalation of aerosolized particles from the environment. Avian guano, decaying tree hollows and soil are known as environmental niches. In recent years, colonization of the woody structures of different trees such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Tamarix hispida, Platanus orientalis and Punica granatum has been reported in the environmental study of the western Anatolian region. Based on the results of previous studies, our country may have intensive Cryptococcus colonization niches in the western regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the colonization of C.neoformans niche in chestnut (Castanea spp.) trees on higher altitudes. In the study, the colonization of C.neoformans was screened on chestnut trees (Castanea spp.) in Aydın-Ödemiş-Denizli geographical area. This area consists of mountainous terrain between the fertile plain formed by two major rivers.This region is one of the widespreading areas of chestnut farming in Anatolia. Two hundred and fourteen chestnut trees that had deep fissures or trunk hollows were screened during mid-summer 2017. A swabbing technique was used, and all samples were cultured on Staib agar medium containing biphenyl and antibiotics. Cultures were checked for ten days for suspicious brown colonies. Suspicious yeast colonies were tested for the identification of pathogenic Cryptococcus by conventional methods and canavanine-glycine-bromothymol agar reactions. ITS 1-4 primers were used for strain PCR tests. We determined the mating type and serotypes by PCR analysis of the STE20 genes using STE20 (Aa), STE20 (Aα), STE20 (Da), and STE20 (Dα) primers. V8 agar medium was used for mating cultivation. Only one (0.47%) strain of C.neoformans was isolated from 214 screened trees. This strain was confirmed by ITS 1-4 sequencing. The serotype A MATα mating type was observed. Basidium, basidiospores and clamp connections in hyphal structure were noted with MATα mating on V8 agar medium. In this study, the first C.neoformans isolate from a chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) was determined from Denizli region. Further studies of distribution of human pathogenic Cryptococcus will be helpful to determine the risk areas for the living organisms in our region.

Comparison of in Clinic-Based Fecal Microbiome Collection Techniques for Increase in Study Participation and Utilization of Microbiome Analysis

We compared the collection techniques of fecal specimens for DNA extraction and fecal microbiome analysis by utilizing the glove from a standard-of-care digital rectal exam (DRE) and the rectal swab from a pre-prostate biopsy bacterial rectal culture collected in clinical care settings. DNA yield from the swab technique compared to the glove technique yielded similar amounts of DNA (18.1 vs. 13.1 ng/μL, p = 0.06), slightly favoring the swab technique. However, utilizing DNA yield cutoffs of 15 ng/μL (37% vs. 29%, p = 0.18) and 30 ng/μL (15% and 9%, p = 0.16), we identified no differences in yield between the swab versus glove technique, respectively. Absorbance values for overall DNA quality were significantly different in favor of the glove technique (mean 1.6 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001). Using an absorbance value of 1.5 as an indication of DNA quality, only 26% (19/91) met the cutoff value using the swab group compared to 47.3% (53/112) if the glove technique was used (p < 0.001). Similar results occurred for the RNA quality with an absorbance value cutoff of 2.0 (2.2% vs. 30.4%, p < 0.001). To increase sampling feasibility and improve population sampling, gloves used from a DRE may be utilized as a consistent and efficient fecal DNA collection technique for fecal microbiome analysis. DNA yield and quality from the glove technique are comparable to—if not better than—rectal swab collection.

Efficacy of Maggot Therapy on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of medicinal maggots of Lucilia sericata on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 50 adult patients from the clinic of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. All participants who had at least 1 DFU present for at least 12 weeks, an arterial brachial index value of more than 0.6, and a hemoglobin A1c value of less than 8% were included in this study. Subjects were randomly selected for the maggot-treated (treatment) or conventional treatment (control) group. Conventional treatments such as antibiotic therapy, debridement, and offloading were done for both groups, but maggot therapy (MT) was added to the protocol of the treatment group. Bacterial burden was monitored and compared for both groups using cultures collected using swab technique. Wound secretions were measured and compared in both groups. The number of infected cases with S aureus in the treatment group was significantly reduced after 48 hours in comparison with the control group (P = .047). The number of infected cases with P aeruginosa was significantly reduced after 96 hours (P = .002). We also found that wound secretions in the treatment group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < .00). Our findings indicate that MT is a safe and efficacious treatment of DFUs.

Prevalence, risk factors, and identification of Salmonella spp. in stray dogs of northwest Mexico

Salmonellosis has a worldwide relevance in aspects associated with public health, as only in 2009 were reported 93.8 million cases in humans. The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence, risk factors and bacteriological and molecular identification of Salmonella spp in stray dogs in urban, rural and coastal areas of Mexicali, a city in northwest Mexico. From May 2014 to February 2015, 385 dogs were tested. Sampling was performed by rectal swab and conventional bacteriological techniques were applied, for later implementation of the API 20E system and molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data were analysed statistically by means of descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression modelling. A prevalence of 6.27% was obtained in the dogs examined, the samples obtained were characterised to subspecies ( Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica and Salmonella enterica subspecie arizonae ). The geographical region with the highest prevalence in the study was the coast (10%), followed by the rural area (8.57%) and the urban area (5.8%), however, no significant statistical differences were detected. There was significant difference in the prevalence by age of dogs under one year ( P <0.05). The identification of Salmonella in dogs from northwest Mexico could correspond to serovars of zoonotic importance indicating a potential risk for the population. Key words : Salmonella spp, prevalence, stray dogs, public health.

DNA recovery from gelatin fingerprint lifters by direct proteolytic digestion

Fingerprints are a valuable source for DNA profiling in forensic investigations. In practice, the fingerprints are routinely visualized first by powder staining and then often transferred to tapes or gelatin lifters for storage or examination. If at all, fingerprints are usually sampled for DNA in a second step. To target the DNA sampling in an optimal way, it is essential to know how much of the DNA in the sample remains in place and how much is transferred to the lifter. In the present study we addressed this question analyzing 16 pairs of thumb prints and revealed that more than 80% of the DNA from a fingerprint is transferred to the gelatin lifter. Therefore, subsequent DNA sampling of the stored gelatin lifters appears more promising than recovery of the residual DNA from the original fingerprint. Furthermore, as a proof of principle, we developed a protocol for the direct extraction of DNA from gelatin fingerprint lifters by proteolytic digestion of the gelatin matrix followed by organic extraction. We show that DNA recovery from gelatin lifters by this direct extraction protocol is more efficient compared to swabbing the lifter followed by standard magnetic bead extraction of swabs. However, given the more elaborate protocol for direct extraction, we would still recommend the swab technique as the method of choice for forensic routine work.

Genetic variation of Enterobius vermicularis among schoolchildren in Thailand.

Enterobiasis, caused by the nematode Enterobius vermicularis, is a common health problem among schoolchildren in Thailand. We provide the first molecular identification of this nematode from Thai schoolchildren and document genetic variation among E. vermicularis eggs using sequence analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the nuclear ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2). A cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted in schoolchildren (n = 491) in five regions of Thailand between May 2015 and December 2016. The diagnosis of Enterobius infection was made using the adhesive tape perianal swab technique. Enterobius eggs were recovered from 43 participants (8.75%). DNA was extracted from these eggs and the cox1 gene and partial ITS2 region amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nineteen amplified PCR products of the cox1 gene (441 bp) and 18 of the ITS2 region (623 bp) were subsequently sequenced. All sequences were identified as belonging to E. vermicularis based on database searches. Phylogenetic analysis and a median-joining network of available E. vermicularis cox1 sequences showed 66 haplotypes. We found haploclusters (types A and B) represented among the Thai sequences. Six haplotypes from Thailand fell into type A (of Nakano et al., 2006) (along with sequences from Japan and Korea) and five haplotypes into type B (with sequences from Japan, Iran, Czech Republic, Greece, Denmark and Sudan). The overall haplotype diversity (Hd) was 0.9888. Transmission of worms with type B haplotypes from primates to humans in Asia or from humans in Europe possibly occurs in Thailand.

Comparison of excision, swabbing and meat fluid sampling techniques on the prevalence and detection of Salmonella from beef in Namibia

Salmonellabacteria cause major challenges in food production and public health because of their ability to cause foodborne disease known as salmonellosis. The microbiological safety of food can be ensured through routine surveillance programs with a view to detect the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella. However, the rate of Salmonelladetection in food may be affected by the sampling technique used leaving the product unsafe for human consumption. In order to assess the effectiveness of sampling techniques for Salmonelladetection, atotal of 9508 of beef samples were collected from the local slaughter houses over a period of two years starting from January 2008 to December 2009. Samples used were routine samples collected using three different sampling techniques; excision, swabbing and meat fluid.Samples were pre-enriched in Buffered Peptone Water followed by enrichment in the Rappaport Vissiliadis and Selenite Cystine broths. The isolation of Salmonellawas done on Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate and Brilliant Green agars followed by biochemical confirmation and serotyping according to Kauffman-White scheme. The statistical analysis by Chi square showed that there was a significant difference (p &lt;0.05) on the prevalence of Salmonellabetween the swabbing sampling techniques (2.67 %) with excision (0.50 %) and meat fluid (0.43 %) sampling technique.However, there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) between the excision and meat fluid sampling techniques. The findings suggest that the three samplingtechniques could produce different results when used for sampling beef for Salmonella detection. The swabbing sampling technique showed a higher detection rate of Salmonellaand could be the best choice as compared to other techniques. The significant detection rate of the swabbing sampling technique as compared to other techniques could probably be due to the large surface area employed in this technique as a result of uneven distribution of microorganisms.

TRH site-specific methylation in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundThe incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) continues to increase each year. Clinical examination and biopsy usually detect OSCC at an advanced stage that is difficult to treat, leading to poor prognosis. DNA methylation pattern is tissue specific and has emerged as a biomarker for the detection of cancers of tissue origin. Herein, we aimed to discover a novel site-specific methylation marker for OSCC.MethodsWe selected OSCC datasets analyzed using the IlluminaHumanMethylation27 BeadChip from the Gene Expression Omnibus repository of the National Center for Biotechnology Information using a bioinformatics approach. From 27,578 CG dinucleotide (CpG) sites, the CpG site with the highest difference in methylation level between healthy and cancerous cells was selected for further validation. A total of 18 mucosal tissue samples were collected from nine healthy controls and nine from OSCC subjects and subjected to microdissection for cell purification, followed by DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion, and pyrosequencing. Additionally, epithelial cells were collected from 2 cohorts including oral rinse from healthy controls, oral rinse and oral swab from OSCC subjects and oral rinse from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were examined for their methylation status using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsAmong the 27,578 differentially methylated CpG sites, cg01009664 of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) gene showed the greatest difference in methylation level between healthy and cancerous cells. Validation of the TRH gene using pyrosequencing revealed a methylation percentage of 7% ± 3.43% in healthy cells in contrast to 63% ± 19.81% in cancerous cells. Screening of epithelial cells using real-time PCR showed that the DNA methylation level was significantly higher in oral swab and rinse samples collected from OSCC and oropharyngeal SCC subjects than those from healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, when using a cutoff at 3.31 ng/μL, the TRH methylation biomarker was able to distinguish OSCC and oropharyngeal SCC subjects from healthy controls with high level of area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionWe demonstrated cg01009664 of TRH as a potential biomarker for OSCC and oropharyngeal SCC screening using oral rinse and swab techniques.

Contribution to the Development of Guidelines in the Analysis of Biological Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations.

This investigation intends to study materials and techniques used for biological evidence collection in sexual assault cases and is divided into two stages: in stage one, methods for biological evidence collection (the single swab (including three variants) and the "double swab technique") were compared; in stage two, swabs' component material was compared. The sampling was composed of 42 heterosexual couples who provided mock samples. The collection methods in which the whole swab is covered by evidence presented significantly better outcomes (p<0.001), such as the "double swab technique." Additionally, nylon swabs proved to present significantly better features regarding the capacity of sample elution, providing significantly higher amounts of DNA (p≤0.034). This study provides guidelines for better collection of biological evidence regarding the collection method using a swab and the proper swab material to utilize.

Optimizing, validating, and field testing a multiplex qPCR for the detection of amphibian pathogens.

Amphibian populations worldwide are facing numerous threats, including the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. In the past 2 decades, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a parasitic fungus, and a group of viruses comprising the genus Ranavirus have become widespread and resulted in mass mortality events and extirpations worldwide. In 2013, another novel fungus, B. salamandrivorans (Bsal), was attributed to dramatic declines in populations of fire salamander Salamandra salamandra in the Netherlands. Experimental infections demonstrated that Bsal is highly pathogenic to numerous salamander genera. In an effort to prevent the introduction of Bsal to North America, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed 201 salamander species as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. To determine infection status and accurately assess amphibian health, the development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic assay was needed. We describe the optimization and validation of a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol for the simultaneous detection of Bd, Bsal, and frog virus 3-like ranaviruses. A synthetic genome template (gBlock®) containing the target genes from all 3 pathogens served as the positive control and allowed accurate quantification of pathogen genes. The assay was validated in the field using an established non-lethal swabbing technique to survey local amphibian populations throughout a range of habitats. This multiplex qPCR demonstrates high reproducibility, sensitivity, and was capable of detecting both Bd and ranavirus in numerous locations, species, and life stages. Bsal was not detected at any point during these sampling efforts.

An Advanced Magnetoelastic (ME) Sensing of Salmonella by the Improvement of Pathogen Recovery Rate Using Tween20 Modified Swabs

Swabbing, as an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and widely accepted sampling method, has been used to help magnetoelastic (ME) biosensing system for the surface pathogen quick detection. This paper introduced a modification method using a surfactant, Tween20, to help to improve the recovery rate of different swabs. In our previous research, swabbing substituted the direct ME sensor detection on the sample surfaces, which improved the detection area of one sensor from 0.2X1 mm2 into 30X30 mm2. This amendment altered the previous surface spot measurement into a large area measurement. To improve the accuracy of this swabbing technique to a better level, a higher recovery rate is needed. Tween20, a stable and relatively non-toxic surfactant, was employed to modify the fibers of swabs so that after the pathogens are picked up, they would be easier to be released into DI water and detected by ME sensors. In this research, traditional swabs, such as cotton-tipped, rayon-tipped, and novel flocked swabs are used for comparison.

Detecting Campylobacter coli in young chicks using two different cloacal swab techniques

SUMMARY It is important to determine whether valuable broiler-breeder chicks are contaminated with Campylobacter. It is important to have a non-destructive method to determine whether microorganisms such as Campylobacter are present without sacrificing the animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of cloacal swabs to detect Campylobacter in young chicks. Day-old chicks (n = 25) were gavaged with 101–3 or 106Campylobacter coli (C. coli) gentamicin-resistant marker strain. Batches of chicks were placed in separate isolation units, and 7, 10, 14, or 21 d post challenge, 10 birds per group were cloacally swabbed shallow (9 mm) and deep (24 mm). Swabs were placed into 5 mL of Tecra® broth, vortexed, and streaked for isolation onto Campy Cefex agar plus 200 ppm of gentamicin. After swabbing, birds were sacrificed and one cecum was quantitatively analyzed for C. coli from the control group; both ceca from all challenged birds were analyzed for C. coli. At 14 d post challenge, 95% of the shallow and 90% of the deep swabs were positive. Even with a low inoculum of 103, C. coli achieved a high degree of cecal colonization, and the cloacal swab (either shallow or deep) proved reliable for detecting C. coli. Birds challenged with >102, after 7 and 14 d were colonized with >106 cells. After 7 d, all shallow and deep swabs were positive for C. coli, regardless of challenge dose. Since it might not be practical in industry to process the swabs the d of collection, we looked at the reliability of cloacal swabs after freezing for up to 21 days. When the level in the ceca was high, recovery of C. coli was excellent, but when the level was low (± 102 inoculum level), recovery was very unreliable. If the levels of Campylobacter are relatively high (log ≥ 6.0) in the ceca, both the shallow and deep swabs, unfrozen or frozen, are reliable, nondestructive methods to detect this microorganism.

Aerobic colony count assessment on projector remote controls at BCIT major classrooms

&#x0D; Classroom equipment has been linked to different outbreaks. Surfaces such as tables, chairs, keyboards can harbour pathogens such as Noro virus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Influenza A virus and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Bacteria and viruses can then be transferred to another individual by the mode of touch and leading to potential infections when the individual touches their mouth, nose, eyes or open wound. Institutions usually have their own cleaning and sanitation schedule that covers most of the items in a classroom. However, some common items have been overlooked. Take the project remote controls at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for example. They are often found in filthy condition due to the amount of usage. It is unclear how many sicknesses have been the result of neglecting this device out of their daily cleaning and sanitization schedule. This paper examined the sanitation status of projector remote controls at BCIT. The focus has been placed on major classrooms and laboratories at building SW 1, SW 3 and SE 12 in BCIT. By utilizing the Aerobic Plate Count method, projector remote controls were swabbed using the wet swabbing technique. Swabs were then incubated and results in colony forming units per area in center meter square (CFU/cm2) were collected. A wide range of CFU/cm2 values were observed from projector remote controls. The maximum CFU/cm2 value obtained was 177 and the minimum value was 0. Inferential statistics was performed comparing the mean CFU/cm2 to a stand value of 5 CFU/cm2. Result showed that the mean CFU/cm2 of remote controls in SW 1, SW 3 and SE 12 at BCIT are statistically significantly more than the standard value of 5 CFU/cm2. This suggest that most of the remote controls at BCIT are not in sanitary conditions and BCIT should start to include remote controls into their daily cleaning and sanitization program to prevent students from contracting potential bacteriological infections.&#x0D;

English

Food services and commercial restaurants have gained more space in people&rsquo;s lives. Thus, people are more concerned about food security and sanitary hygiene. The present study evaluated practices of manipulation and contamination of environments and the preparation of surfaces in commercial restaurants in Vit&oacute;ria-ES, Brazil. Data on good practices were collected through a checklist proposal based on the RDC 216/2004; air samples were collected via the simple sedimentation technique, while surfaces (countertops and utensils) were sampled via the swab technique to analyze the presence of microbial indicators (n = 12). Regarding buildings, facilities and utensils block, 50% of the restaurants were classified as unsatisfactory. In food handlers and storage and transport of prepared food blocks, 58 and 100% of the restaurants, respectively, were classified as unsatisfactory. 83% of the restaurants being classified as unsatisfactory in documentation and registration block, with emphasis on the lack of or inadequacy of the Good Practice Manual. The hygienic and sanitary conditions were considered unsatisfactory in most restaurants evaluated, representing a low agreement with the legislation. Air contamination levels were above the recommendations, which indicates inadequate practices in some of the establishments. All establishments were unsatisfactory when mesophilic bacteria were analyzed on countertops surfaces. Values of the order of 105 of aerobic mesophiles for knifes were observed. These results, together with the high percentage of inadequations, indicate the need for immediate action for control and prevention as well as a greater supervision by the competent organizations. Actions to reduce the risks of contamination and to ensure greater consumer safety are crucial. Key words: Food quality, food service, quality control. &nbsp

An Advanced Magnetoelastic (ME) Sensing of Salmonella By the Improvement of Pathogen Recovery Rate Using Tween20 Modified Swabs

Swabbing, as an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and widely accepted sampling method, has been used to help magnetoelastic (ME) biosensing system for the surface pathogen quick detection. This paper introduced a modification method using a surfactant, Tween20, to help to improve the recovery rate of different swabs. In our previous research, swabbing substituted the direct ME sensor detection on the sample surfaces, which improved the detection area of one sensor from 0.2X1 mm2 into 30X30 mm2. This amendment altered the former surface spot measurement into a large area measurement. To improve the accuracy of this swabbing technique to a better level, a higher recovery rate is needed. Tween20, a stable and relatively non-toxic surfactant, was employed to modify the fibers of swabs so that after the pathogens are picked up, they would be easier to be released into DI water and detected by ME sensors. In this research, traditional swabs, such as cotton-tipped, rayon-tipped, and novel flocked swabs are used for comparison.