Transmission Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Effect of double-premilking teat disinfection protocols on bacterial counts on teat skin of cows and milker gloves in a free-stall-housed dairy herd.

This research communication addresses the hypothesis that double premilking teat disinfection (DD) is more effective in reducing soiling and bacterial count on the cows' teat skin and milkers' gloves than conventional disinfection (CONV). The design was a 3 × 3 Latin square (three groups of cows and three treatments) with conventional teat disinfection (CONV, lactic acid application after forestripping), double teat disinfection using the same disinfectant (DD1D, lactic acid application before and after forestripping), and double teat disinfection using two different disinfectants (DD2D, application of lactic acid before and chlorine-based disinfectant after forestripping). All groups were assigned for six days for each treatment, and the evaluations and samples were collected on the last day, before and after treatment. We evaluated the teat cleanliness score (TCS), count of Gram-negative bacteria (coliforms and noncoliforms), Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and total bacterial count (TBC) on the cows' teats and TBC on the milkers' gloves. TCS after premilking was lower in DD than CONV treatment. The reduction of Staphylococcus spp. count was greater in the DD treatment and tended to be higher in the DD2D. The TBC reduction on the cows' teats was greater in the DD treatments. The TBC on the milkers' gloves was lower for DD before and after premilking. In conclusion, DD can be an alternative for reducing some bacterial populations on cow teats and preventing the transmission of microorganisms between cows via the milkers' hands.

Ozone water or chloroxylenol: The comparison of disinfection effectiveness against the number of bacterial colonies in dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital

Background The application of disinfectants on dental instruments is one way to prevent cross-infection. Cross infection can occur due to microorganisms found in blood, saliva and dental plaque which can contaminate the instruments used by dental health workers. Thus, indirect contact transmission of pathogenic microorganisms occurs from instruments that have been contaminated by dental health workers. Ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol are disinfecting agents used to disinfect medical instruments. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of disinfection of ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol in reducing the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital between October-December 2022. Methods The samples used were mandibular molar pliers that have been used in tooth extraction procedures. This study was experimental and used three sample groups, where each group consisted of 10 tooth extraction instruments. The treatment group used ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol and the negative control group was cleaned with distilled water. The test effectiveness in this study used bacteria colony counter using the scatter cup method. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results The results of the data analysis showed a p-value ≤0.001, which means that there was a significant difference in the disinfection using ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol on the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments. The results of this study show that the average number of bacterial colonies formed in the ozone water treatment group was 4.00 ± 4.32, 16.00 ± 6.65 in the 4.8% chloroxylenol treatment group, and 217.50 ± 39.24 in the negative control group (Aquadest). Conclusions From this study it can be said that ozone water is more effective in disinfecting dental extraction instruments than 4.8% chloroxylenol.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Asymptomatic Vegetable Sellers in Uyo, South Nigeria

Background: Vegetables are essential part of people’s diet and are sometimes consumed raw and often without heat treatment or thorough washing, hence some studies suggested it serves as vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms like Helicobacter pylori. The source of contamination has also been traced to sellers of vegetables who are involved in unhygienic practices which contribute to the dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore the aim of this study was to provide information on the seroprevalence of H. pylori IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among asymptomatic vegetable sellers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Blood and stool samples from 142 participants were included in the study. Blood samples were analyzed using the rapid diagnostic method while the stool samples were analyzed using Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Results: A total of 85 (59.9%) were positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) while 53 (37.3%) were positive by stool ELISA test. Risk factors like age, marital status, residency family size, years in vegetable business, source of vegetable, wash before stalling etc were all statistically associated with (p<0.05) with H. pylori prevalence. Conclusion: This study revealed that unhygienic behaviors by vegetable sellers are associated with high risk of H. pylori infection to vegetable consumers.

Diffusion Risk Analysis and Interdiction Procedures of Transmission of Microorganism in the Primary Cold Storage of Imported Cold Chain Food in Case of Novel Coronavirus

Diffusion Risk Analysis and Interdiction Procedures of Transmission of Microorganism in the Primary Cold Storage of Imported Cold Chain Food in Case of Novel Coronavirus

Camel Milk Resistome in Kuwait: Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major global health and economic threats. There is growing concern about the emergence of AMR in food and the possibility of transmission of microorganisms possessing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to the human gut microbiome. Shotgun sequencing and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing were used in this study to provide a detailed characterization of the antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria and their ARGs in dromedary camel milk. Eight pooled camel milk samples, representative of multiple camels distributed in the Kuwait desert, were collected from retail stores and analyzed. The genotypic analysis showed the presence of ARGs that mediate resistance to 18 classes of antibiotics in camel milk, with the highest resistance to fluoroquinolones (12.48%) and disinfecting agents and antiseptics (9%). Furthermore, the results pointed out the possible transmission of the ARGs to other bacteria through mobile genetic elements. The in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that 80% of the isolates were resistant to different classes of antibiotics, with the highest resistance observed against three antibiotic classes: penicillin, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. Multidrug-resistant pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter hormaechei were also revealed. These findings emphasize the human health risks related to the handling and consumption of raw camel milk and highlight the necessity of improving the hygienic practices of farms and retail stores to control the prevalence of ARGs and their transmission.

Bacterial structures and their associated ARGs in Shanghai subway air, China

The air in the metro or subway system, which is a major form of public transportation in many metropolises, contributes to the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, 18 aerosol samples were collected from two typical Shanghai subway stations (A and B) in the summer, transition, and winter seasons. Bacterial communities and their associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were analyzed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Metagenomic analysis approaches and random forest classification were used to compare and screen the distribution of key target species and ARGs. Bacteria were the predominant microbial kingdom with a relative abundance of 88.28%. In total, 5303 bacterial species were identified in subway stations A and B. The top three abundant bacterial species were unclassified_Pseudomonas, Ewingella_americana, and Halalkalicoccus_subterraneus. Microbial diversity analysis revealed that the microbial communities significantly varied between the three seasons (P < 0.05). Additionally, factors, such as temperature, relative humidity, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) significantly influenced bacterial community structure (P < 0.05). The random forest algorithm was used to screen indicators in bacterial communities. Some of these bacterial communities, which were primarily derived from environmental sources, may pose health risks. In total, 312 ARGs subtypes related to 20 ARGs classes were identified in subway stations A and B. Random forest classification results revealed 20 indicative types of ARGs, including those involved in metabolizing aminoglycoside, beta-lactam, multidrug, and rifamycin-type antibiotics. This study provides novel insights into microbial communities and ARGs in typical subway micro-environments and their dissemination in subway environments.

Purine-Doped g-C3N4-Modified Fabrics for Personal Protective Masks with Rapid and Sustained Antibacterial Activity.

Protective masks are critical to impeding microorganism transmission but can propagate infection via pathogen buildup and face touching. To reduce this liability, we integrated electrospun photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanoflakes into standard surgical masks to confer a self-sanitization capacity. By optimizing the purine/melamine precursor ratio during synthesis, we reduced the g-C3N4 band gap from 2.92 to 2.05 eV, eliciting a 4× increase in sterilizing hydrogen peroxide production under visible light. This narrower band gap enables robust photocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species from environmental and breath humidity to swiftly eliminate accumulated microbes. Under ambient sunlight, the g-C3N4 nanocomposite mask layer achieved a 97% reduction in the bacterial viability during typical use. Because the optimized band gap also allows photocatalytic activity under shadowless lamp illumination, the self-cleaning functionality could mitigate infection risk from residual pathogens in routine hospital settings. Both g-C3N4 and polycaprolactone demonstrate favorable biocompatibility and biodegradability, making this approach preferable over current commercially available metal-based options. Given the abundance and low cost of these components, this scalable approach could expand global access to reusable self-sanitizing protective masks, serving as a sustainable public health preparedness measure against future pandemics, especially in resource-limited settings.

First record of Damalinia caprae (Gurlt, 1843) and Linognathus africanus (Kelogg and Paine, 1911) (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in small ruminants from Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, Mexico

This study reports for the first time the lice species infesting small ruminants of three communities of Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, Mexico. The lice were manually collected from sheep and goats, deposited in vials containing 70% alcohol, and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia N° 2. For identification, the specimens were cleared in potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 10%, dried, and mounted on slides. A total of 789 lice were collected from goats and sheep. Two lice species, D. caprae and L. africanus were identified, making D. caprae the most prevalent. No other species were identified parasitizing the sampled animals. It is suggested to do more research to determine prevalence, incidence, and affections in the productive and reproductive parameters; as well as, to determine the possible role of the identified lice in the transmission of microorganisms with medical and veterinary importance.

One-year trial evaluating the durability and antimicrobial efficacy of copper in public transportation systems

Surfaces on transit vehicles are frequently touched and could potentially act as reservoirs for micro-organism transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfection to minimize the spread of micro-organisms is operationally challenging due to the need to keep vehicles in circulation. The application of copper (Cu) alloys to high- touch surfaces could help reduce the risk of cross-contamination, however, little is known about the durability and efficacy of engineered copper surfaces after prolonged use. Three Cu products (decal, thermal fabrication, and alloy covers) were assessed over a 12-month period. These Cu products were randomly installed on 110 stanchions on three buses and four train (SkyTrain) cars in Vancouver and three buses, two subway cars, and two streetcars in Toronto with mirrored control surfaces directly opposite. Bacterial counts (Colony forming units, CFU) and ATP bioluminescence (ATPB) were measured every two months after peak morning routes. Durability of the Cu products were assessed monthly through visual inspection and colorimetry assays or by ex-situ microscopy. Cu products on stanchions reduced the mean colony forming units (CFU) of all vehicles by 42.7% in the mean CFU (0.573 (CI 95% 0.453–0.726), p-value < 0.001) compared to control surfaces. The three Cu products exhibited an overall 87.1% reduction in the mean ATPB readings (0.129 (CI 95% 0.059–0.285, p-value < 0.001) compared to controls. Surface Cu concentration for all three products was consistent throughout the 12-month period. Electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) cross-sectional analysis showed no change in thickness or dealloying of Cu products, however SEM top-down analysis revealed substantial carbon accumulation on all surfaces. Cu products installed on transit vehicles maintained antimicrobial efficacy and durability after 12 months of use.

STUDY OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HAND DISINFECTION AND THE APPLICATION OF ROUTINE DISINFECTION MEASURES AMONG DENTAL TECHNICIANS

Purpose: To study the level of knowledge about hand disinfection and the application of routine disinfection measures in everyday practice among dental technician students from the Medical College of Plovdiv and practicing dental technicians. Material and methods: For the period September 2019 - January 2020, an anonymous 19-question survey was conducted among a total of 92 dental technicians. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 24. A p-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the respondents, 34.8% (n = 30) were students, and 65.2% (n = 62) were practicing dental technicians. The majority (77.2% (n = 71)) rate the hands as a factor for the transmission of microorganisms from person to person, but for 16.3% (n = 15), the hands pose a risk only if they are visibly contaminated. Only 31.5% (n = 29) disinfect their hands for the recomended 30 seconds. When working with dental impressions and dentures, 59.8% (n = 55) know that they must always be disinfected before working with them. The most commonly used preparations for disinfection of impressions are alcohols in 44.6% (n = 41), but 22.8% (n = 21) wrongly only use water and soap. Only 1/3 correctly state that the finished dentures should be disinfected before being handed to the dentist. Conclusion: Effective communication and coordination between the dental laboratory technicians and the dental office staff are critical components of a successful infection control program related to dental care

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL PARAMETERS OF RAW MILK FROM COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMS – IMPLICATIONS OF ADULTERATION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Objective: Globally, milk adulteration is an important public health issue but more so in developing countries, for small financial gains. This study was designed to assess the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of raw milk from commercial dairy farms from a public health perspective. Material and Methods: In this study 29 bulk samples of raw cattle milk were selected, one from each dairy farm in Peshawar, using simple random sampling and analyzed using by ultrasonic milk analyser. The main parameters tested for adulteration of milk were urea, starch, hydrogen peroxide, detergent, sorbitol, quaternary ammonium compounds, boric acid, cane sugar, sodium chloride, carbonate, formalin, hypochlorite, freezing point, added water, salt percentages and electrical conductivity (EC). Additionally, nutritional quality was assessed by fats, solids-non-fats (SNF), lactose, and protein. The results were statistically analyzed by t-test using SPSS software. Results: Results showed that more than 90% of the samples had water adulteration of more than 5% due to which 55% had significantly reduced nutritional parameters but still overall nutritional quality was acceptable in 24% of the samples. 21% of samples had high electrical conductivity reflecting mastitis in animals and consequently considered unsuitable for consumption due to the resultant transmission of either antibiotics or microorganisms into the human body. Furthermore, chemical adulterants were not detected in any sample. t-test showed that most of the parameters were significantly different (p=0.05) than the population standard means. Conclusion: Milk samples had compromised quality due to water addition in half of them and raised EC values in about a quarter of the samples. Despite water adulteration, nutrients like fat and SNF remained within ranges, indicating a cow-buffalo milk blend. Most tested parameters were lower than national averages but above minimum values. No chemical adulterants were detected. There’s a need for continuous milk testing to maintain public health standards. key words: mild adulteration, commecial dairy farms

Removal of leftover feed shapes environmental microbiota and limits houseflies-mediated dispersion of pathogenic bacteria in sow breeding farms

BackgroundIntensive swine breeding industry generates a complex environment where several microbial interactions occur and which constitutes a challenge for biosafety. Ad libitum feeding strategies and low levels of management contribute to residual and wasted feed for lactating sows, which provides a source of nutrients and microbial source for houseflies in warm climates. Due to the absence of the all-in/all-out system, the coexistence of sows of two production stages including gestating and lactating sows in the farrowing barn may have potential negative impacts. In this research, we evaluated the effects of lactating sow leftover on the environmental microbiota of the farrowing barn and the contribution of microbial environments to the gestating sow fecal bacterial structure with a 30-day-long treatment of timely removing lactating residual feed.ResultsHouseflies in the farrowing barn mediate the transmission of microorganisms from lactating sow leftover to multiple regions. Leuconostoc, Weissella, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus from the leftover which can produce exopolysaccharides, are more capable of environmental transmission than pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and utilize houseflies to achieve spread in environmental regions of the farrowing barn. Leftover removal treatment blocked the microbial transmission chain mediated by houseflies, downregulated the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus among houseflies, environmental regions and fecal bacteria of gestating sows in the farrowing barn and effectively attenuate the increment of Weissella and RF39 relative abundance in gestating sow feces due to the presence of lactating sows.ConclusionsLactating sow leftover is a non-negligible microbial contributor of environment in farrowing barn whose transmission is mediated by houseflies. A 30-day-long treatment of removing lactating sow residual feed cause significant changes in the microbial structure of multiple environmental regions within the farrowing barn via altering the microbiota carried by houseflies. Meanwhile, lactating sow leftover affect the fecal microbial structure of gestating sows in the same farrowing barn, while removal of lactating sow leftover alleviates the contribution of microbial transmission.

Effect of Carrier Materials for Active Silver in Antibacterial Powder Coatings

Environmentally friendly powder coatings which have the advantages of being VOC-free, low-cost, and high-efficiency with a high recovery rate have been attracting increasing research attention. The introduction of antibacterial agents into the powder coatings endows them with a capacity to kill bacteria and viruses on the surface of objects; additionally, this enables them to inhibit the indirect transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Silver, possessing broad-spectrum, strong, and stable antibacterial properties, is considered to be a promising antibacterial material for use in coating applications. Carrier materials for active silver play an important role in its activity and stability. However, there is a lack of systematic studies on the effects of different types of carriers in such coating systems, especially in green powder coating systems. In this paper, we investigated two types of carriers for active silver agents: zeolite, i.e., Linde type A (LTA) zeolite and Y-type zeolite; clay-based materials, i.e., montmorillonite and vermiculite. All the agents showed high antibacterial activity, with antibacterial rates of over 99% as compared to commercial agents. Among the four agents, the Ag-LTA zeolite antimicrobial agent showed a reduction rate of over 99.99%; additionally, it maintained a reduction rate of 99% after seven washing cycles. Thus, this agent was demonstrated to have the highest effectiveness and high durability; these features can be attributed to the high silver content and small particle size. The LTA zeolite also provides a protective effect for silver ions, protecting them from reduction, due to the restriction of elemental silver formation within the confined interior space of the α-cage structure. The Y-type zeolite antimicrobial agent exhibited a slightly lower antimicrobial performance due to its higher silicon-to-aluminum ratio and its lower cation exchange capacity. Comparatively, antimicrobial agents utilizing clay-based carriers have lower cation exchange capacity, resulting in poorer antimicrobial effectiveness than zeolite carriers. In addition, silver loaded on clay-based materials is prone to detach from the carrier and undergo a reduction reaction, making the coating yellowish in color. This study first provides information on the roles of different types of carriers in powder coating systems; then, this information guides the selection of carriers for active silver for the development of efficient antimicrobial agents and coatings.

Microbiological risk assessment and resistome analysis from shotgun metagenomics of bovine colostrum microbiome

Colostrum is known for its nutraceutical qualities, probiotic attributes, and health benefits. The aim of this study was to profile colostrum microbiome from bovine in rural sites of a developing country. The focus was on microbiological safety assessments and antimicrobial resistance, taking into account the risks linked with the consumption of raw colostrum. Shotgun sequencing was employed to analyze microbiome in raw buffalo and cow colostrum. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed increased inter and intra-variability within colostrum samples' microbiome from both livestock species. The colostrum microbiome was mainly comprised of bacteria, with over 90% abundance, whereas fungi and viruses were found in minor abundance. Known probiotic species, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus paracasei, were found in the colostrum samples. A relatively higher number of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria were identified in colostrum from both animals, including clinically significant bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Binning retrieved 11 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), with three MAGs potentially representing novel species from the genera Psychrobacter and Pantoea. Notably, 175 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and variants were detected, with 55 of them common to both buffalo and cow colostrum metagenomes. These ARGs confer resistance against aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, sulfonamide, and peptide antibiotics. In conclusion, this study describes a thorough overview of microbial communities in buffalo and cow colostrum samples. It emphasizes the importance of hygienic processing and pasteurization in minimizing the potential transmission of harmful microorganisms linked to the consumption of colostrum.

Porcine endogenous retroviruses in xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues or organs is under development to alleviate the shortage of human donor organs. Meanwhile remarkably long survival times of pig organs in non-human primates were reported as well as the functionality of pig kidneys and hearts in brain-dead humans. Most importantly, two transplantations of pig hearts in patients were performed with survival times of the patients of 8 and 6 weeks. Xenotransplantation may be associated with the transmission of porcine microorganisms including viruses to the recipient. Porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are integrated in the genome of all pigs and cannot be eliminated like other viruses can. PERVs are able to infect certain human cells and pose therefore a risk for xenotransplantation. It is well known that retroviruses are able to induce tumors and immunodeficiencies. However, until now, PERV was not transmitted in all infection experiments using small animals and non-human primates, in all preclinical xenotransplantation trials in non-human primates and in all clinical trials in humans. In addition, several strategies including antiretrovirals, PERV-specific siRNA, vaccines and genome editing using CRISPR/Cas have been developed to prevent PERV transmission.

Bioaerosol size as a potential determinant of airborne E. coli viability under ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and ozone disinfection

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and ozone disinfection are crucial methods for mitigating the airborne transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in high-risk settings, particularly with the emergence of respiratory viral pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and avian influenza viruses. This study quantitatively investigates the influence of UVGI and ozone on the viability of E. coli in bioaerosols, with a particular focus on how E. coli viability depends on the size of the bioaerosols, a critical factor that determines deposition patterns within the human respiratory system and the evolution of bioaerosols in indoor environments. This study used a controlled small-scale laboratory chamber where E. coli suspensions were aerosolized and subjected to varying levels of UVGI and ozone levels throughout the exposure time (2–6 s). The normalized viability of E. coli was found to be significantly reduced by UVGI (60–240 μW s cm−2) as the exposure time increased from 2 to 6 s, and the most substantial reduction of E. coli normalized viability was observed when UVGI and ozone (65–131 ppb) were used in combination. We also found that UVGI reduced the normalized viability of E. coli in bioaerosols more significantly with smaller sizes (0.25–0.5 μm) than with larger sizes (0.5–2.5 μm). However, when combining UVGI and ozone, the normalized viability was higher for smaller particle sizes than for the larger ones. The findings provide insights into the development of effective UVGI disinfection engineering methods to control the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in high-risk environments. By understanding the influence of the viability of microorganisms in various bioaerosol sizes, we can optimize UVGI and ozone techniques to reduce the potential risk of airborne transmission of pathogens.

Characteristics of Airborne Particles and Bacteria in Hospital Indoor and Outdoor Air

Introduction: Given that hospital air is one of the important environmental sources for transmission of microorganisms, the importance of airborne transmission in the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) has gained attention in the past two decades. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the concentration of bacteria in association with airborne particulate matter (PM) in the outdoor and indoor air of two hospital wards.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The GRIMM 1.109 dust monitor and the Andersen one-stage viable impactor were used for particle counting and bioaerosol sampling, respectively.&#x0D; Results: The average levels of airborne bacteria sampled from outdoor air were 33 colony-forming units (CFU/m3), and in the air samples of medical and infectious disease wards, they were 76 and 85 CFU/m3, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. and Acinetobacter spp. were the most prevalent bacteria in the samples. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between PM2.5, and PM10 particle mass concentrations and airborne bacteria concentrations in indoor air samples (P-value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Some bacterial agents of HAIs existed in hospital air and may be problematic for immunocompromised patients. Higher levels of bacteria in indoor air compared to outdoor air may indicate that the bacteria were of indoor origin, such as the presence and activities of people. Moreover, the results showed that particle counting may be a useful tool for airborne bacteria monitoring.

Diversity of Culture Microorganisms from Portuguese Sweet Cherries.

Consumers today seek safe functional foods with proven health-promoting properties. Current evidence shows that a healthy diet can effectively alleviate oxidative stress levels and reduce inflammatory markers, thereby preventing the occurrence of many types of cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular and neurological pathologies. Nevertheless, as fruits and vegetables are mainly consumed fresh, they can serve as vectors for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms associated with various disease outbreaks. As a result, there has been a surge in interest in the microbiome of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, given the growing interest in sweet cherries, and since their microbial communities have been largely ignored, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate their culturome at various maturity stages for the first time. A total of 55 microorganisms were isolated from sweet cherry fruit, comprising 23 bacteria and 32 fungi species. Subsequently, the selected isolates were molecularly identified by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene and ITS region. Furthermore, it was observed that the communities became more diverse as the fruit matured. The most abundant taxa included Pseudomonas and Ralstonia among the bacteria, and Metschnikowia, Aureobasidium, and Hanseniaspora among the fungi.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of UV-C Radiation in Eliminating Microorganisms of Special Epidemiological Importance from Touch Surfaces under Laboratory Conditions and in the Hospital Environment

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections in the post-pandemic era are as important as they were before COVID-19. The dominant route of transmission of microorganisms in health care units is the contact route, for which hand hygiene is of cardinal importance, but also effective disinfection of touch surfaces. Traditional disinfection based on chemical compounds is sensitive to human errors. Therefore, a valuable supplement to it can be contactless disinfection methods, including the use of UV-C. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of UV-C radiation in eliminating selected, most important pathogens of particular epidemic importance from surfaces made of various materials: stainless steel, plastic and glass, most often found in hospital conditions. Material and Method: In laboratory conditions, the study was conducted using bacterial strains of great epidemiological importance and Candida auris. In hospital wards, samples were taken before and after disinfection for comparisons of the composition and quantity of bacteria. In laboratory conditions, carriers made of steel, plastic and glass were contaminated with a bacterial suspension with a density of approx. 0.5 McFarland, and then the density of persistent microorganisms was assessed after 10 min of UV-C irradiation. Results: The high effectiveness of UV-C radiation in eliminating bacteria contaminating touch surfaces in hospital wards and in laboratory conditions has been confirmed. The elimination efficiency in laboratory conditions was slightly lower (statistically insignificant) on the plastic surface, which is probably related to subtle differences in the thickness of the contaminating layer. Hydrophobic properties and the smallest suspension diameter were confirmed for the tested plastic carriers. Conclusions: UV-C disinfection is a desirable element to support traditional, chemical methods of disinfection in hospital conditions, effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria and C. auris.

Dermatomycosis in cats (prevalence, diagnosis, course, treatment)

The article analyzes the literature on the distribution and diagnosis of cat dermatomycosis. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum occupy a special place among the most common pathogens that provoke the development of dermatitis among small animals. Mycoses of small animals caused by dermatophytes are zoonoses, in which the potential for transmission of microorganisms from animals to humans and vice versa is high. Regarding the pathogenesis of fungal diseases in cats, it is believed that the infectious agent is arthrospores formed by fragmented hyphae. This pathology's mechanism of development is associated with spores' penetration into hair follicles. Mushroom components mainly cause hypersensitivity reactions with the development of a humoral and cell-mediated immune response. Issues of early diagnosis are also covered, which allows timely detection of sick animals and effective treatment. Diagnosis of fungal lesions is usually complex. In the practice of veterinary medicine, new methods of diagnosing dermatophytoses are increasingly used, particularly in detecting pathogenic fungi in dogs and cats using a PCR test. When examining cats suspected of having dermatomycosis, anamnestic data are taken into account (type of animal, sex, age, breed, housing and feeding conditions, general condition, behavioral reactions, presence of appetite, appearance), as well as clinical manifestations of skin lesions, namely the location of the pathological process, nature and its manifestations. Clinical signs of the disease in cat dermatomycosis are very diverse and are determined by the specific properties of the pathogens. Antifungal drugs of systemic and local action and immunomodulators play an essential role in the system of treatment and prevention measures.