Transmission Of Pathogenic Microorganisms Research Articles

Enhanced antimicrobial activity of Cu-decorated graphene nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes

New materials with antimicrobial properties are necessary to combat the proliferation and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. In this work, graphene nanoplatelets (GPN) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) decorated with Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were synthetized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, varying the Cu content from 1 to 10 wt.%. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated. The sample with 10 wt.% Cu at CNTs is more effective compared to GPNs. Then, brass coatings with pure and Cu-decorated (10 wt.%) CNTs and GPNs were prepared by spin coating to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of these surfaces. It was observed that coatings with the carbon matrices reduced microbial growth by 2 logs, whereas decoration with Cu NPs amplified this value, especially for the Cu/CNT coating, achieving up to a 6-log reduction after 24 h of contact. The stability of the antimicrobial activity of these coatings was evaluated over 5 successive 24-h cycles, demonstrating high stability. DFT calculations on a simplified model, based on a Cu atom adsorbed on GPN and CNT, reveal a thermodynamically favorable pathway to explain the antibacterial activity. The results show a mechanism that could promote the formation of the precursors of hydroxyl (⦁OH), superoxide (⦁O2−), and hydroperoxyl (⦁OOH) radicals, which are adsorbed strongly on GPN and CNT surfaces. This study highlighted the critical role of Cu NPs-loaded on carbon materials, GPN and CNT, in enhancing the antibacterial activity.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Fabrication of Natural Lining Leather Using Bio-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles from Piper Betle L. Leaf Extract.

Leather is often used to make comfortable shoes due to its soft and breathable nature. However, its innate ability to retain moisture, oxygen and nutrients renders it a suitable medium for the adsorption, growth, and survival of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Consequently, the intimate contact between the foot skin and the leather lining surface in shoes, which are subject to prolonged periods of sweating, may result in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and cause discomfort for the wearer. To address such issues, we modified pig leather with silver nanoparticles (AgPBL) that were bio-synthesized from Piper betle L. leaf extract as an antimicrobial agent via the padding method. The evidence of AgPBL embedded into the leather matrix, leather surface morphology and element profile of AgPBL-modified leather samples (pLeAg) was investigated using colorimetry, SEM, EDX, AAS and FTIR analyses. The colorimetric data confirmed that the pLeAg samples changed to a more brown color with higher wet pickup and AgPBL concentration, owing to the higher quantity of AgPBL uptake onto the leather surfaces. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the pLeAg samples were both qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using AATCC TM90, AATCC TM30 and ISO 16187:2013 test methods, approving a good synergistic antimicrobial efficiency of the modified leather against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a yeast Candida albicans and a mold Aspergillus niger. Additionally, the antimicrobial treatments of pig leather did not negatively impact its physico-mechanical properties, including tear strength, abrasion resistance, flex resistance, water vapour permeability and absorption, water absorption and desorption. These findings affirmed that the AgPBL-modified leather met all the requirements of upper lining according to the standard ISO 20882:2007 for making hygienic shoes.

A review of food additives to control the proliferation and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms with emphasis on applications to raw meat-based diets for companion animals.

Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) or sometimes described as biologically appropriate raw food (BARFs) are gaining in popularity amongst dog and cat owners. These pet guardians prefer their animals to eat minimally processed and more "natural" foods instead of highly heat-processed diets manufactured with synthetic preservatives. The market for RMBDs for dogs and cats is estimated at $33 million in the United States. This figure is likely underestimated because some pet owners feed their animals raw diets prepared at home. Despite their increasing demand, RMBDs have been plagued with numerous recalls because of contamination from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter. Existing literature regarding mitigation strategies in RMBD's for dogs/cats are very limited. Thus, a comprehensive search for published research was conducted regarding technologies used in meat and poultry processing and raw materials tangential to this trade (e.g., meats and poultry). In this review paper, we explored multiple non-thermal processes and GRAS approved food additives that can be used as potential antimicrobials alone or in combinations to assert multiple stressors that impede microbial growth, ultimately leading to pathogen inactivation through hurdle technology. This review focuses on use of high-pressure pasteurization, organic acidulants, essential oils, and bacteriophages as possible approaches to commercially pasteurize RMBDs effectively at a relatively low cost. A summary of the different ways these technologies have been used in the past to control foodborne pathogens in meat and poultry related products and how they can be applied successfully to impede growth of enteric pathogens in commercially produced raw diets for companion animals is provided.

Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated from Wild Birds, Chicken, and the Environment in Malaysia.

Transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in the last decades has been considered a significant health hazard and pathogenic E. coli, particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, have long been identified as a zoonotic problem. This study aimed to investigate multidrug resistant pathogenic E. coli isolates from wild birds, chickens, and environment in selected Orang Asli and Malay villages in Peninsular Malaysia. The bacteriological culture-based technique, disc diffusion method, and multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (mPCR) assay was used to determine the occurrence of pathogenic E. coli strains in the several samples in the study. E. coli isolates showed a variety of multi-drug resistant (MDR) antibiotypes and Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) were the most predominantly identified pathogenic E. coli strains. The findings of this study demonstrated the significance of animal reservoirs and the environment as sources of pathogenic E. coli, resistant bacteria, and resistance genes. Hence, there is a need for adoption of a practical surveillance approach on MDR pathogens to control foodborne contamination.

Indoor air CO2 concentrations and ventilation rates in two residences in İzmir, Turkey

Houses are the places where people spend most of their time. That is why indoor air quality at home is essential for public health. Sufficient ventilation is the factor to avoid accumulation of pollutants in indoor air, which include microorganisms, such as SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, adequate ventilation is needed to provide good indoor air quality for human health and reduce infection risk at home. There are no reports of residential ventilation rates in Turkey. In this study, CO2 concentrations were measured in two residences in Izmir, Turkey. Three experiments were conducted to determine background concentrations and the rate of natural ventilation with infiltration and opening windows. Results show that air exchange provided by infiltration is low for both case rooms, while adequate ventilation could be achieved with natural ventilation under the studied conditions. Infiltration provided air exchange and ventilation rates of 0.18 h-1 and 5.9 m3/h for Case 1 and 0.29 h-1 and 8.23 m3/h for Case 2, respectively. Air exchange and ventilation rates were increased to 2.36 h-1 and 76.9 m3/h for Case 1 and 1.2 h-1 and 34 m3/h for Case 2, respectively, by opening the windows. Although ventilation can be provided by opening the windows, the other factors that determine its rate, e.g., meteorological variables, cannot be controlled by the occupants. Consequently, people cannot ensure the good indoor air quality in bedrooms and sufficient reduction in transmission of pathogenic microorganisms; therefore, risk of spreading diseases such as COVID-19 at home.

Motorcycle Helmets as Potential Fomites in Transmission of Pathogenic Micro-organisms and Antibacterial Activity of Helmet Disinfectant Spray

Motorcycle Helmets as Potential Fomites in Transmission of Pathogenic Micro-organisms and Antibacterial Activity of Helmet Disinfectant Spray

Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of PPV23 vaccination for the Malaysian Hajj pilgrims.

The potential occurrence of disease outbreaks during the hajj season is of great concern due to extreme congestion in a confined space. This promotes the acquisition, spread and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and pneumococcal disease are one of the most frequent infections among Hajj pilgrims. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of introducing the PPV23 to Malaysian Hajj pilgrims. A decision tree framework with a 1-year cycle length was adapted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a PPV23 vaccination program with no vaccination. The cost information was retrieved from the Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia (LTH) database. Vaccine effectiveness was based on the locally published data and the disease incidence specifically related to Streptococcus pneumoniae was based on a literature search. Analyses were conducted from the perspective of the provider: Ministry of Health and LTH Malaysia. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), cases averted, and net cost savings were estimated. Findings from this study showed that PPV23 vaccination for Malaysian Hajj pilgrims was cost-effective. The PPV23 vaccination programme has an ICER of MYR -449.3 (US$-110.95) per case averted. Based on the national threshold value of US$6,200-US$8,900 per capita, the base-case result shows that introduction of the PPV23 vaccine for Malaysian Hajj pilgrims is very cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis revealed parameters related to annual incidence and hospitalised cost of septicemia and disease without vaccination as the key drivers of the model outputs. Compared with no vaccination, the inclusion of PPV23 vaccination for Malaysian Hajj pilgrims was projected to result in a net cost saving of MYR59.6 million and 109,996 cases averted over 5 years period. The PPV23 vaccination program could substantially offer additional benefits in reducing the pneumococcal disease burden and healthcare cost. This could be of help for policymakers to consider the implementation of PPV23 vaccination for Malaysian performing hajj.

Comparative analysis of existing platforms for the development of vaccines against dangerous and extremely dangerous viral infections with pandemic potential

The main triggers of new infectious diseases, including those with pandemic potential, are: spontaneous emergence of infectious strains which are more virulent for humans and contribute to transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, environmental changes, social and economic factors, increased contact rates between different regions. A successful pandemic response requires mass immunisation against a specific disease, aimed at the development of herd immunity which is based on the concept of indirect protection of the whole of the population by immunising a part of it. A well-grounded choice of the vaccine platform is central to dealing with this problem. The aim of the study was to compare characteristics of vaccine platforms (attenuated, inactivated, subunit, recombinant vector, DNA, and RNA vaccines) intended for mass immunisation against dangerous and extremely dangerous viral infections with pandemic potential. The study focused on the members of Poxviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Coronaviridae families as potential pathogens. The vaccine platforms were compared in terms of the following parameters: capability of producing a robust immune response; protective efficacy; time required for vaccine development and testing; ability to produce vaccine in volumes required for mass immunisation; potential obstacles associated with the intended use of the vaccine. It is expected that in the next few decades DNA and RNA vaccine platforms will be most widely used for development of products against dangerous and extremely dangerous viral infections with pandemic potential, regardless of taxonomic groups of pathogens.

Microbiological water quality monitoring of four ponds from Lagoa do Sino Farm located in São Paulo State, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water of four ponds used for irrigation on the Lagoa do Sino Farm, as well as to perform the genotypic characterization of virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolates. Sampling was conducted for 11 months, between 2015 and 2016. Samples were analyzed for the presence of thermotolerant coliforms, E. coli and heterotrophs. DNA was extracted from E. coli isolates, followed by genotypic characterization by polymerase chain reaction. Agricultural activities and pesticides used in the sampling period were documented in order to assess possible relationships between agricultural activities and microbiological water quality. The absence of suitable riparian vegetation around all the ponds was observed, benefiting the entry of organic matter and contaminants in the water body. A high index of thermotolerant coliforms in some months indicated the possibility of the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in these ponds. The values found in some months were above the regulatory limits for water potability and water intended for irrigation. The agrochemicals used in the period seem to influence the results obtained. All 17 E. coli isolates showed at least one of the virulence genes estA, stx1, stx2, and aatA, indicating enterotoxigenic, enterohaemorrhagic or enteroaggregative nature. The presence of E. coli in the waters may be associated with the presence of animals. The water samples analyzed are not suitable for irrigation of vegetables that are consumed raw and/or low lying fruits ingested without skin removal. It is essential to broaden the control of the use of chemicals, as well as the preservation of riparian vegetation to improve the quality of water used in the farm's agricultural activities.

Virulence Genes and Resistance Profile of Escherichia coli Isolated in Meat Meal Samples

Background: Feed is the main route of transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and is responsible for a large part of the cost of poultry production, so the inclusion of alternative foods in diets for monogastrics has been a constant. Among alternative foods most used in modern poultry farming are animal meal, however, when contaminated they constitute a route of transmission of several pathogenic agents, including Escherichia coli. In addition, there is a zoonotic potential, as poultry products are intended for human consumption. The objective of this research was to detect virulence genes, as well as to evaluate the resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolates from meat meal samples. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 40 Escherichia coli isolates were analyzed and the virulence genes surveyed iss, ompT, hlyF, iutA, and fimA identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The antimicrobial agents tested were: amoxycillin (30 μg), ceftiofur (30 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), doxycycline (30 μg), florfenicol (30 μg), fosfomycin (200 μg), gentamicin (10 μg), norfloxacin (10 μg) and oxacillin (1 μg). It was possible to observe the occurrence of the iss resistance gene in 100% of Escherichia coli isolates, followed by hlyF (85%), fimA (75%), ompT (17.5%) and iutA (5%). Regarding the simultaneous detection for the genes, a greater association between the genes iss, hlyF and fimA (60%) was verified. All isolates showed resistance to oxacillin (100%), followed by doxycycline (25%), amoxicillin (22.5%), norfloxacin (17.5%), ceftiofur (15%), florfenicol (12.5%), fosfomycin (12.5%), ciprofloxacin (10%) and gentamycin (2.5%). In this study, a variation of the multiple antimicrobial resistance index (IRMA) was observed between 0.22 and 0.77. Discussion: The indiscriminate use of of antimicrobials as performance enhancers in production animals, may have contributed to the increase in antimicrobial resistance, with the occurrence of multiresistant Escherichia coli carrying virulence genes. Virulence genes present in Escherichia coli isolates are studied to understand the degree of influence they exert in the establishment of the disease, one of the most researched genes is the iss gene, involved in the processes that promote serum resistance. In this study, iss (100%) was present in all the isolates analyzed, although it is not the only mechanism used by these bacteria to reach internal organs and trigger an infection, this gene encodes an important mechanism associated with high levels of virulence. The second highest prevalence found was of the hlyF gene (85%), the high prevalence of hlyF suggests virulence potential, involved with the production of hemolysin and improvement of outer membrane vesicles associated with the release of toxins. The fimA gene (75%) was detected in a slightly lower percentage when compared to iss and hlyF. With the second lowest prevalence, the ompT gene (17.5%), is involved in a process that includes the proteolytic degradation of antimicrobial peptides and with the lowest prevalence the iutA gene (5%). Certain combinations of virulence genes make the strains easier to survive, adhere to, colonize and even the ability to develop septicemic conditions. Multiresistant E. coli strains, is a fact of concern for both animal and human health, since the presence of multiresistant strains, originating from poultry, can be transmitted from chicken carcasses. In this sense, the importance of sanitary control of the inputs used in animal feed is emphasized, as well as the prudent use of antimicrobials in animal production, with a view to producing a safe food, minimizing not only the economic losses, but also the risks to human health. Keywords: antimicrobial, bacterial resistance, colibacillosis, poultry.

New Contact Sensorization Smart System for IoT e-Health Applications Based on IBC IEEE 802.15.6 Communications.

This paper proposes and demonstrates the capabilities of a new sensorization system that monitors skin contact between two persons. Based on the intrabody communication standard (802.15.6), the new system allows for interbody communication, through the transmission of messages between different persons through the skin when they are touching. The system not only detects if there has been contact between two persons but, as a novelty, is also able to identify the elements that have been in contact. This sensor will be applied to analyze and monitor good follow-up of hand hygiene practice in health care, following the “World Health Organization Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care”. This guide proposes specific recommendations to improve hygiene practices and reduce the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms between patients and health-care workers (HCW). The transmission of nosocomial infections due to improper hand hygiene could be reduced with the aid of a monitoring system that would prevent HCWs from violating the protocol. The cutting-edge sensor proposed in this paper is a crucial innovation for the development of this automated hand hygiene monitoring system (AHHMS).

Microbiome and Antimicrobial Resistance in Members of the Enterobacteriaceae Family from Vaginal and Preputial Mucous Isolates of Stray Dogs

Background: Contact between humans and pets, mainly dogs and cats, has been increasing in recent years, which may result in the spread of infectious agents to new hosts and even to the environment, causing emergencies of national and international interest. The aim of this work was to understand the phenotypic profile of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family of vaginal and preputial mucous of stray dogs from a border region.Materials, Methods & Results: Swab samples from the vaginal and preputial mucosa of stray dogs from two border regions were collected for later bacterial isolation, biochemical identification of bacterial isolates, susceptibility tests to different antimicrobials, and determination of the bacterial resistance index. Samples were collected from 70 animals, was possible to isolate 88 samples, of which 36 (40.9%) presented isolates of Gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli being the most prevalent species (44.8%), followed by Obesumbacterium proteus in eight (27.5%); Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae in two (6.8%); and Erwinia herbicola, Koserella trabulsii, Proteus mirabilis, and Serratia rubidaea (3.4%) from one isolate. The most resistant antimicrobials Clindamycin (100%), Metronidazole (100%), Oxacillin (100%), and Penicillin (100%) were tested against the vaginal and preputial samples and when the multidrug resistance index of the isolates was analyzed, all were classified as presenting a public health risk.Discussion: The results of this work suggest that stray dogs may be considered potential reservoirs of resistant pathogenic microorganisms, enabling future health problems due to the close coexistence of tutors with their dogs. It is known that the microorganisms that inhabit a certain environment or a specific part of the body are collectively called microbiomes. More specifically, some of them are bacteria that inhabit the reproductive mucous membranes (vaginal and preputial) of healthy dogs. Several works have also identified E. coli as the most prevalent bacteria identified in the vaginal and preputial mucosa of healthy dogs, that is regarded as a member of different microbiomes that is a commensal of different species of domestic animals, it is important to stress that this bacterial species presents sophisticated virulence mechanisms possibly responsible for different nosocomial infections as well as community infections in mankind and different species of animals. Found other bacterial species suggests a connection of these bacterial species with different environments and different animal species, which is even more disturbing regarding public health, since most of the time dogs share the same spaces of their tutors, which would facilitate the transmission and interaction with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. The MAR index result is worrying when dealing with stray and asymptomatic dogs, since the behavioral particularities of canine species such as licking the body, licking the genitalia, sniffing the environment for territorial demarcation and, in some cases, coprophagy, may facilitate the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms and even disseminate genes of resistance to their keepers, other animals, and even to the environment. Unique health education works should be conducted in border regions in order to raise awareness of the population involved about the different situations that may favor the dissemination of microorganisms and their resistance genes, including the problems caused by the illegal sale and/or transportation of drugs, a situation that is very common in borders.

O uso de jalecos e biossegurança

O uso de jalecos brancos tem por finalidade a proteção dos profissionais durante a realização de procedimentos a pacientes, que envolvam material biológico. No entanto, ainda não foi comprovado seu potencial para a ocorrência de infecções cruzadas por equipes multidisciplinares em saúde, uma vez que estes microrganismos necessitam de um ambiente úmido para sua sobrevivência. Desse modo, foi realizada uma revisão sobre artigos que tratam do uso de jalecos como meio de transmissão de microrganismos patogênicos. A pesquisa foi realizada no banco de dados indexados do PubMed®, SciELO e Google Scholar, e utilizou como estratégia de busca os termos MeSH (Medical Subject Headings): (("coats") AND ("cross infection")) OR "pathogenic microorganisms". Foram incluídos artigos de texto completo publicados nos últimos 30 anos (entre janeiro de 1990 a dezembro de 2019). As diretrizes PRISMA foram seguidas. A busca resultou em 167 artigos, dos quais 145 foram excluídos por não terem pertinência com o tema, restando 22 artigos. O estudo reitera a necessidade de campanhas de conscientização dos profissionais e da população, a respeito da restrição do uso de jalecos em áreas externas, assim como a rigorosa e frequente desinfecção dos mesmos.

Exogenous and endogenous microbiomes of wild-caught Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) flies from a suburban farm by 16S rRNA gene sequencing

The black blow fly, Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is one of the most abundant carrion flies in North America. Calliphorids are important in agriculture and animal production, veterinary sciences, forensics and medical entomology. While the role of flies in the epidemiology of human and animal diseases is an active area of research, little is known about the microorganisms associated with these insects. We examined the diversity of wild-caught black blow fly endogenous (internal body) and exogenous (external body) microbial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Overall, 27 phyla, 171 families and 533 genera were detected, and diversity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on external body surfaces. At the genus level, Dysgonomonas, Ignatzschineria, Acinetobacter, Vagococcus, Myroides, and Wohlfahrtiimonas were predominant. Cloning and sequencing of nearly full-length fragments of the 16S rRNA gene showed that some of the species identified are known to be pathogenic to humans, animals, and plants. Myroides odoratimimus and Acinetobacter radioresistens are well-known, multi-drug resistant bacteria. These results provide a snapshot of the microbial communities harbored by adult black blow flies and call for more comprehensive studies to better characterize the role these flies may play in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms.

Alışveriş Arabalarının Mikrobiyolojik Durumunun İncelenmesi

Kontamine olmuş yüzeylerden ellere bulaşan patojen mikroorganizmalar çeşitli hastalıklara neden olabilmektedir. İzmir ilinde yapılan bu çalışmada, alışveriş arabalarının mikrobiyolojik durumu araştırılmıştır. Alışveriş arabalarında örnek alınacak yerin belirlenmesi ve kullanıcıların hijyen konusunda görüşlerinin alınması amacıyla anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Şubat-Nisan ayları arasında 20 farklı markette bulunan alışveriş arabalarından toplam 100 örnek alınarak, örneklerde toplam canlı sayımı ve Escherichia coli analizleri yapılmıştır. Alışveriş arabalarının itme kollarındaki toplam canlı sayısı 0,82 – 4,88 log KOB/10 cm2 aralığında bulunmuştur. Koliform ve E.coli varlığına rastlanmamıştır. Market arabalarının mikrobiyal yüklerinin farklı olduğu tespit edilmiş olup, market ortamı ve kullanıcılar bu profillerin oluşmasında etkili olmaktadır. Alışveriş arabalarının hijyenik durumunu geliştirecek temizlik ve dezenfeksiyon işlemlerinin uygulanması gerektiği ve market arabalarında yüksek sayılarda bulunan mikroorganizmaların halk sağlığı açısından risk teşkil edebileceği saptanmıştır.

Electrochemical/granular Activated Carbon Hybrid System for Drinking Water Disinfection at Flow Conditions

The electrochemical disinfection has gained much attention due to its simplicity, environmental sustainability and effective in-situ free chlorine generation. Since chloride present at low concentration in tap water, it has become possible to use electrolyzed tap water for disinfection. In the developing countries, the disinfection of tap water is a necessity to reduce the risks of the growth and transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in drinking water distribution systems. In this study, the electrochemical disinfection device EDI-001 equipped with titanium oxide (TiO2-x) ceramic electrodes combined with granular activated carbon (GAC) columns was examined for disinfection of drinking water at flow conditions. The GAC columns were used for removing the chlorine residuals from tap water to reach health authority standards. The results have shown that common microorganisms from tap water was completely disinfected within 15 minutes and total chlorine concentration level was decreased over 50% by using electrochemical/granular activated carbon hybrid system.

Bioaerosol concentrations generated from toilet flushing in a hospital-based patient care setting

BackgroundIn the United States, 1.7 million immunocompromised patients contract a healthcare-associated infection, annually. These infections increase morbidity, mortality and costs of care. A relatively unexplored route of transmission is the generation of bioaerosols during patient care. Transmission of pathogenic microorganisms may result from inhalation or surface contamination of bioaerosols. The toilet flushing of patient fecal waste may be a source of bioaerosols. To date, no study has investigated bioaerosol concentrations from flushing fecal wastes during patient care.MethodsParticle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured in hospital bathrooms across three sampling conditions; no waste no flush, no waste with flush, and fecal waste with flush. Particle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured with a particle counter bioaerosol sampler both before after a toilet flushing event at distances of 0.15, 0.5, and 1 m from the toilet for 5, 10, 15 min.ResultsParticle concentrations measured before and after the flush were found to be significantly different (0.3–10 μm). Bioaerosol concentrations when flushing fecal waste were found to be significantly greater than background concentrations (p-value = 0.005). However, the bioaerosol concentrations were not different across time (p-value = 0.977) or distance (p-value = 0.911) from the toilet, suggesting that aerosols generated may remain for longer than 30 min post flush. Toilets produce aerosol particles when flushed, with the majority of the particles being 0.3 μm in diameter. The particles aerosolized include microorganisms remaining from previous use or from fecal wastes. Differences in bioaerosol concentrations across conditions also suggest that toilet flushing is a source of bioaerosols that may result in transmission of pathogenic microorganisms.ConclusionsThis study is the first to quantify particles and bioaerosols produced from flushing a hospital toilet during routine patient care. Future studies are needed targeting pathogens associated with gastrointestinal illness and evaluating aerosol exposure reduction interventions.

Development of medical cotton fabrics with Punica granatum L extract finishing for nosocomial infections control

ABSTRACTTransmission of pathogenic microorganisms on textile in the hospital settings may contribute to nosocomial infection. This study was aimed to develop a natural antimicrobial finishing on textile that can prevent transmission of pathogenic microorganisms that meets American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard. Punica granatum L ethanolic extract was shown to have broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy with bis(6-methylheptyl)-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and ethyl-pentadecanoate as the main bioactive constituents. Textile samples developed with the extract finishing exhibited excellent antimicrobial efficacy with a growth reduction of 99.9% on Hoheinstein Challenge Test. The wash durability of the finished textile was found good even after 30 washes with commercial detergent.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Personnel Regarding the Transmission of Pathogens via Fomites at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Background. Fomites are objects that can become colonized and serve as vectors in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Literature examining the knowledge of healthcare personnel about this method of spread of infection is lacking. We conducted a study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare personnel across different areas of patient care regarding the spread of infections at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare personnel using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained sections pertaining to demographic details and knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding fomites and their role in the transmission of pathogens.Results. Three hundred and fifty-three participants completed the questionnaire: 168 were male and 185 were female. Laboratory coats, stethoscopes, and bedside curtains were most frequently identified as fomites by the participants. Medical students had significantly lower mean scores in the knowledge and attitude sections than consultant physicians, resident physicians, and nurses. Nurses scored higher than consultant physicians, resident physicians, and medical students regarding practices that minimize fomite-borne spread of infections. 95% of the participants scored above 50% on the knowledge component of the questionnaire, but only 32.3% scored above 50% in the practices section.Conclusions. Our results show a large gap between the knowledge about fomites acting as vectors in the spread of pathogens and practices done to minimize this spread. Possessing adequate knowledge is ineffectual until and unless it is translated into the proper application of infection control practices. Incorporating awareness sessions and exercises into curricula are a reasonable way to raise awareness regarding this subject.

MICROORGANISMS FROM HANDS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL DOCTORS IN A CENTRAL HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT

Background: In a central hospital, the heavy clinical workload makes one to overlook its hazard to health and can to a large extent promote the&#x0D; transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. It is not uncommon however, to observe practices that deviate from normal standards of hygiene.&#x0D; Hand contact between doctors of TCM and patients may lead to nosocomial infections.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Samples were sourced and collected from hands of TCM doctors in a central hospital. The fungal isolates were&#x0D; identified by colonial morphology and microscopic examination. Sensitivity test were performed on each of the identified isolates using the&#x0D; Multiple Disc Diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: A total of 265 samples were collected from the fingers, palm and back of hands of TCM doctors. Seven organisms were isolated, with S.&#x0D; aureus being the most common bacterium with frequency of 55.9% in the hospital environment. Other bacteria isolated included P. aeruginosa,&#x0D; E. coli and K. aerogenes. S. cerevisae was the most common fungus isolated with frequency of 61.8%. Fungi isolated included P. chrysogenum&#x0D; and A. niger.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study showed clearly that hand contact between TCM doctors and patients may lead to infection of exposed susceptible&#x0D; patients. Results of antibiotic susceptibility pattern show that isolates in this study are mostly resistant to augmentin and most antibiotics of old&#x0D; generation, while gentamycin and pefloxacin were highly active against most of isolates. Considering the possibility of transmission of&#x0D; contamination, special attention should be directed towards disinfection of TCM doctors’ hands.