Total Bacterial Contamination Research Articles

Анализ методов оценки общей бактериальной обсемененности молока-сырья при входном контроле на предприятиях молочной отрасли

Материалы для специалистов молочной промышленности. Технологии переработки молока Оборудование для отрасли. Состояние и тенденции развития рынка молочных продуктов. Новости и события молочной промышленности.

Оценка микробиоты соскоба уретры у мужчин с инфекциями, передаваемыми половым путем

to conduct a comparative study of the composition of the microbiota of the urethra in men with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy men. The study included 103 men aged 18 to 45 years: 42 men with urethritis caused by STIs and 61 clinically healthy men. Identification of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms in scrapings from the urethra was performed by PCR in real time (test system Androflor (DNA-Technology, Moscow). In the analysis of the total bacterial mass, it was found that the bacterial contamination of the urethral biotope in patients with STI was significantly higher than in the group of healthy men (5.8 Lg10 and 4.7 Lg10, respectively), with the highest level of bacterial contamination was detected in patients infected with N. gonorrhoeae (6.4 Lg10). Patients with STIs had significantly lower levels of relative Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp. and their amounts in General compared to clinically healthy men: according to ROC analysis, the best diagnostic indicator (0.93+/-0.04, p<0.001), distinguishing a group of healthy individuals from patients with STI, was the amount of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. ("Amount Of Normoflor"). In patients infected with C. trachomatis, compared with clinically healthy men, the relative number was significantly higher of Bacteroides spp. / Porphyromonas spp. / Prevotella spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. / Parvimonas spp.; in patients infected with N. gonorrhoeae - Anaerococcus spp. and in patients infected with M. genitalium - Megasphaera spp. / Veillonella spp. / Dialister spp., Anaerococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. / Parvimonas spp. and Eubacterium spp. An increase in the total bacterial contamination of the urethra in STI was found, most pronounced in infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The best diagnostic indicator that distinguishes normal microbiota from the microbiota of patients with STIs is the sum of Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. In patients with clinical signs of an inflammatory reaction and the presence of STIs, a decrease in the normoflora in all types of STIs and an increase in obligate anaerobic bacteria - Megasphaera spp. / Veillonella spp. / Dialister spp., Bacteroides spp. / Porphyromonas spp. / Prevotella spp., Anaerococcus spp., Peptostreptococcus spp. / Parvimonas spp. and Eubacterium spp.

Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming - Is It Possible to Use Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming in Commercial Broiler Slaughterhouses in Brazil?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate visual contamination rates of carcasses of broilers slaughtered in establishments supervised by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) and efficiency of carcass washing in replacement of trimming. The work was divided into three parts: analysis of partial and total carcass condemnation by contamination in hot (October to March) and cold (April to September) periods; evaluation of microbiological contamination before and after washing 800 carcasses (400 that did not go through washing x 400 that went through washing); and carcass washing test. For the test, twenty carcasses were evaluated in five treatments: carcasses without contamination - before washing; carcasses without contamination - after washing; contaminated carcasses - before washing and before trimming; contaminated carcasses - after washing; contaminated carcasses - after trimming. Hot and cold periods obtained a similar number and weight of slaughtered chickens. There were no differences regarding condemnation by contamination. Periods of the year did not influence the average weight of the birds slaughtered in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Carcass washing in the slaughter line was effective in reducing total bacterial contamination, E. coli, and enterobacteria. There is a similarity in the reduction of condemnations by contamination, evidencing that the uniformity of production systems. Although it is not yet a reality in Brazilian slaughterhouses, the washing procedure can be considered a safe replacement for trimming.

Microbiological safety of commonly available eye ointments and their in-vitro anti-bacterial potency

Current study attempted to check out the microbiological quality of some common sterile ointment commonly implemented for the treatment of eye infections in Bangladesh. Seventeen (17) different eye ointment (T-Mycin, Aprocin, Bactin, Optimox and Cloram, Hypomer gel, Sonexa, Polytracin, Cero, Aristobet, Lotepred, Herpigel, Gentob, Xoviral, Zirgan, Xovir, Tomycin, Tobirax, AFm-plus and Parafresh) were microbiologically examined through common and traditional cultural methods. Total viable bacterial and fungal contamination was found up to 106 and 105 cfu/ml respectively. Among the 17 samples T-Mycin, Aprocin, Sonexa, Polytracinand Tomycinwere free from fungal contamination. All the samples significantly exceeded United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or British Pharmacopeia (BP) limit (&lt;102 cfu/ml) in case of Total viable bacteria and fungus contamination. While the coliforms (Escherichia coli and Klebsheilla spp.) were absent in all samples, the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was 100% in all samples up to 103 while the Bacillus spp. was found up to 102 cfu/ml. Pseudomonas spp. was cultivated in TMycin, Aprocin Hypomer gel, Sonexa, Polytracin, Cero, Aristobet and Lotepred up to 103cfu/ml. All the 5 drugs showed their antibacterial potency with satisfactory range of zone diameter againstE. coli, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsheilla spp. and Bacillus spp. In case of all 17 ointments the average zone diameter range was noticed within 13mm-22mm. The highest zone diameter (22mm) was recorded against E. coli produced by Aprocin and minimum zone diameter (13mm) was recorded against Bacillus spp. produced by Bactin, Optimox and Cloram.Gentamicin and Streptomycin were used as positive control against the tested bacteria.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 35 Number 2 December 2018, pp 122-126

Analysis of Coliform Bacteria Contamination in Drinking Water Sources in Malang City

This study aims to determine the contamination of coliform bacteria in drinking water sources of residents in Malang City. Type of this research is explorative descriptive research. The study population was all drinking water sources of residents throughout Malang City, while the research sample was 15 residents wells in five subdistricts of Malang City with each sample taken three sample points. The samples were tested using 3M petrifilm E. coli/coliform count plate. The results showed that all the samples studied were contaminated with coliform bacteria with the highest percentage of 23.01% for E. coli bacteria contamination and 15.41% for total coliform bacterial contamination with an average of bacterial colonies 200 colonies.

Electrostatic dust collector: a passive screening method to assess occupational exposure to organic dust in primary health care centers

Passive methods, such as electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), allow determination of contamination levels for a long period of time, while air samples can only reproduce the load for a shorter period of time. We intended to analyze the suitability of EDC for identifying critical workstations of occupational exposure to particulate matter and for characterizing the bioburden present in ten primary health care centers (PHCC). Dust was allowed to settle for 15 days on EDCs (N = 81). Particle counts and size distribution (0.3, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μm) were measured with direct-reading equipment. The results were considered significant at a 5% significance level. Significant correlations were detected between EDC weight (g) and particle counts of inhalation fraction (r = 0.235, p = 0.035), mass (μg m−3) of inhalation fraction (r = 0.235, p = 0.035), and total particulate matter (TPM) (mg m−3; r = 0.238, p = 0.033). Fungal contamination levels on malt extract agar (MEA) ranged from 0 to 53,397.03 CFU m−2. Chrysonilia sitophila (96.75%) was the most frequent fungus. The total bacterial contamination ranged from 0 to 4670.91 CFU m−2, and gram-negative bacteria ranged from 0 to 530.79 CFU m−2. EDC can be applied as a screening method for particle-exposure assessment and as a complementary sampling method for assessing bioburden.

Вплив різних умов мікроклімату на продуктивні показники та збереженість свиней

The aim of the work was to clarify the changes of non-specific natural resistance, indicators of biochemical composition of blood, the intensity of growth of piglets grown in different microclimates. It was designed two boxes for growing in every 300 piglets (from birth to 60 days of age) for research. Piglets of the control group were kept on electrically heated floors, experimental –with heated electric heaters with supply of fresh air to each box at the rate of 35-40 m 3/h/с live weight. The state of the microclimate was assessed by physical parameters, chemical composition and total bacterial contamination of the air. Criteria for the evaluation of health status of piglets was morphological and biochemical indicators of blood. Bactericidal activity of blood serum (BASB) was determined according to O.V. Smirnova, T. A. Kuzmina, 1966, lysozyme activity blood serum (LASB) – by V.G. Dorofeichuk, 1968; cellular factors of protection –by S. I. Plyashchenko, 1973. To test of general resistance of piglets were taken – live weight, morbidity and safety, which were controlled by weighing and daily accounting. The study analyzes the live weight and the average daily growth, morbidity, safety of pigs in - 15, - 30, - 60 days of age. The content of piglets in comfortable and uncomfortable conditions of the microclimate revealed a decreased rod neutrophils and increased lymphocytes, a decrease in the ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophils. Animals grown in uncomfortable conditions (experimental), a decrease in total protein by 3,64 %, albumins – by 6,44 %, and globulins – 51,05 % (15-day age), 56,37 % (30-day), 63,5 % - (60-day) was established. Studies have shown that piglets from the control of the enzyme activity of blood (ALAT) superior to 60 - day-old analogues from the experience of 5,1 %, ASAT – 7,4 % (p≤0,05). The level of total glutathione in the control was 24,2 g/% (15 -days) and 18,7 % (60-days aged), or respectively lower by 12,6 % and 4,5 % compared to the experience (p≤0,05), which caused a decrease in the immune and antioxidant capacity of piglets caused by the high content harmful gases and microflora in the air of the experimental box.

ЭКОЛОГО-ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ КУЛЬТИВИРОВАНИЯ ОСЕТРОВЫХ РЫБ В ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

Physiological state of the stellate sturgeon female species ( Acipenser stellatus ) caught in spring in the fishing area in the Lower Volga delta and the female species farmed at the Bertyulckiy and Lebyahzje sturgeon fish-factories in the Astrakhan region were evaluated by biochemical parameters of blood taken in fish after hypophysial injection. At each sturgeon fish-factories there were revealed 2 groups of fish with different biochemical status. At the Bertyulskiy sturgeon fish-factory in the first group blood values were normal, in the second group the level of serum protein, β-lipoproteids, cholesterol and hemoglobin in blood was lower by 1.5, 4.3, 1.7 and by 1.2 times, correspondingly. At the Lebyahzje sturgeon fish-factory in female species of one group the level of serum protein, β-lipoproteids and cholesterol was even lower: in 1.8, 2.5 and 2.3 times. In the group of stellate sturgeon females with a lower concentration of biochemical components in blood there was revealed excessive total bacterial contamination: at the Bertyulskiy fish-factory - in 3 times, at the Lebyahzje - in 8 times. The results obtained allow to suggest the dependency of the bacterial contamination level on physiological status of fish. Study of stellate sturgeon females caught in spring in the lower reaches of the Volga and females used for fish breeding at the sturgeon fish-factory showed that under equal physiological status the level of total contamination of fish was much higher at the fish-factory, i.e. fish in natural habitats were more resistant to infection. The comparative analysis of physiological status of stellate sturgeon males and females caught in spring in the lower Volga and having similar physiological status revealed, that females during spawning run had higher level of total contamination. The study results can be used for the diagnosis and correction of the physiological state of sturgeons cultivated in ponds with closed water supply systems with the application of artificial feed.

Control of natural microorganisms in chamomile (Chamomilla recutita L.) by gamma ray and electron beam irradiation.

Microbial contamination levels and corresponding sensitivities to gamma rays (GR) and elec- tron beam (EB) irradiation were tested in chamomile (Chamomile recutta L.). Chamomile powders were treated with 10 and 20 kGy by GR and EB, respectively. Microbiological and chemical analyses were performed on controls and treated samples immediately after irradiation, and after 12 months of storage. The control samples of chamomile exhibited rather high microbiological contamination, exceeding the levels of 4 log10 CFU g-1 (CFU - colony forming units) reported by national and international authorities as the maximum permissible total count level. Irradiation with GR and EB was found to cause a reduction in microbial contamination proportionate to the dose delivered. The sterilizing effect of EB on microorganisms was higher than the GR one. A dose of 10 kGy of GR and EB significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total bacte- rial, total coliform and total fungal contamination. A dose of 20 kGy of GR significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total bacterial and total fungal contamination, while a 20 kGy dose of EB reduced the initial bacterial, total coliform and total fungal contamination to below detection level when the analysis was carried out im- mediately after irradiation treatment or after 12 months of storage. The comparative study demonstrated that electron beam was more effective for decontamination of chamomile powder than gamma irradiation.

Биохимическое и бактериальное состояние молока у лактирующих коров при различных формах эндометрита

They are regarded physicochemical properties&nbsp;of milk of cows with different forms of endometritis.&nbsp;It was found out that cows with endometritis&nbsp;during lactation there is a strong positive correlation&nbsp;between the number of somatic cells (SC) and&nbsp;lactoferrin concentration in the milk, as well as&nbsp;moderate negative correlation between lactoperoxidase&nbsp;content and catalase activity. The number&nbsp;of mesophilic anaerobic lactate fermenting microorganisms&nbsp;depends on the level of total bacterial&nbsp;contamination of milk and the state of the genital&nbsp;organs (p &lt;0.05). In cows with acute endometritis,&nbsp;the total bacterial contamination 2 times higher&nbsp;than in clinically healthy ones.

The bacterial contamination rate of glucose meter test strips in the hospital setting.

Objectives:To assess the rate of bacterial contamination of the multi-use vial and single-use packed glucose meter strips, and to identify the type and frequency of various bacterial contamination in different hospital wards.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted by a team from the Strategic Center for Diabetes Research in 7 general hospitals in the Central region of Saudi Arabia during the period from August to September 2014 to assess the bacterial contamination rate of the unused strips. A total of 10,447 strips were cultured using proper agar media and incubated both aerobically and anaerobically.Results:The total bacterial contamination rate for the multi-use vials glucose strips was 31.7%, while single-use packed strips were not contaminated at all. Ministry of Health hospitals had the highest contamination rates compared with other hospitals. Critical, obstetric, and surgical wards had the highest bacterial isolates number, where most were in the risk group 3 according to the National Institute of Health guidelines. Staphylococcus species were the most common bacteria found.Conclusion:Glucose meter strips should be recognized as a source of bacterial contamination that could be behind serious hospital acquired infections. The hospital infection control team should adopt proper measures to implement protocols for glucose meter cleaning and glucose strips handling.

The yield and quality of cellular and bacterial DNA extracts from human oral rinse samples are variably affected by the cell lysis methodology

Recent culture-independent studies have enabled detailed mapping of human microbiome that has not been hitherto achievable by culture-based methods. DNA extraction is a key element of bacterial culture-independent studies that critically impacts on the outcome of the detected microbial profile. Despite the variations in DNA extraction methods described in the literature, no standardized technique is available for the purpose of microbiome profiling. Hence, standardization of DNA extraction methods is urgently needed to yield comparable data from different studies. We examined the effect of eight different cell lysis protocols on the yield and quality of the extracted DNA from oral rinse samples. These samples were exposed to cell lysis techniques based on enzymatic, mechanical, and a combination of enzymatic–mechanical methods. The outcome measures evaluated were total bacterial population, Firmicutes levels and human DNA contamination (in terms of surrogate GAPDH levels). We noted that all three parameters were significantly affected by the method of cell lysis employed. Although the highest yield of gDNA was obtained using lysozyme-achromopeptidase method, the lysozyme-zirconium beads method yielded the peak quantity of total bacterial DNA and Firmicutes with a lower degree of GAPDH contamination compared with the other methods. Taken together our data clearly points to an urgent need for a consensus, standardized DNA extraction technique to evaluate the oral microbiome using oral rinse samples. Further, if Firmicutes levels are the focus of investigation in oral rinse microbiome analyses then the lysozyme-zirconium bead method would be the method of choice in preference to others.

Competitive binding of polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles to enzymes and bacteria: a key mechanism for low-level colorimetric detection of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria

The article describes a simple and rapid method for colorimetric detection of bacteria. It is based on competitive binding of positively charged polyethyleneimine-coated gold nanoparticles (PEI-AuNPs) to negatively charged enzymes and bacteria. The PEI-AuNPs are electrostatically attracted by both the bacterial surface and the enzyme β-galactosidase (β-Gal). Binding to the latter results in the inhibition of enzyme activity. However, in the presence of a large number of bacteria, the PEI-AuNPs preferentially bind to bacteria. Hence, the enzyme will not be inhibited and its activity can be colorimetrically determined via hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG). The detection limit of this assay is as low as 10 cfu·mL−1, and the linear range extends from 106 to 108 cfu·mL−1. The assay is applicable to both Gram-negative (such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli; ETEC) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus; S. aureus) bacteria. Results are obtained within 10 min using an optical reader, and within 2–3 h by bare-eye detection. The method was applied to the identification of ETEC contamination at a level of 10 cfu·mL−1 in spiked drinking water. Given its low detection limit and rapidity (sample preconcentration is not required), this method holds great promise for on-site detection of total bacterial contamination.

ЗМІНА ЯКОСТІ ЦУКРОВОГО ПЕЧИВА З ВНЕСЕННЯМ ПРЕБІОТИЧНОЇ ДОБАВКИ

The application of unconventional raw materials is the promising direction to get sugar cookies enriched with physiologically functional food ingredients. Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies (ONAFT) developed a fractionation technology for Jerusalem artichoke tubers, which exhibit prebiotic properties: aqueous extract of finely cut tubers, inulin preparation; dietary fiber from a solid insoluble residue. Exactly the aqueous extract of Jerusalem artichoke tubers and dietary fiber from a solid insoluble residue were used in this research study as prebiotic additives. Studies have been conducted to identify the following: effect of the prebiotic additives on the quality values of finished products; microbiological safety records of finished products; confirmation of prebiotic effect of the functional additive. The research study presents a numerical score for the quality of the finished product. The achieved results of microbiological tests in the course of studies exhibit a decrease in total bacterial contamination of cookies with the introduction of prebiotic additive. Microbiological tests have also been conducted in vitro to determine the ability of the additive being introduced to stimulate the growth and development of lactobacilli, which confirms its prebiotic properties. The above set of field studies demonstrate applicability of the derived additive in the technology of sugar cookies, as it improves the quality of finished products, which are characterized by the microbiological stability and exhibit functional properties.

Contamination of Hospital Water Supplies in Gilan, Iran, with Legionella pneumophila, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

This study is designed to determine the contamination degree of hospital water supplies with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila, and E. coli in Gilan, Iran. Samples were collected directly into sterile containers and concentrated by centrifuge. Half part of any sample transferred to yeast extract broth and the second part transferred to Trypticase Soy Broth and incubated for 3 days. DNA was extracted by using commercial kit. Four rounds of PCR were performed as follows: multiplex PCR for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Integron 1, and Metallo-β-lactamases gene; PCR for detecting Legionella pneumophila and mip gene separately; PCR for detecting E. coli; and another PCR for detecting whole bacterial presence. Contamination rates of cold, warm, and incubator water samples with P. aeruginosa, were 16.6%, 37.5%, and 6.8% consequently. Degrees of contamination with L. pneumophila were 3.3%, 9.3%, and 10.9% and with E. coli were zero, 6.2%, and zero. Total bacterial contamination of cold, warm, and incubator water samples was 93.3%, 84.4%, and 89.0% consequently. Metallo-β-lactamases gene was found in 20.0% of all samples. Contamination degree with P. aeruginosa was considerable and with L. pneumophila was moderate. Metallo-β-lactamases gene was found frequently indicating widespread multiple drug resistance bacteria. We suggest using new decontamination method based on nanotechnology.

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of bacteria across an intertidal shellfish bed: Implications for regulatory monitoring of faecal indicator organisms

Routine bacterial monitoring of shellfish beds using indicator species is a common global practice designed to prevent human consumption of contaminated shellfish products. However, current bacteriological monitoring procedures which focus on the quantification of faecal indicator organisms (FIOs) as a proxy for microbial pollution may not be representative of total bacterial contamination levels present in shellfish harvesting areas. The objective of this study was to critically assess the accuracy of current monitoring strategies by quantifying the spatial (lateral and longitudinal distance) and temporal (seasonality and tidal state) concentrations of FIOs (Escherichia coli and total coliforms) within a single intertidal commercially harvested shellfish bed. Spatial and temporal FIO dynamics, including the effects of tidal state and seasonality, were quantified in mussel flesh and sediment samples from a single intertidal mussel (Mytilus edulis) bed. Our results confirmed that FIO concentrations across a shellfish bed were heterogeneous over larger spatial and temporal scales, but showed no relation to the concentrations of autochthonous bacteria, such as Vibrio spp., or the physico-chemical parameters of the sediment. These results have important implications for both public health and the economic prosperity of the shellfish industry, and demonstrate the importance of accommodating both spatial and temporal fluctuations in routine bacteriological monitoring protocols. We conclude that current FIO monitoring procedures may not accurately represent levels of microbial contamination within shellfish harvesting areas and that more robust microbiological testing procedures need developing.

Microbiological assessment of raw goat milk collected from Sardinian herds

With Regulation EC 853/04, the European Parliament and the Council laid down general rules for food business operators regarding the hygiene of foodstuffs. In particular, the regulation established ≤1.500.000 cfu/mL as the maximum-tolerated value for total bacterial count in raw goat milk. Moreover, in order to enhance the hygiene of dairy farms, the Sardinia Region has funded the F measure programme which provides rewards for farmers showing improvements in herd management and animal welfare practices. This work aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of raw goat milk samples collected during the F measure enforcement. A total of 536 raw goat samples, collected from dairy farms in the Sardinian province of Nuoro and Ogliastra, were analised for total bacterial count at 30°C. Results showed that total bacterial count was ≤1.500.000 ufc/mL in 456 (85.1%) raw milk goat samples, most of them (80.2%) with a total bacterial contamination <500.000 cfu/mL. This study confirms the hygienic good quality of raw goat milk collected from Sardinian dairy farms.

Laboratory analysis of canine packed red blood cells—effects of collection and processing on haemolysis, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and blood culture

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between blood collection and processing techniques and the quality of canine packed red blood cell (pRBC) units. This prospective study analysed 235 canine blood donations, followed by processing and evaluation of pRBC units. The need for sedation, number of venepunctures, whole blood volume, time to processing and time to analysis were registered, and five different centrifugation protocols were performed. The final pRBC volume, haematocrit, total haemoglobin concentration, haemolysis and bacterial contamination of pRBC units were evaluated. Obtained results were within the reference range of human blood banks' guidelines. One unit presented a positive bacteriologic analysis. No significant differences in haemolysis were detected when factors related to sedation, blood collection, time to processing or centrifugation protocols were studied. Significantly higher haematocrit values were detected in units centrifuged in a faster and longer programme (3,500×g, 15 min). There was a direct increase of haemolysis with longer time spent between centrifugation and analysis. This study demonstrates that haemolysis is significantly higher when analyses post centrifugations take 48–72 h to be performed than in short periods.

Microbiological evaluation of water during the 2011 flood crisis in Thailand

In 2011, a severe flood occurred in Thailand, covering nearly half the country in water for several months. The contamination of floodwater and subsequent contamination of water for human consumption could have potentially led to a widespread health crisis. However, to date, no study has been conducted to determine the safety of the waters used for human consumption in Thailand during the severe flood. Therefore, we conducted microbiological analysis of 4 kinds of water (floodwater, river water, tap water, and filtered tap water) collected from industrial and residential areas that were damaged due to flooding. Higher net levels of bacteria were found in water with a higher turbidity. No clear trend was observed in the pH value of all 4 water samples. The level of total bacterial contamination in the water samples was estimated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eleven of the 12 tap water samples and all of the filtered tap water samples had a total bacterial load that exceeded the Thai water quality standards. One of the tap water samples and one of the filtered tap water samples were found to be positive for Shigella sp., although none of the floodwater samples showed detectable levels of this pathogen as determined by PCR analysis. One of the samples of floodwater was also found to be positive for Leptospira sp., but none of the tap water or filtered tap water samples were positive. Most of the tap water samples and all filtered tap water samples were found to be contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Bacterial contamination in water samples was also analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. These results revealed that several microorganisms were transferred via floodwater to different areas in the central part of Thailand and cross-contaminated between floodwater and water for human consumption.

Relationship between the presence of newborn and the house dust endotoxin

BackgroundExposure to house dust endotoxin induces of airways' inflammation. Endotoxin are produced by the Gram-negative bacteria, which are released into the stools and could contaminate domestic environment. ObjectiveThe newborn could contaminate his mattress by endotoxin. MethodsThe dusts of mattress and carpets of 97 newborn' dwellings were sampled at birth and after six months of life. Samplings were made in the bedroom from the baby and in the second place where the baby spent the longer time. The endotoxin concentration was measured by a quantitative Limulus assay and the bacterial contamination was evaluated using 3 selective agar media. ResultsEndotoxin concentration at birth was positively associated with the presence of both sibling and the number of inhabitants (p<0.01). At 6months of life, the endotoxin concentration raised significantly not only in the mattresses (from a median of 17.6 (ranges: 0.4–346.7) to 79.6 (3.8–518.8) EU/mg) (p<0.0001), but also in the dust from the second place where the baby is sleeping (from 20.4 (0.8–226.3) to 101.8 (6.5–634.3) EU/mg) (p<0.001). Importantly, there was no change in endotoxin concentration from the carpets dust, and the environmental dwelling characteristics remained unchanged. The total bacterial contamination was also positively associated with endotoxin concentration in newborn mattress at birth (p<0.01) and showed a significant increase at 6months of life of the newborn (p<0.01). ConclusionThe newborn is a significant source of house dust's endotoxin.