Transfer Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Phylogeographic characteristics of hypervariable regions in the mitochondrial genome of a cosmopolitan, bloom-forming raphidophyte, Heterosigma akashiwo.

The global distribution of phytoplankton is defined by many events, including long-term evolutionary processes and shorter time span processes (e.g., global climate change). Furthermore, human-assisted, unintentional dispersion, including the transport of live fish and spat for aquaculture, and transfer of aquatic microorganisms contained in ship ballast water, may aid the spread of phytoplankton. To understand the phylogeographic history of a species, the development of useful molecular markers is crucial. We previously reported a hypervariable mitochondrial gene in the cosmopolitan bloom-forming alga, Heterosigma akashiwo. In this study, we identified two additional hypervariable segments in the H.akashiwo mitochondrial genome, one a protein coding sequence, and the other an intergenic region, by comparing the whole mitogenomes of strains obtained from various geographic origins. Interestingly, the newly identified hypervariable protein coding sequence was a paralogue of the previously identified gene, and both sequences showed tendencies to correlate with latitude of geographic origin. However, the hypervariable intergenic sequence did not show a clear correlation with origin. Our results demonstrated that the protein coding sequences may serve as useful tools for understanding the phylogeographic history of H.akashiwo, and they may crucially function in adaptation of the species to the environment.

The synergistic effect of biophoto anode for the enhancement of current generation and degradation

ABSTRACT The demand for removal of refractory organic pollutants limits the application of microbial fuel cells. In this study, the synergistic effects of bioelectrochemical and photocatalysis methods were captured by constructing a biophoto anode from a combination of WO3/TiO2 and carbon felt. This biophoto electrode was able to decrease the aniline concentration from 63.3 ± 6.2 to 9.3 ± 5.5 mg/L. The structure of the benzene ring was broken through strong oxidation by photocatalysis. Electrochemical analysis showed that photocatalysis also enhanced the extracellular electron transfer of microorganisms and reduced the resistance of the anode from 136.9 Ω to 69.9 Ω. In addition, the maximum current output increased by 28.5% under the composite biophoto electrode. Further analysis of the microbial community indicated that the biophoto electrode promoted the enrichment of Geobacter in the anode. This biophoto electrode provided a method for overcoming the disadvantages of anaerobic degradation of refractory organics.

Bioconvection in Casson nanofluid flow with Gyrotactic microorganisms and variable surface heat flux

This paper presents a two-dimensional unsteady laminar boundary layer mixed convection flow heat and mass transfer along a vertical plate filled with Casson nanofluid located in a porous quiescent medium that contains both nanoparticles and gyrotactic microorganisms. This permeable vertical plate is assumed to be moving in the same direction as the free stream velocity. The flow is subject to a variable heat flux, a zero nanoparticle flux and a constant density of motile microorganisms on the surface. The free stream velocity is time-dependent resulting in a non-similar solution. The transport equations are solved using the bivariate spectral quasilinearization method. A grid independence test for the validity of the result is given. The significance of the inclusion of motile microorganisms to heat transfer processes is discussed. We show, inter alia, that introducing motile microorganisms into the flow reduces the skin friction coefficient and that the random motion of the nanoparticles improves the rate of transfer of the motile microorganisms.

Evaluation of Microbial Contamination of Combs and Brushes in Beauty Salons within the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Beauty salons may provide a suitable medium for the growth and transfer of pathogenic microorganisms which may be of public health significance. This study was aimed at investigating the microbial contamination of beauty salon tools within the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nutrient agar was used for the determination of total culturable heterotrophic bacterial counts and Potato dextrose agar was used for the determination of total spore counts. Bacterial isolates were subjected to different biochemical tests while the fungal cultures were identified by macroscopy and microscopy. Results revealed bacterial load obtained from combs and brushes across the three campuses studied ranged from 6.3x105 to 2.8x106 CFU/swab area and 5.8x105 to 1.8x106 CFU/swab area respectively. Total spore counts obtained from combs and brushes across the three campuses ranged from1.8x105 to 1.0x106 CFU/swab area and 4.2x105 to 9.3x105CFU/swab area respectively. The bacterial isolates obtained from the salon tools include Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp.,Serratia spp.,Citrobacter spp., Proteus spp. and Shigella spp., while the fungal isolates include Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium spp., Tricophyton spp. and Microsporium spp. Staphylococcus aureus (27.7%) and Bacillus spp.(22.2%) were the predominant bacterial isolates in the study while Aspergillus flavus (36.3%) and Penicillium spp.(27.3%) were the most occurring fungi. The study showed that fomites used in beauty salons harbour significantly high microbial load including microorganisms of possible public health significance.

СТАФИЛОКОККОВЫЕ БИОПЛЕНКИ: НОВЫЙ ВЫЗОВ ДЛЯ САНИТАРИИ МОЛОЧНОЙ И МЯСНОЙ ПЕРЕРАБАТЫВАЮЩЕЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ

The article presents data on studies of the stability of staphylococcal biofilms. Staphylococcus grows predominantly as biofilm on virtually any type of industrial surface, causing contamination of food and water, corrosion of the metal surface and obstruction of the equipment. In particular, in the processing meat and dairy industry, biofilm formation can contribute to food spoilage and the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms, increasing the possibility of cross-contamination, which can be associated with a serious risk to consumer health. Staphylococci are often isolated from products of animal origin, but it turned out that in the state of biofilm they are more stable and viable than planktonic cells, especially after insufficiently effective disinfection. In this regard, commonly used means and modes of rehabilitation of technological surfaces of meat and dairy processing enterprises must be improved.

The neglected element of hand hygiene - significance of hand drying, efficiency of different methods and clinical implication: A review.

Hand hygiene is a fundamental strategy for controlling the spread of infection. Careful hand drying is integral to the process of hand hygiene, which aims to optimise the removal of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Ineffective hand drying results in wet hands that are an infection risk increasing the potential for cross-infection, occupational contact dermatitis for healthcare practitioners, harm to patients and environmental contamination. Evidence indicates that there has been limited research regarding the significance of hand drying and the efficacy and clinical impact of different drying methods. The purpose of this review paper was to scope and evaluate the existing literature pertaining to hand drying; to examine the clinical consequences associated with wet hands for patients, healthcare practitioners and the clinical environment; to assess the efficacy of different drying methods; to consider the impact on patient safety; and to progress the research, debate and practice relating to hand drying. The methodological framework applied in this review was that of Arksey and O'Malley (2007). Twenty-one papers identified from 112 abstracts screened were included in the review. Analysis identified three primary themes emerging from the literature: (1) efficacy of hand drying methods; (2) drying method and microbial translocation, dispersion and environmental contamination; and (3) drying methods and environmental sustainability. This review highlights the equal importance of hand drying in the process of hand hygiene and suggests that the efficacy of hand drying is a critical factor in the prevention of the transfer of microorganisms to the environment, and from person to person following hand washing. In conclusion, this paper argues that greater attention needs to be given to hand drying in terms of practice, policy and research and its importance in clinical settings given greater focus.

An in vitro assessment of bacterial transfer by products used in debridement.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the transfer of viable Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm microorganisms following treatment with debridement tools. The level of viable biofilm microorganisms transferred by debridement tools was compared following treatment that reflected the clinical practice of each product. A significant level of microorganism transfer was seen in response to the mechanical debridement tool. Minimal transfer of microorganisms was seen when in vitro-established biofilms were treated with hydroresponsive wound dressing + polyhexamethylene biguanide (HRWD+PHMB, HydroClean plus). Less Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recovered from explants exposed to dressings compared with those exposed to debridement tools suggesting that there was less transfer of bacteria by dressings. The reduced transfer of viable microorganisms by HRWD+PHMB may be the result of significant binding and retention of microbes by the superabsorbent polymer within the dressing, together with enhanced sequestered bacterial killing within the dressing by polymer-bound PHMB. The high levels of microbial transfer/transmission seen for debridement tools suggests that, in the clinical setting, a significant level of bacterial spread over the wound surface and/or surrounding skin by these cleansing tools is likely.

Modular engineering to increase intracellular NAD(H/+) promotes rate of extracellular electron transfer of Shewanella oneidensis

The slow rate of extracellular electron transfer (EET) of electroactive microorganisms remains a primary bottleneck that restricts the practical applications of bioelectrochemical systems. Intracellular NAD(H/+) (i.e., the total level of NADH and NAD+) is a crucial source of the intracellular electron pool from which intracellular electrons are transferred to extracellular electron acceptors via EET pathways. However, how the total level of intracellular NAD(H/+) impacts the EET rate in Shewanella oneidensis has not been established. Here, we use a modular synthetic biology strategy to redirect metabolic flux towards NAD+ biosynthesis via three modules: de novo, salvage, and universal biosynthesis modules in S. oneidensis MR-1. The results demonstrate that an increase in intracellular NAD(H/+) results in the transfer of more electrons from the increased oxidation of the electron donor to the EET pathways of S. oneidensis, thereby enhancing intracellular electron flux and the EET rate.

ANTIMICROBIAL-RESISTANT MICROORGANISMS IN FOOD AS A HYGIENIC PROBLEM

The analysis of scientific data on the occurrence of the antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms from food sources is adduced. A presentation on the molecular mechanisms of its formation under the influence of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) with an antimicrobial effect, taking into account the peculiarities of their use in the animal husbandry, is given. Ways of the contamination of food with VMPs, the potential of their residues in terms of direct and indirect risks for human health, the current situation with the contamination of food products, the principles of hygienic rationing and control are described. The role of sub-inhibitory doses of antibiotics in the formation of the antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms is described, and the importance of tetracyclines as the most important agents of activation of horizontal transfer of resistance in the environment is emphasized. The factors in food chain objects contributing to the realization of different types of horizontal gene transfer are highlighted, including examples of studies implemented by the author laboratory in a specific food industry establishment. The new data on the negative consequences of physical and chemical effects of non-antibiotic nature, sublethal for microflora in food, as well as products of microbial synthesis as inhibitory technological means, manifested by the enhancement of the gene transfer and the development of acquired antimicrobial resistance in food strains, is presented. The importance of extraneous (zoonotic pathogens, intestinal commensal flora representatives, HAIs agents) and the microflora of food products especially used (biotechnological, probiotic microorganisms, GMM) as vectors for transfer of resistant microorganisms to the human body have been disclosed. The modern data of international organizations and literary sources are summarized in terms of effective practical measures to counter the formation and occurrence of the resistance, including promising innovations in agriculture aimed at alternative technologies to antimicrobials for the growing and fattening of productive animals.

Environmental considerations in the selection of isolation gowns: A life cycle assessment of reusable and disposable alternatives

Isolation gowns serve a critical role in infection control by protecting healthcare workers, visitors, and patients from the transfer of microorganisms and body fluids. The decision of whether to use a reusable or disposable garment system is a selection process based on factors including sustainability, barrier effectiveness, cost, and comfort. Environmental sustainability is increasingly being used in the decision-making process. Life cycle assessment is the most comprehensive and widely used tool used to evaluate environmental performance. The environmental impacts of market-representative reusable and disposable isolation gown systems were compared using standard life cycle assessment procedures. The basis of comparison was 1,000 isolation gown uses in a healthcare setting. The scope included the manufacture, use, and end-of-life stages of the gown systems. At the healthcare facility, compared to the disposable gown system, the reusable gown system showed a 28% reduction in energy consumption, a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 41% reduction in blue water consumption, and a 93% reduction in solid waste generation. Selecting reusable garment systems may result in significant environmental benefits compared to selecting disposable garment systems. By selecting reusable isolation gowns, healthcare facilities can add these quantitative benefits directly to their sustainability scorecards.

An electroplated copper–silver alloy as antibacterial coating on stainless steel

Transfer and growth of pathogenic microorganisms must be prevented in many areas such as the clinical sector. One element of transfer is the adhesion of pathogens to different surfaces and the purpose of the present study was to develop and investigate the antibacterial efficacy of stainless steel electroplated with a copper-silver alloy with the aim of developing antibacterial surfaces for the medical and health care sector. The microstructural characterization showed a porous microstructure of electroplated copper-silver coating and a homogeneous alloy with presence of interstitial silver. The copper-silver alloy coating showed active corrosion behavior in chloride-containing environments. ICP-MS measurements revealed a selective and localized dissolution of copper ions in wet conditions due to its galvanic coupling with silver. No live bacteria adhered to the copper-silver surfaces when exposed to suspensions of S. aureus and E. coli at a level of 108 CFU/ml whereas 104 CFU/cm2 adhered after 24 h on the stainless steel controls. In addition, the Cu-Ag alloy caused a significant reduction of bacteria in the suspensions. The coating was superior in its antibacterial activity as compared to pure copper and silver electroplated surfaces. Therefore, the results showed that the electroplated copper-silver coating represents an effective and potentially economically feasible way of limiting surface spreading of pathogens.

Colmena: colección de microorganismos edáficos y endófitos nativos, para contribuir a la seguridad alimentaria nacional

Colmena (www.itson.mx/colmena), es una colección de microorganismos enfocada en la conservación, clasificación, caracterización, y transferencia de microorganismos nativos aislados de diversos agro-sistemas, y otros hábitats. El objetivo de esta colección es resguardar la diversidad microbiana asociada a los cambios de uso de suelo, disminuyendo la degradación de los suelos. Hasta el momento, microorganismos del suelo de dos importantes regiones agrícolas en México han sido aislados, el Valle del Yaqui, Sonora y el Valle del Fuerte, Sinaloa. Actualmente, colmena conserva aproximadamente 1 464 cepas de microorganismos edáficos asociadas a diversos cultivos agrícolas, tales como: trigo (448), maíz (313), alfalfa (54), brócoli (51), frijol (35), entre otros. Recientemente, la clasificación taxonómica de 353 cepas bacterianas y fúngicas -mediante la amplificación de los genes 16S RNAr y 5.8S RNAr- ha sido concluida, observando que los géneros bacterianos más abundantes son Bacillus (27%), Pseudomonas (8%) y Stenotrophomonas (6%), mientras que los géneros fúngicos más abundantes fueron Aspergillus (8%), Penicillium (3%) y Myrothecium (3%). Por otra parte, también se llevó a cabo la caracterización metabólica de una fracción de la colección, encontrando que 3% de la colección microbiana tiene la capacidad de producir de índoles (> 5 mg/L), la solubilización de fósforo y producción de sideróforos fue observada en 36% y 61% de las cepas analizadas (396), respectivamente. Solo 3% de la colección microbiana total ha sido identificada como productora de celulasas y 11% de un total de 258 cepas analizadas presentaron β-hemolisis. Estos resultados muestran la versatilidad de estas cepas microbianas como alternativas potenciales costo-efectivas para prácticas agro-industriales, enfocadas a contribuir a la seguridad alimentaria global. 

Praktik Higiene Personal dan Keberadaan Bakteri Escherichia coli Pada Tangan Penjual Petis (Studi di Pasar Anom Kecamatan Sumenep Kabupaten Sumenep) Personal Hygiene Practice and Existence of Escherichia coli Bacteria In Fish Paste Seller’s Hand (Study in

Abstract
 Personal hygiene practices in food processing must be considered as a potential source of food handlers in the transfer of microorganisms that can cause food contamination. Fish Peste is the commodity from the fish processing which is usually used as a side dish or a typical mix of traditional food. On the other hand, fish paste is a food that is served without reheating and directly without the use of tools such as spoons or plastic gloves so it can be potentially contaminated with bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Research is aimed to identify how the personal hygiene practices and the presence of Escherichia coli bacteria on the hands of the fish paste sellers placed in open containers in Anom Market of Sumenep district of Sumenep regency. The research was descriptive with quantitative approach. The sample uses a total sampling of 15 respondents fish paste seller. The results of this study indicate that the practice of personal hygiene, most of the 12 respondents categorized of adequate personal hagiene practices, among others from contagious diseases, nails and hands hygiene, hair hygiene, clothing hygiene, wash hands thoroughly, and use tools when handling food. From the results of laboratory test, the samples hands of fish paste seller there were 3 respondents were positive presence of Escherichia coli.
 Keywords: Personal Higyene Practice, Fish Paste, and Escherichia coli Bacteria

Антибиотикоустойчивые микроорганизмы в пище как гигиеническая проблема (Обзорная статья)

The analysis of scientific data on the occurrence of the antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms from food sources is adduced. A presentation on the molecular mechanisms of its formation under the influence of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) with an antimicrobial effect, taking into account the peculiarities of their use in the animal husbandry, is given. Ways of the contamination of food with VMPs, the potential of their residues in terms of direct and indirect risks for human health, the current situation with the contamination of food products, the principles of hygienic rationing and control are described. The role of sub-inhibitory doses of antibiotics in the formation of the antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms is described, and the importance of tetracyclines as the most important agents of activation of horizontal transfer of resistance in the environment is emphasized. The factors in food chain objects contributing to the realization of different types of horizontal gene transfer are highlighted, including examples of studies implemented by the author laboratory in a specific food industry establishment. The new data on the negative consequences of physical and chemical effects of non-antibiotic nature, sublethal for microflora in food, as well as products of microbial synthesis as inhibitory technological means, manifested by the enhancement of the gene transfer and the development of acquired antimicrobial resistance in food strains, is presented. The importance of extraneous (zoonotic pathogens, intestinal commensal flora representatives, HAIs agents) and the microflora of food products especially used (biotechnological, probiotic microorganisms, GMM) as vectors for transfer of resistant microorganisms to the human body have been disclosed. The modern data of international organizations and literary sources are summarized in terms of effective practical measures to counter the formation and occurrence of the resistance, including promising innovations in agriculture aimed at alternative technologies to antimicrobials for the growing and fattening of productive animals.

The impact of dairy cows' bedding material and its microbial content on the quality and safety of milk – A cross sectional study of UK farms

The introduction of bedding dairy cows on recycled manure solids (RMS) in the UK led to concern by competent authorities that there could be an increased, unacceptable risk to animal and human health. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the microbial content of different bedding materials, when used by dairy cows, and its impact on the microbial content of milk. Data were collected from farms bedding lactating cows on sand (n=41), sawdust (n=44) and RMS (n=40). The mean duration of RMS use prior to sampling was 13months. Total bacterial count, and counts of Streptococcus/Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus cereus, thermophilic, thermoduric and psychrotrophic bacteria were determined in used bedding and milk. Samples were evaluated for the presence/absence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica. Data on milking practices were collected to investigate their potential to reduce microbial transfer from bedding to milk. There were substantial differences in bacterial counts both within and between bedding materials. However, there were no significant differences between bedding groups in counts in milk for any of the organisms studied, and no significant correlations between bacterial load in used bedding and milk. Fore-milking was associated with a reduced total bacterial count in milk. Dipping teats with disinfectant and drying, prior to milking, was associated with lower numbers of Streptococcus/Enterococcus spp. in milk. Disinfecting clusters between milking different cows was associated with a reduction in thermophilic and psychrotrophic counts in milk. This study did not provide evidence that use of RMS bedding increased the risk of presence of Y. enterocolitica, Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes in milk. However, the strength of this conclusion should be tempered by the relatively small number of farms on which Y. enterocolitica and Salmonella spp. were isolated. It is concluded that, despite the higher bacterial load of RMS, its use as bedding for lactating dairy cows need not be associated with a higher bacterial load in milk than the use of sand or sawdust. However, this finding must be interpreted in the light of the relatively recent introduction of RMS as a bedding material on the farms studied. Teat preparation provides a control point for the potential transfer of microorganisms from bedding to milk. The detection of zoonotic pathogens in a small proportion of milk samples, independent of bedding type, indicates that pasteurisation of milk prior to human consumption remains an important control measure.

Microplastics as a vector for the transport of the bacterial fish pathogen species Aeromonas salmonicida

Microplastics is widespread in the marine environment where it can cause numerous negative effects. It can provide space for the growth of organisms and serves as a vector for the long distance transfer of marine microorganisms. In this study, we examined the sea surface concentrations of microplastics in the North Adriatic and characterized bacterial communities living on the microplastics. DNA from microplastics particles was isolated by three different methods, followed by PCR amplification of 16S rDNA, clone libraries preparation and phylogenetic analysis. 28 bacterial species were identified on the microplastics particles including Aeromonas spp. and hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial species. Based on the 16S rDNA sequences the pathogenic fish bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida was identified for the first time on microplastics. Because A. salmonicida is responsible for illnesses in fish, it is crucial to get answers if and how microplastics pollution is responsible for spreading of diseases.

Prediction of the fluid flow, heat transfer and inactivation of microorganism at medical devices in modern steam sterilizers using computational fluid dynamics

Medical devices, which are wrapped in pouches, are generally sterilized using steam sterilizers (autoclaves) in order to achieve a certain level of sterility. During the sterilization process, the medical devices are heated up to a predefined temperature of 134°C at a pressure level of 3.1bar. Steam is commonly used in the sterilizers because of the high heat transfer rate to the medical devices due to wall condensation effects. The sterility level of the devices is represented by the Safety Assurance Level (SAL) which depicts the amount of inactivated microorganisms at the surface. Since the entire sterilization process consists of several different transport phenomena, such as fluid flow, heat transfer, phase change etc., the prediction of the medical devices’ SAL is a complex task. In the present paper, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to calculate the temperature, pressure, steam quality and, consequently, the medical devices’ SAL temporarily and spatially resolved. For that purpose, model approaches to predict the steam penetration of the pouches and the heat transfer due to wall condensation of the steam were developed and implemented in the CFD code. Therefore, an accurate simulation of the temperature and steam quality in the sterilizer is possible. The CFD results were compared to the measured temperatures of the steam and the devices. The comparison corresponded well for the entire sterilization process and provided a sound basis for a precise simulation of the SAL which was done by a first order reaction kinetics based on the Arrhenius approach. The results presented in this paper show that the developed CFD model is able to predict the temperature, pressure, steam quality as well as the progress of the sterilization process in an accurate manner, and is beneficial for future developments of steam sterilizers in the medical industry.

Regulation of Clinical Xenotransplantation-Time for a Reappraisal.

The continual critical shortage of organs and cells from deceased human donors has stimulated research in the field of cross-species transplantation (xenotransplantation), with the pig selected as the most suitable potential source of organs. Since the US Food and Drug Administration concluded a comprehensive review of xenotransplantation in 2003, considerable progress has been made in the experimental laboratory to improve cell and organ xenograft survival in several pig-to-nonhuman primate systems that offer the best available models to predict clinical outcomes. Survival of heart, kidney, and islet grafts in nonhuman primates is now being measured in months or even years. The potential risks associated with xenotransplantation, for example, the transfer of an infectious microorganism, that were highlighted in the 2003 Food and Drug Administration guidance and subsequent World Health Organization consensus documents have been carefully studied and shown to be either less likely than previously thought or readily manageable by donor selection or recipient management strategies. In this context, we suggest that the national regulatory authorities worldwide should re-examine their guidelines and regulations regarding xenotransplantation, so as to better enable design and conduct of safe and informative clinical trials of cell and organ xenotransplantation when and as supported by the preclinical data. We identify specific topics that we suggest require reconsideration.

Radiative magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow due to gyrotactic microorganisms with chemical reaction and non-linear thermal radiation

This study investigates the heat and mass transfer of nanofluid with motile gyrotactic microorganisms. The study is explored under the response of non-linear thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects. The slip and convective convective boundary conditions are also taken into account. The coupled partial differential equations are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations using appropriate transformations. The differential equations are solved numerically by using Maple dsolve command with option numeric which utilize Runge–Kutta fourth-fifth order Fehlberg technique. A comparison to the previous study is also included to validate the present results. The evaluations are carried out for sundry parameters on flow, heat transfer and motile density of microorganisms. It is observed that the motile density of microorganisms shows a decreasing behavior for growing values of bioconvection lewis number and Peclet number.

Bacterial Transfer Associated with Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake

This study examined the potential spread of bacteria when blowing out candles on a birthday cake. Preliminary tests of blowing on nutrient agar indicated that bioaerosols in human breath expelled from the mouth may be a source of bacteria transferred to cake surfaces. To test aerosol transfer to cake, icing was spread evenly over foil then birthday candles were placed through the foil into a Styrofoam™ base. After consuming pizza, test subjects were asked to extinguish the candles by blowing. Icing samples were sterilely recovered then surface plated, to determine the level of bacterial contamination. Blowing out the candles over the icing surface resulted in 1400% more bacteria compared to icing not blown on. Due to the transfer of oral bacteria to icing by blowing out birthday candles, the transfer of bacteria and other microorganisms from the respiratory tract of a person blowing out candles to food consumed by others is likely.