Transfer Of Microorganisms Research Articles

A Systematic Review on the Microbial and Parasitic Contamination of Naira Notes

Currency notes are essential components of our day-to-day activities as they play great roles in our transactions. However, they have continued to serve as media of exchange of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. The naira note has been greatly mishandled by Nigerians over the years, and this has led to the circulation of dirty, contaminated, and mutilated notes. This systematic review was carried-out to provide an up-to-date summary of the public health risks associated with contaminated naira notes. This systematic review was conducted and reported in conformation with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols 2015 (PRISMA-P) statements and checklists. Databases (PubMed, AJOL, and Google Scholar) were searched for published articles on the microbial and parasitic contamination of naira notes. A total of 26 studies were analyzed for this review. The studies majorly reported high microbial contamination in lower denomination naira notes (N10 and N100). The pathogens from naira notes reported in the studies include <em>Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholera, Aspergillus niger</em>, and <em>Blastomyces dermatitidis</em>. Eggs and cysts of <em>Ascaris lumbricoides </em>eggs, hookworm, lice of the genus <em>Pediculus humanus corporis</em>, <em>Enterobius vermicularis</em>, flagellates, and <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> were reported in the studies. A high degree of resistance of bacterial pathogens from naira notes to commonly used antibiotics was also observed in this study. Currency notes serve as fomites for the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Most of the organisms reported in this study have been implicated in human infections including food-borne infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections. Good hygiene and proper education of Nigerians on the public health risks posed by mishandling naira notes should be done to reduce the spread of pathogens and parasites through naira notes.<strong></strong>

A STUDY ON SELECTION OF BALLAST WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES TO MEET BWM 2004 CONVENTION

Ballast water is essential for ship operation. However, it also carries potential risks of contamination and disease transmission. The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to minimize the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms to ecologically sensitive marine areas, through ballast of ocean-going ships. Therefore, thorough research and analysis of ballast water treatment technologies are essential. This paper summarizes the existing technologies applied for ballast water treatment. These technologies can be port-based or ship-based, with the latter being easier to implement. Particular attention is given to onboard processing methods, which can be classified as physical separation, mechanical or chemical methods. This work describes recent ballast water treatment studies from the scientific and academic communities since the last IMO Convention in 2004, and the treatment methods that have been approved by the IMO substantially and ultimately. We have examined the various methods currently available in scientific means for ballast water treatment and we conclude that standardization of ballast water treatment still has to be done to ensure IMO Standards.

МИКРОМИЦЕТЫ В КАРСТОВЫХ ПЕЩЕРАХ

Micromycetes are an integral part of the microbial community of cave ecosystems, they play the role of decomposers or lead a parasitic lifestyle. Microscopic fungi, including yeast, in caves are isolated from soil, air, water, mineral formations, rock surfaces and even troglobionts. By the ratio of fungi of different temperature regimes and the succession of species, one can inference the relationship between the underground cavity and the surface and the intensity of nutrient intake. Representatives of Chrysosporium, Mucor, Mortierella, Peniciliium, Trihoderma, Aspergillus, Geomyces predominate among microscopic fungi in caves. Micromycetes are actively involved in geochemical transformations of the environment, causing corrosion of rocks, which can pose a danger to the preservation of rock paintings in decorated cavities. Anthropogenic load leads to changes in the composition of microscopic fungi due to an increase in the trophic status of cave ecosystems, as well as due to the possible active transboundary transfer of microorganisms by visitors. The use of underground cavities as tourist sites dictates the need to develop criteria for standardizing the content of micromycetes in the air, taking into account the specifics of caves to ensure the safety of people. This review is aimed at summarizing the accumulated data on the diversity and distribution of microscopic fungi in karst caves.

Persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H12 and Escherichia coli K12 as Non-pathogenic Surrogates for O157:H7 on Lettuce Cultivars Irrigated With Secondary-Treated Wastewater and Roof-Collected Rain Water in the Field

Treated wastewater (TW) and roof-collected rain water (RW) that meet the required microbial quality as per Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation may serve as alternative irrigation water sources to decrease the pressure on the current water scarcity. Alternative water sources may have different water characteristics that influence the survival and transfer of microorganisms to the irrigated produce. Further, these water sources may contain pathogenic bacteria such as Shiga-toxigenicEscherichia coli. To evaluate the risk associated with TW and RW irrigation on the fresh produce safety, the effect of TW and RW irrigation on the transfer of two non-pathogenicE. colistrains as surrogates forE. coliO157:H7 to different lettuce cultivars grown in the field was investigated. Lettuce cultivars “Annapolis,” “Celinet,” and “Coastline” were grown in the field at the Fulton farm (Chambersburg, PA). Approximately 10 days before harvest, lettuce plants were spray-irrigated with groundwater (GW), TW, or RW containing 6 log CFU ml−1of a mixture of nalidixic acid-resistantE. coliO157:H12 and chloramphenicol-resistantE. coliK12 in fecal slurry as non-pathogenic surrogates forE. coliO157:H7. On 0, 1, 3, 7, and 10 days post-irrigation, four replicate lettuce leaf samples (30 g per sample) from each group were collected and pummeled in 120 ml of buffered peptone water for 2 min, followed by spiral plating on MacConkey agars with antibiotics. Results showed that the recovery ofE. coliO157:H12 was significantly greater than the populations ofE. coliK12 recovered from the irrigated lettuce regardless of the water sources and the lettuce cultivars. The TW irrigation resulted in the lowest recovery of theE. colisurrogates on the lettuce compared to the populations of these bacteria recovered from the lettuce with RW and GW irrigation on day 0. The difference in leaf characteristics of lettuce cultivars significantly influenced the recovery of these surrogates on lettuce leaves. Populations ofE. coliO157:H12 recovered from the RW-irrigated “Annapolis” lettuce were significantly lower than the recovery of this bacterium from the “Celinet” and “Coastline” lettuce (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, the recovery of specificE. colisurrogates from the RW and TW irrigated lettuce was comparable to the lettuce with the GW irrigation, where GW served as a baseline water source.E. coliO157:H12 could be a more suitable surrogate compared toE. coliK12 because it is an environmental watershed isolate. The findings of this study provide critical information in risk assessment evaluation of RW and TW irrigation on lettuce in Mid-Atlantic area.

A review of the impact of xenobiotics from dietary sources on infant health: Early life exposures and the role of the microbiota.

Xenobiotics are worldwide distributed and humans are unavoidably exposed to multiple chemical compounds during life, from preconception to adulthood. The human microbiota is mainly settled during early life and modulate host health and fitness. One of the main routes for chemical exposure is by intake of contaminated food and water. Thus, the interplay between diet-xenobiotics-microbiota during pregnancy and perinatal period may have relevant consequences for infant and adult health. Maternal exposure to metal(oid)s, persistent organic pollutants, and some food additives can modify the infant's microbiota with unknown consequences for child or adult health. Toxicants' exposure may also modulate the maternal transfer of microorganisms to the progeny during birth and breastfeeding; however, scarce information is available. The rapid increase in releasing novel chemicals to the environment, the exposure to chemical mixtures, the chronic/low dose scenario, and the delay in science-stakeholders action call for novel and groundbreaking approaches to improve a comprehensive risk assessment in sensitive population groups like pregnant women and neonates, with emphasis on microbiota as modulating factor and target-organ of xenobiotic's toxicity.

Assessing the Risk of Transfer of Microorganisms at the International Space Station Due to Cargo Delivery by Commercial Resupply Vehicles.

BackgroundWith increasing numbers of interplanetary missions, there is a need to establish robust protocols to ensure the protection of extraterrestrial planets being visited from contamination by terrestrial life forms. The current study is the first report comparing the commercial resupply vehicle (CRV) microbiome with the International Space Station (ISS) microbiome to understand the risks of contamination, thus serving as a model system for future planetary missions.ResultsSamples obtained from the internal surfaces and ground support equipment of three CRV missions were subjected to various molecular techniques for microbial diversity analysis. In total, 25 samples were collected with eight defined locations from each CRV mission prior to launch. In general, the internal surfaces of vehicles were clean, with an order of magnitude fewer microbes compared to ground support equipment. The first CRV mission had a larger microbial population than subsequent CRV missions, which were clean as compared to the initial CRV locations sampled. Cultivation assays showed the presence of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes and members of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. As expected, shotgun metagenome analyses revealed the presence of more microbial taxa compared to cultivation-based assays. The internal locations of the CRV microbiome reportedly showed the presence of microorganisms capable of tolerating ultraviolet radiation (e.g., Bacillus firmus) and clustered separately from the ISS microbiome.ConclusionsThe metagenome sequence comparison of the CRV microbiome with the ISS microbiome revealed significant differences showing that CRV microbiomes were a negligible part of the ISS environmental microbiome. These findings suggest that the maintenance protocols in cleaning CRV surfaces are highly effective in controlling the contaminating microbial population during cargo transfer to the ISS via the CRV route.

Biological and Chemical Processes that Lead to Textile Malodour Development.

The development of malodour on clothing is a well-known problem with social, economic and ecological consequences. Many people still think malodour is the result of a lack of hygiene, which causes social stigma and embarrassment. Clothing is washed more frequently due to odour formation or even discarded when permastink develops. The malodour formation process is impacted by many variables and processes throughout the textile lifecycle. The contact with the skin with consequent transfer of microorganisms, volatiles and odour precursors leads to the formation of a distinctive textile microbiome and volatilome. The washing and drying processes further shape the textile microbiome and impact malodour formation. These processes are impacted by interindividual differences and fabric type as well. This review describes the current knowledge on the volatilome and microbiome of the skin, textile and washing machine, the multiple factors that determine malodour formation on textiles and points out what information is still missing.

Contamination of surgical mask during aerosol-producing dental treatments

ObjectivesSurgical masks are usually contaminated during dental treatment. So far it has not been investigated whether a surgical mask itself can be a source of microbial transmission. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the microbiological contamination of surgical masks during dental treatment and the transfer of microorganisms from the mask to the hands.Materials and methodsFive dental treatment modalities were studied: carious cavity preparation (P-caries, n = 10), tooth substance preparation (P-tooth, n = 10), trepanation and root canal treatment (P-endo, n = 10), supragingival ultrasonic application (US-supra, n = 10), and subgingival periodontal ultrasonic instrumentation (US-sub, n = 10). Bacterial contamination of mask and gloves worn during treatment was tested by imprinting on agar plates. Additionally, before masks were tested, their outer surface was touched with a new sterile glove. This glove was also imprinted on agar. Bacteria were identified by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Colony-forming units (CFU) were scored: score 0: 0 CFU, score 1: < 102 CFU, score 2: > 102 CFU, score 3: dense microbial growth.ResultsAll masks and all gloves used during treatment displayed bacterial contamination (sample scores 0/1/2/3: masks 0/46/3/1 and gloves 0/31/10/9). After touching the masks with new sterile gloves, microorganisms were recovered with the following contamination scores: P-caries: 4/6/0/0, P-tooth: 2/8/0/0: P-endo: 7/3/0/0, US-supra: 0/9/1/0, US-sub: 2/8/0/0. No statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment modalities. Streptococci spp. and Staphylococci spp. representing the oral and cutaneous flora dominated.ConclusionsSurgical masks are contaminated after aerosol-producing dental treatment procedures. Used masks have a potential to be a source of bacterial contamination of the hands.Clinical relevanceDental staff should avoid touching the outer surface of masks with their hands to prevent transmission of pathogens. It is recommendable to change the mask after each treated patient followed by hand disinfection.

Magnetite-contained biochar derived from fenton sludge modulated electron transfer of microorganisms in anaerobic digestion

Biochar, with redox moieties or conjugated π-bond, can act as electron shuttle or conductor to facilitate electron transfer of syntrophic metabolism to enhance anaerobic digestion. High pyrolysis temperature (>500 ℃) is usually required to prepare conductive biochar, which however may cause biochar to loss redox moieties such as quinone/hydroquinone that are capable of serving as electron shuttle. Considering that magnetite is an excellent conductor which has been applied in improving syntrophic metabolism of anaerobic digestion, a novel magnetite-contained biochar was prepared using iron-rich Fenton sludge as raw material in this study. Amorphous iron oxides of Fenton sludge were transformed into magnetite at 400 ℃ of pyrolysis, while redox quinone/hydroquinone moieties of biochar were preserved well. Correspondingly, this magnetic biochar owned both high capacitance and excellent conductivity. When supplementing the biochar into an anaerobic digestion system, methane production was significantly enhanced. This study also offered a new approach to recycle Fenton sludge that is regarded as hazardous material.

Both soap and ozone more effective and better tolerated than alcohol hand disinfection?

Abstract Background Preventing the transfer of virulent microorganisms is an essential part of infection control programs and clinical practice. Hand disinfection using alcohol from dispensers has become a standard practice worldwide; however, consequent skin irritation is frequently reported. Thus, alternative methods for hand sanitization are needed. Objectives We used a modified European Standard procedure (EN 1500:2013) with the aim of comparing the efficiency of alcohol, ozonated water and soap for eradicating transient Escherichia coli from artificially contaminated hands. Methods We applied a crossover design for testing alcohol and ozone (20 participants/product; 40 participants in total). The participants were mostly nursing students. We have merged the results from two separate crossover studies with altogether 35 participants, and also included 20 non-crossover participants for soap washing. Results Both ozonated tap water and soap &amp; water were more effective than alcohol disinfection; and washing hands with soap the most effective. In some participants, disinfection with alcohol seemed to fail at eradicating transient E. coli from the hands, particularly from one side. The pre-test CFU/mL values were ≥30,000 in 52 of 55 participants. After disinfection of both the hands with 85% alcohol, 0.8 ppm ozonated tap water and soap &amp; water, the mean/median (range) values were 2330/300 (14,000), 538/250 (3450) and 98/50 (450), respectively. The majority of the participants (66%) stated that they would prefer using ozonated tap water if the disinfection effect was the same as that of other agents. Conclusions We hypothesize that hand disinfection with alcohol is more difficult, and that the flow rate of water may play a pivotal role in eradicating microorganisms in addition to the choice of disinfectant. Ozonated tap water had no adverse effects on the skin and was preferred by most participants. Key messages Ozonized water as hand disinfection. Alcohol hand disinfection problems.

Most self-touches are with the nondominant hand

Self-touch may promote the transfer of microorganisms between body parts or surfaces to mucosa. In overt videography of a post-graduate office, students spent 9% of their time touching their own hair, face, neck, and shoulders (HFNS). These data were collected from 274,000 s of surveillance video in a Chinese graduate student office. The non-dominant hand contributed to 66.1% of HFNS-touches. Most importantly, mucous membranes were touched, on average, 34.3 (SE = 2.4) times per hour, which the non-dominant hand contributed to 240% more than the dominant hand. Gender had no significant effect on touch frequency, but a significant effect on duration per touch. The duration per touch on the HFNS was fitted with a log–log linear distribution. Touch behaviour analysis included surface combinations and a probability matrix for sequential touches of 20 sub-surfaces. These findings may partly explain the observed variation in the literature regarding the microbiome community distribution on human skin, supporting the importance of indirect contact transmission route in some respiratory disease transmission and providing data for risk analysis of infection spread and control.

Design and functionalisation of shoe outsoles with antimicrobial properties using additive manufacturing technologies: industrial applications

Cross-contamination by people movement is a serious problem in food and health environments. This is caused by the need for workers to move around different areas of the workspace, carrying bacterial agents in their shoes from one place to another. The disinfection methods commonly used do not completely eliminate the microorganisms, mainly due to the porous structure of the outsole of the footwear used. This document presents a new prototype of functional footwear for these environments, whose outsole design has been functionalised in such a way that it is presented through two independent fundamental elements: a main body made of EVA by injection; and a footprint, in direct contact with the pavement, which can be exchanged for another pathogen-free footprint when deemed necessary, avoiding the transfer of microorganisms when the user moves from one place to another. This footprint is manufactured by fused-filament 3D printing, using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material additivated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which give it antimicrobial properties. The industrial design of these two elements has been carried out with the aim of guaranteeing a solid attachment between them, but at the same time allowing the replacement of footprints in a simple and fast way, and without requiring the use of additional auxiliary elements. Through the experimentation phase, the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of the developed footprint have been analysed, and the physical-mechanical properties of the footprint as a whole have been evaluated according to various standards.

Identifying gram-positive cocci in dermatoscopes and smartphone adapters using MALDI-TOF MS: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe increasingly frequent use of dermoscopy makes us think about the possibility of transfer of microorganisms, through the dermatoscope, between doctor and patients. ObjectivesTo identify the most frequent gram-positive cocci in dermatoscopes and smartphone adapters, as well as the resistance profile, and to evaluate the factors associated with a higher risk of bacterial contamination of the dermatoscopes. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 118 dermatologists from Porto Alegre/Brazil between September 2017 and July 2018. Gram-positive cocci were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and habits of use of the dermatoscope were evaluated through an anonymous questionnaire. ResultsOf the dermatoscopes analysed, 46.6% had growth of gram-positive cocci on the lens and 37.3% on the on/off button. The microorganisms most frequently found were S. epidermidis, S. hominis and S. warneri. Attending a hospital, using the dermatoscope at the hospital, with inpatients and in the intensive care unit were significantly associated with colonisation by gram-positive cocci. The highest resistance rates were observed for penicillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Study limitationsThe non-search of gram-negative bacilli, fungi and viruses. Moreover, the small number of adapters did not make it possible to better define if the frequency differences were statistically significant. ConclusionCoagulase-negative staphylococci were frequently identified. S. aureus was detected only on the lens.

Advances in carbon-based anode materials for microbial fuel cells

The overuse of resources and the frequent occurrence of environmental problems have necessitated the use of sustainable energy technologies. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a kind of green energy-generation technology that metabolizes the organic compounds in wastewater by the catalytic oxidation of microorganisms. This new technology provides the dual advantages of cleaning the environment and generating electricity. As MFCs can potentially convert biodegradable and recyclable wastes into clean energy, they are a promising application prospect in environmental treatment and energy utilization. However, the practical applicability of present-day MFCs is limited by their low power-generation efficiency. Anode electrodes can enrich the power generation and electron transfer of microorganisms, but require high polarization, electronic conductivity, and biological compatibility with the fuel cell. Broadly speaking, the anode electrode affects the performance and operating costs of an MFC. Commonly used carbon-based materials include graphite sheets, carbon cloths, carbon paper, and carbon felt. However, most of these materials are two-dimensional structures providing few attachment sites for microorganisms; other materials have few reactive sites, which limits their electrochemical reactive surface areas and slows the initiation of the MFC. Carbon nanomaterials have been extensively researched for their high electrical conductivity, large specific surface area, high porosity, and low cost. All of these properties are demanded in the anode materials of MFCs. This paper summarized and analyzed methods for improving the biological compatibility of electrodes, increasing the adhesion of electrically-producing microorganisms, and improving the reactive activation sites. To this end, it discussed various types of anode electrodes, electrode structure designs, and electrode material modifications. A mechanism that improved the electricity generation performance was also discussed. Finally, carbon-based electrode materials might provide theoretical guidance for preparing anode materials with high electrochemical activity.

Transfer of microorganisms and respiratory viruses through food.

A major focus of food safety is on the contamination by microorganisms which occur during multiple stages along the food production and supply chain process. The microorganisms associated with foodborne illness are well-studied but normally do not include human nosocomial pathogens, particularly human respiratory diseases transmitted via mucosal droplets. A generally accepted mode of transmission for respiratory diseases include touching contaminated fomites followed by self-inoculation with fingers and hands by touching the face.&nbsp; Based on the existing modes of disease transfer, there is also the potential to spread these respiratory diseases through food. Several possible examples of direct transfer include sharing foods such as drinks, dipping sauces and popcorn while foods could also be indirectly contaminated by hands and utensils. Thus person to person transfer of disease agents seems likely by direct or indirect contact with food just prior to or during consumption.

Track the Bacterial Growth for Spoilage groups in the Meatball stored under Chilling

Meatball performed by ground beef meat of good quality and all processing must be performed under proper sanitary conditions, any defect in these steps may cause transfer of microorganisms and increasing the microbiological load. A total of 60 Meatball samples; about 450g/each, packaged in polyvinyl chloride film, were collected from different retail in Ismailia province markets was serially diluted and aseptically cultivated for the total aerobic count, for Enterobacteriaceae Count and for Staphylococcal aureus count. The bacteriological incidence of the examined beef meatball samples declared 100% of the examined meatball samples were containing (Aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriacae spp.) while the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus were about (30/60) 50% of the total examined samples. The mean value of total aerobic counts was initiated by 2.7x105 ± 1.4x105 with a minimum value, the mean value may reach to 4.9x108 ± 2.4x108 cfu/g after 9 days stored at 4oC. The mean values of Enterobacteriaceae spp. initially were about 2.2x104 ±5.5x104 cfu/g which reached to 7x105 ± 3.3x105 cfu/g which increased gradually to reach to 6.7x105±3.3x104 after 9 days of refrigeration. The mean value of total Staphylococcus aurous counts was initiated by 2.3x104 ±3.7x104 cfu/g which reached to 6.9x106 ±1.5x106 cfu/g after 9 days of refrigeration. The high contamination rate found in this study could be attributed to poor hygiene during handling and processing of beef meatball.

Hand Hygiene Practices to Reduce Hospital Acquired Infection

Hands are the most effective mode of transfer of microorganism in healthcare and can result in healthcare associated infections which are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reduction of infection by this mode of transfer can be achieved by a simple but very effective measure of performing hand hygiene at the appropriate time which is one of the most fundamental principles in infection prevention and control. Good hand hygiene practices have been shown to reduce healthcare associated infections. Hand washing with soap and water has been considered a measure of personal hygiene for several years

Antimicrobial Interventions to Reduce Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Surrogate Populations on Beef Striploins Intended for Blade Tenderization

ObjectivesBlade tenderization (BT) is used in the beef industry to improve tenderness of steaks prepared from subprimals but can translocate surface pathogens to the interior of meat. Application of antimicrobial solutions on the surface of subprimals prior to blade tenderization can reduce the risk of translocation of surface microorganisms. The objectives of this research were: 1) evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial interventions applied to inoculated (surrogate Escherichia coli) beef striploins prior to blade tenderization; and 2) examine the transfer of E. coli from inoculated striploins to subsequent non-inoculated subprimals.Materials and MethodsThe anterior portion of whole muscle beef striploins (30.48 cm) were inoculated (lean side) across a 10 cm band with an approximately 8.00 log CFU/mL cocktail containing non-pathogenic, rifampicin-resistant surrogate STEC strains (BAA-1427, BAA-1428, BAA-1429, BAA-1430, and BAA-1431). The inoculated striploins were sprayed with (1) levulinic acid (5.0%) + sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.50%) (LVA+SDS), (2) peroxyacetic acid (2000 ppm; PAA; FCN 1666), (3) acidified sodium chlorite (1200 ppm; ASC), or (4) lactic acid (4.5%; LA) by passing through a spray cabinet and blade tenderized, along with an inoculated, non-sprayed control (CON). To evaluate the potential for cross-contamination of subsequent subprimals, an inoculated striploin (for each treatment) was blade tenderized followed by a non-inoculated beef striploin. For each striploin, surface and subsurface samples (2.54 cm wide) were collected from three different locations including the anterior, middle, and posterior end of each striploin. A total of 30 striploins across three replications were randomly assigned to treatment stratification. Sponge samples were also collected from the blade tenderizer (plate of the blade unit and blades) after each treatment group. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS Inst., v.9.4; Cary, NC) as a completely randomized split-plot design. Microbial counts for all samples were log transformed and then analyzed for the main effects of antimicrobial treatment, location (anterior to posterior and surface or interior), and their interaction. Differences were considered significant at α ≤ 0.05.ResultsPAA was more effective in reducing E. coli populations (1.80 log CFU/g; P ≤ 0.05) and had lowest recovery of the microorganism from the striploin subsurface compared to other treatments, followed by LVA+SDS (1.00 log CFU/g). E. coli populations gradually decreased (P ≤ 0.05) on the surface and subsurface as sampling moved anterior to posterior. However, E. coli populations were similar (P &gt; 0.05) on the posterior end of inoculated striploins and the anterior end of the subsequent, non-inoculated striploins, indicating transfer of microorganisms from one striploin to the following striploin. E. coli populations of 3.03 log CFU/cm2 and 2.47 log CFU/cm2 were recovered from the plate of the blade unit and the blades of the blade tenderizer. E. coli populations recovered from the plastic plate (3.46 log CFU/cm2) and blades (2.87 log CFU/cm2) of the blade tenderizer were the similar (P &gt; 0.05) for all treatment groups except for PAA (1.41 log CFU/cm2 and 0.97 log CFU/cm2, respectively).ConclusionThese results showed that PAA and LVA+SDS can be used to improve the safety of blade tenderized beef.

The seminal microbiome in health and disease.

Owing to the fact that there are more microbial than human cells in our body and that humans contain more microbial than human genes, the microbiome has huge potential to influence human physiology, both in health and in disease. The use of next-generation sequencing technologies has helped to elucidate functional, quantitative and mechanistic aspects of the complex microorganism-host interactions that underlie human physiology and pathophysiology. The microbiome of semen is a field of increasing scientific interest, although this microbial niche is currently understudied compared with other areas of microbiome research. However, emerging evidence is beginning to indicate that the seminal microbiome has important implications for the reproductive health of men, the health of the couple and even the health of offspring, owing to transfer of microorganisms to the partner and offspring. As this field expands, further carefully designed and well-powered studies are required to unravel the true nature and role of the seminal microbiome.

Effectiveness of different instant hand sanitizers against normal flora and some selected pathogenic bacteria

To maintain hygienic life it is important to follow the rules of sanitation. Hand sanitation is one of the most necessary parts of keeping personal hygiene. As hands are used directly for person to person contact, contact with animals, food preparation and so on, they can transmit microorganisms to and from all of these sources coming in contact. So if proper hand sanitation is maintained, the transfer of microorganisms will be decreased which can ultimately reduce the transmission of some pathogenic microorganisms to a susceptible host from own self directly or from the animals after handling them. Susceptible people getting harmful pathogenic bacteria can get sick if they find their appropriate routes of entry into them. During food preparation and taking meals, microorganisms can get entrance into the body from hands as well as microbes contaminating foods from the hands can proliferate in the foods causing spoilage and also release toxins causing food borne infection and food borne intoxication respectively. To reduce such risks people need to wash hands on routine basis especially on food processing zone it should be washed with water and soap which results in greater cleaning. People now use instant hand sanitizer after washing hands with water giving an extra protection. Sanitizers works best on hands with no visible sign of dirt. In the current study, five alcohol based hand sanitizers were selected to determine the ability of these sanitizers to decrease the loads of microorganisms from the hands of the five selected volunteers. During the study, it has been found that alcohol based instant hand sanitizer do decrease the loads of microbial flora from the hands but not in satisfactory level. Even they possessed very low effectivity against some pathogenic bacteria. These products can be used only where water is not available to decrease the loads of microbes from the hands.&#x0D; Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.8(1) 2018: 10-14