Unpasteurized Products Research Articles

Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in raw milk of cattle in Karbala province

Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. It was widely distributed worldwide; the main reservoirs are sheep, goats, and cattle. This study has been conducting to detection C. burnetii in raw milk of cattle (50) milk samples were randomly collected from dairy cattle from different areas of major districts of Karbala Province in interval during the period from November 2023 to April 2024 under aseptic conditions, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that C. burnetii IS1111 gene abundance was 14% in seropositive animals. This study presents the initial molecular identification of C. burnetii in the province of Karbala, indicating its prevalence among cattle. Furthermore, individuals who consume Unpasteurized milk and/or products may have a heightened susceptibility to infection.

Rare Case of Chronic Coxiella Endocarditis Without Fever or Classic Risk Factors

Background: “Q-fever” is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii which is most commonly transmitted globally through unpasteurized animal products or aerosolized fluid. This zoonosis is not thought to be common in developed countries due to modern utilization of pasteurization but risk for transmission remains high in those with extended contact with livestock and cattle. Acute Q-fever presents with an illness characterized by high fevers, myalgias, and segmental pneumonia, but rarely it may progress to chronic Q-fever. Chronic Q-fever most often presents with a culture-negative endocarditis with or without renal impairment and can be fatal if left untreated. Case Report: In this case report, we present a 72-year-old male with a 3-month history of body pain, cough, and weight loss who was eventually discovered to have an afebrile presentation of Coxiella endocarditis. This patient was found to have a mitral valve vegetation diagnosed through transesophageal echocardiography and had positive serology for chronic Q-fever. Surprisingly, this patient had no classical exposures, no history of valvular dysfunction or prosthesis, and no clinical signs suggesting endocarditis, making his case markedly atypical. He was placed on a 12 -18-month course of antibiotics and was monitored on an outpatient basis. Conclusion: Although chronic Q-fever is rare its variable presentation may cause diagnostic error if it is not kept on the differential. A transesophageal echocardiogram should be strongly preferred due to its superior visualization of heart valves. Serology remains the gold standard for diagnosis of Coxiella. When dealing with culture-negative endocarditis, clinicians should retain a high index of suspicion of Coxiella and obtain serologies for diagnosis

Global concerns about camel flu: outbreak, etiology, genomic structure, transmission, symptoms, diagnostic tests, prevention, and treatment - correspondence.

Global concerns about camel flu: outbreak, etiology, genomic structure, transmission, symptoms, diagnostic tests, prevention, and treatment - correspondence.

Disease outbreaks linked to pasteurized and unpasteurized dairy products in Canada and the United States: a systematic review.

Pasteurization kills harmful microorganisms found in milk. While consumption of unpasteurized milk and its products is discouraged due to increased risk of infections, some individuals prefer unpasteurized dairy products. Our objective was to estimate the burden of illness from outbreaks arising from consumption of unpasteurized and pasteurized dairy products in Canada and the United States. We conducted a systematic review of dairy-associated outbreaks in Canada and the USA from 2007 onward. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, TRIP Database for guidelines, and North American government agency websites up to October 2020. We included outbreak reports where the pathogenic microbe was confirmed in both the patient and the dairy product through laboratory testing. Thirty-two disease outbreaks were linked to dairy consumption. Twenty outbreaks involving unpasteurized products resulted in 449 confirmed cases of illness, 124 hospitalizations, and five deaths. Twelve outbreaks involving pasteurized products resulted in 174 confirmed cases of illness, 134 hospitalizations, 17 deaths, and seven fetal losses. Listeria accounted for 10 out of 12 outbreaks from pasteurized products from 2007 through 2020. Public warnings about the risk of unpasteurized dairy consumption need to continue and pregnant women and immunocompromised hosts need to be made aware of foods at high risk of contamination with Listeria.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Ruminant Livestock Farmers Related to Zoonotic Diseases in Elassona Municipality, Greece.

Zoonotic diseases represent a significant health and economic burden in countries that rely on small ruminant milk production, such as Greece. Greece is endemic for many zoonotic diseases, some of which have occupational determinants. Our aim was to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices of livestock ruminant farmers concerning zoonoses. This study was performed as a cross-sectional study, using a questionnaire. We interviewed ruminant farmers (n = 204) from 33 settlements of an area with intense agrarian activity. Three index variables, namely knowledge score, attitude score, and practice score, were constructed. The relations between the explanatory variables and the three indexes were assessed based on linear regression analyses. Regarding practices, 23 (11.3%) consume unpasteurized milk or products from unpasteurized milk and no one takes precautionary measures when assisting animals in parturition or during handling birth material. Education level was positively associated with better knowledge and practices, while close veterinary supervision of the farm was associated with better practices regarding the zoonoses prevention. The results indicate the need for continuous awareness and education actions. Close contact with a veterinarian can be utilized as a key tool both with the current brucellosis vaccination program and in the design of awareness campaigns regarding zoonoses in collaboration with other public health personnel.

키토산에 의한 김치 백색집락 형성 효모 생육 억제

Kimchi is an unpasteurized product and thus yeasts could easily grow on it during transportation and storage. In particular, the growth of white colony-forming yeasts (WCFY) on Kimchi become a major concern at the export market due to a long transportation period. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of chitosan on the growth of WCFY in broth and Kimchi during storage. In this study, Kazachstania servazzii, Pichia kudriavzevii and Hanseniaspora uvarum isolated from Kimchi or red paper powder were used. Each yeast species was inoculated in YPD broth and on Kimchi containing 1.0% chitosan dissolved with lactic acid, and then its growth in broth and on kimchi was monitored at 25℃ for 48 h and 10℃ for 12 days, respectively. Results showed that the populations of K. servazzii and H. vuarum in YPD containing chitosan were reduced below the detection limit within 4 h, whereas it took 24 h for P. kudriavzevii. The growth of K. servazzii and H. uvarum on Kimchi containing chitosan was delayed and their populations were about 3.0∼4.0 logs lower than those on Kimchi without chitosan (control), while the difference in the populations of P. kudriavzevii was about 1.0 log between Kimchi containing chitosan and control on the day 3. However, on day 12, the population of P. kudriavzevii on Kimchi containing chitosan was similar to that grown on control and only 1.0 log difference for K. servazzii and H. uvarum was observed. These results indicate that the addition of chitosan could initially reduce the populations of the yeasts on Kimchi but prolonged storage could allow their regrowth. Thus, this study suggests that higher concentrations of chitosan or the addition of other antimicrobials are needed to effectively inhibit the growth of yeasts on Kimchi.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus.

The past two decades have witnessed the emergence of three zoonotic coronaviruses which have jumped species to cause lethal disease in humans: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. MERS-CoV emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and the origins of MERS-CoV are not fully understood. Genomic analysis indicates it originated in bats and transmitted to camels. Human-to-human transmission occurs in varying frequency, being highest in healthcare environment and to a lesser degree in the community and among family members. Several nosocomial outbreaks of human-to-human transmission have occurred, the largest in Riyadh and Jeddah in 2014 and South Korea in 2015. MERS-CoV remains a high-threat pathogen identified by World Health Organization as a priority pathogen because it causes severe disease that has a high mortality rate, epidemic potential, and no medical countermeasures. MERS-CoV has been identified in dromedaries in several countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. MERS-CoV-2 causes a wide range of clinical presentations, although the respiratory system is predominantly affected. There are no specific antiviral treatments, although recent trials indicate that combination antivirals may be useful in severely ill patients. Diagnosing MERS-CoV early and implementation infection control measures are critical to preventing hospital-associated outbreaks. Preventing MERS relies on avoiding unpasteurized or uncooked animal products, practicing safe hygiene habits in health care settings and around dromedaries, community education and awareness training for health workers, as well as implementing effective control measures. Effective vaccines for MERS-COV are urgently needed but still under development.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Brucellosis During 2014 - 2017 in Salmas, Iran

Background: Despite substantial efforts to control the disease, brucellosis remains one the most rampant zoonotic infections among agricultural and rural populations. It is still considered a major public health challenge in endemic areas, including Iran. Objectives: Regarding the high prevalence rate of brucellosis in northwest of Iran and the occupational nature of the disease, this study intends to describe the epidemiological pattern of brucellosis in Salmas, Iran, during 2014 - 2017. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the data collected using a checklist designed to investigate the personal health records of patients available at Urmia University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2017. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 19. Chi-square, t-test, and the Cochran-Armitage χ2 test for trend were performed. Results: Among 417 brucellosis cases, the total incidence rate was 52.73 cases/100,000 inhabitants over the four-year study. The prevalence rate of brucellosis was higher in men, and the male to female ratio was 1.38. The 31 - 45 years age group was the most infected. Summer season showed a higher prevalence. Brucellosis was more common among housewives-stockbreeders. Cheese was the most frequently consumed unpasteurized dairy product. The majority of patients were from rural regions. Conclusions: The study shows a significant increase in the prevalence of human brucellosis in Salmas, hence the disease has to be regarded as a public health priority. Educating farmers and inhabitants of endemic areas to take preventive measures can play a significant role in controlling brucellosis.

Milk from healthy or infected cattle as a source of multi-drug resistant, AmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Drinking raw unpasteurized milk or products made from raw milk is a recent trend observed among the people due to their belief in enhancing nutritional properties and better taste. It poses a great risk of microbial transmission along with antibiotic resistance gene pool (extended spectrum beta-lactamase or ampC) among the consumers. The study was conducted to detect the occurrence of AmpC producing E. coli in raw milk samples collected from healthy and mastitic cattle in West Bengal. In total, 450 cow milk samples were collected from all the six agro-climatic zones of West Bengal. The samples were collected from healthy as well as infected cattle suffering with clinical or sub-clinical mastitis, irrespective of age and breed. The collected milk samples were tested with MAST INDEX reagent for the detection of sub-clinical mastitis. E. coli isolates obtained from cattle milk samples (n=450) were subjected to cefoxitin-cloxacillin double disc synergy test and PCR based confirmation of blaAmpC, class I integron and CITM genes. All the ACBL producing E. coli isolates were subjected for their resistance to other antimicrobials. All the levofloxacin and Co-Trimoxazole resistant ACBL-producing isolates were studied for PMQR, sul1, sul2, sul3 genes. E. coli was isolated from 205 collected milk samples (205/450, 45.6%). The phenotypical test detected 231/383 isolates (60.3%) were AMPC producers which were also found to possess blaAmpC. Comparison of ACBL-producing E. coli occurrence in cattle with mastitis, sub-clinical mastitis and healthy cattle revealed significantly higher occurrence rate in infected cattle than the healthy ones (p<0.05). Phenotypical antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates showed resistance against penicillin-G (100%), cefoxitin (100%), ampicillin (42%), co-trimoxazole (13.5%) and levofloxacin (5.2%). Out of 30 co-trimoxazole resistant isolates identified, 25 (83%) and seven (30.4%) isolates possessed sul1 and sul2 gene, respectively, whereas, four (13.3%) isolates possessed both sul1 and sul2 genes. Three levofloxacin resistant isolates possessed qnrS gene. This is the first systemic study with substantial numbers of milk samples from healthy and infected cattle depicting occurrence of ACBL-producing E. coli and linkage present in the isolates between the genes encoding ACBL and quinolone or sulphonamide resistance.

Antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant bacteria detected in milk marketed for human consumption in Kibera, Nairobi.

The use of veterinary antibiotics is largely unregulated in low-income countries. Consequently, food producers rarely observe drug withdrawal periods, contributing to drug residues in food products. Drug residues in milk can cause immunogenic reactions in people, and selectively favor antibiotic-resistant bacteria in unpasteurized products. We quantified the prevalence of antibiotic residues in pasteurized and unpasteurized milk, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from unpasteurized milk sold within Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Ninety-five milk samples (74 pasteurized and 21 unpasteurized) were collected from shops, street vendors or vending machines, and tested for the presence of β-lactam and tetracycline residues using IDEXX SNAP kits. MacConkey agar without- and with antibiotics (ampicillin, 32 μg/ml; tetracycline, 16 μg/ml) was used to enumerate presumptive E. coli based on colony morphology (colony forming units per ml, CFU/ml). β-lactam and tetracycline residues were found in 7.4% and 3.2% of all milk samples, respectively. Residues were more likely to be present in unpasteurized milk samples (5/21, 23.8%) compared to pasteurized samples (5/75, 6.8%); P = 0.039. Two thirds of unpasteurized samples (14/21, 66.7%) contained detectable numbers of presumptive E. coli (mean 3.5 Log10 CFU/ml) and of these, 92.8% (13/14) were positive for ampicillin- (mean 3.2 Log10 CFU/ml) and 50% (7/14) for tetracycline-resistant E. coli (mean 3.1 Log10 CFU/ml). We found no relationship between the presence of antibiotic residues and the presence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in unpasteurized milk sold within Kibera (P > 0.2).

The Role of Novel Pasteurization Approaches on Altering Functional Properties of Egg Proteins

Eggs are important components of the human diet due to their low cost, high protein content and protein related technological features. High digestibility of egg proteins makes it possible to consume alone in the assay of nutritive values. Binding, emulsifying, foaming, gelling, and thickening properties of egg proteins provide an opportunity to use egg in various food products as an ingredient. Therefore, the consumption of egg is increasing with each passing day, however, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimirum infections have been reported to be egg-born. These serious infections are originated from direct consumption of eggs or unpasteurized food products in which the egg yolk/albumen is added to the formulations such as mayonnaise, salad dressings or merengues. In order to prevent these infections, aforementioned microorganisms must be eliminated from the environment by pasteurization. Commercial pasteurization process is applied with hot water or vapor. Commercial processes include high temperature/short time or low temperature/long-time pasteurization. Although heat treatment is considered the most reliable method in terms of microbiological safety, high temperature and/or long time applications may have adverse effects on functional and nutritional properties of egg proteins. To ensure the microbiological safety of products without sacrificing technological or nutritional properties, researches have been centered upon innovative techniques such as irradiation, pulsed electric field, high hydrostatic pressure, and radiofrequency applications. This review is aimed to bring out the amendments occurred in the egg protein structures in consequence of aforementioned pasteurization methods.

Cryptosporidiosis outbreaks — United States, 2009–2017

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, a profuse, watery diarrhea that can last up to 3 weeks in immunocompetent patients and can lead to life-threatening malnutrition and wasting in immunocompromised patients.* Fecal-oral transmission can occur by ingestion of contaminated recreational water, drinking water, or food, or through contact with infected persons or animals. For the period 2009-2017, public health officials from 40 states and Puerto Rico voluntarily reported 444 cryptosporidiosis outbreaks resulting in 7,465 cases. Exposure to treated recreational water (e.g., in pools and water playgrounds) was associated with 156 (35.1%) outbreaks resulting in 4,232 (56.7%) cases. Other predominant outbreak exposures included contact with cattle (65 outbreaks; 14.6%) and contact with infected persons in child care settings (57; 12.8%). The annual number of reported cryptosporidiosis outbreaks overall increased an average of approximately 13% per year over time. Reversing this trend will require dissemination of prevention messages to discourage swimming or attending child care while ill with diarrhea and encourage hand washing after contact with animals. Prevention and control measures can be optimized by improving understanding of Cryptosporidium transmission through regular analysis of systematically collected epidemiologic and molecular characterization data.

Molecular epidemiology and whole genome sequencing analysis of clinical Mycobacterium bovis from Ghana.

BackgroundBovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a re-emerging problem in both livestock and humans. The association of some M. bovis strains with hyper-virulence, MDR-TB and disseminated disease makes it imperative to understand the biology of the pathogen.MethodsMycobacterium bovis (15) among 1755 M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolated between 2012 and 2014 were characterized and analyzed for associated patient demography and other risk factors. Five of the M. bovis isolates were whole-genome sequenced and comparatively analyzed against a global collection of published M. bovis genomes.ResultsMycobacterium bovis was isolated from 3/560(0.5%) females and 12/1195(1.0%) males with pulmonary TB. The average age of M. bovis infected cases was 46.8 years (7-72years). TB patients from the Northern region of Ghana (1.9%;4/212) had a higher rate of infection with M. bovis (OR = 2.7,p = 0.0968) compared to those from the Greater Accra region (0.7%;11/1543). Among TB patients with available HIV status, the odds of isolating M. bovis from HIV patients (2/119) was 3.3 higher relative to non-HIV patients (4/774). Direct contact with livestock or their unpasteurized products was significantly associated with bTB (p<0.0001, OR = 124.4,95% CI = 30.1–508.3). Two (13.3%) of the M. bovis isolates were INH resistant due to the S315T mutation in katG whereas one (6.7%) was RIF resistant with Q432P and I1491S mutations in rpoB. M. bovis from Ghana resolved as mono-phyletic branch among mostly M. bovis from Africa irrespective of the host and were closest to the root of the global M. bovis phylogeny. M. bovis-specific amino acid mutations were detected among MTBC core genes such as mce1A, mmpL1, pks6, phoT, pstB, glgP and Rv2955c. Additional mutations P6T in chaA, G187E in mgtC, T35A in Rv1979c, S387A in narK1, L400F in fas and A563T in eccA1 were restricted to the 5 clinical M. bovis from Ghana.ConclusionOur data indicate potential zoonotic transmission of bTB in Ghana and hence calls for intensified public education on bTB, especially among risk groups.

DIAGNOSING MILLIARY MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS FROM THE PROSTATE OF AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

SESSION TITLE: Chest Infections 1 SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Report PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 03:45 PM - 04:45 PM INTRODUCTION: Zoonotic infection from Mycobacterium Bovis remains an important consideration for tuberculous disease in the developing world. We present a challenging case of hematogenous Mycobacterial dissemination from an uncommon culprit. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53 year old Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated and otherwise healthy Mexican male presented with complaints of fever, productive cough, arthralgias and weight loss over the preceding 21 days. He had already completed two separate outpatient courses of oral antibiotics without improvement. He denied any travel outside of the continental United States over the last 13 years and denied any recent sick contacts. He also owned 2 pet parrots. His physical exam and initial laboratory work up was unremarkable. A Chest X-ray (Fig. 1) revealed diffuse, bilateral, micronodular opacities, warranting further evaluation with Computed Tomography (CT) (Fig. 2). Initial acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum stains, bronchoalveolar lavage stains, cytology brushings and trans-bronchial biopsies were all negative. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and opportunistic fungal panels were obtained which were unremarkable. Interferon gamma release assay was positive however equivocal given patient's BCG vaccination status. CT Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis (Fig. 3) was performed, which incidentally revealed an enlarged, heterogeneous prostate with fluid collections. Ultrasound guided aspiration of the prostate yielded pus and a strongly positive AFB smear. Eventually, the AFB cultures from the initial BAL came back positive. The patient was started on RIPE therapy with symptomatic improvement. Final speciation returned as M. Bovis and accordingly, pyrazinamide was stopped. DISCUSSION: M. bovis disease was common in the industrialized world before the practice of pasteurization became widely implemented in the 1940s. Current estimates in the USA and Europe identify between 1.3%-1.6% of tuberculosis cases attributable to M. Bovis. Infections are typically contracted via ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products from infected livestock and may remain dormant for many years, as was likely the situation in this case. Given the oral inoculation route, most cases of M.bovis manifest primarily with extrapulmonary findings. Of note, M. Bovis has documented intrinsic resistance to pyrazinamide which necessitates modification of typical RIPE treatment strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of disseminated TB remains a challenge. Regarding M. Bovis, the mean time to diagnosis has increased among practitioners given the diminishing incidence of infection. Vigilance of the disseminated and often extra-pulmonary form of tuberculosis caused by M. Bovis continues to be warranted. Patients at particular risk for M.bovis are those from developing countries, with frequent exposure to livestock and/or the practice of unpasteurized dairy product consumption. Reference #1: Scott. C. Human Tuberculosis Caused by Mycobacterium bovis in the United States, 2006-2013. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Sep 1;63(5):594-601. Reference #2: Sherman LF. Patient and health care system delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 1999 Dec;3(12):1088-95. Reference #3: Majoor, C.J. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis disease in humans, The Netherlands, 1993-2007. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Mar;17(3):457-63. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Christopher Barrios; No relevant relationships by Armin Krvavac, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Scott Maughan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pujan Patel, source=Web Response

Epidemiological Investigation of Human Brucellosis in Pakistan

Background: Human brucellosis is a neglected and zoonotic disease also known as Malta fever or undulant fever. Objectives: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and to access the role of risk factors associated with this disease in humans of Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A total of 250 serum samples were collected and subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for screening of Brucella. A predesigned questionnaire was filled prior to sampling to collect data regarding socio - demographic and suspected risk factors of human brucellosis. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the STATA software version 12. Results: The study showed 16% seroprevalence of brucellosis. The prevalence was statistically higher in males (24%), age group of 20 to 30 years (26.92%), rural residents, (23%) and individuals with animals at home (22.50%). Among the related risk factors, exposure to animals (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.9459, 3.6973) and consuming raw milk (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.1713, 4.7760) were strongly associated with the disease. Conclusions: Awareness programs in the rural population should be provided about the disease and its associated risk factors. Consuming unpasteurized milk and products should be avoided to control this disease.

Chagas Disease Recommendations for Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients and Donors.

Chagas Disease Recommendations for Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients and Donors.

Brucella Induced Thyroiditis : Case Report and Literature Review

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues in the human body with various clinical presentations; however the thyroid gland is rarely involved. There are many species of Brucella, but only a few can cause symptomatic infections to humans, with Brucella melitenses being the most common. Here we report a case of Brucella induced thyroiditis which presented with pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) and a neck swelling. The patient had abnormal thyroid function test and a positive Brucella serum agglutination. Early diagnosis and appropriate anti Brucella management showed great response and the patient fully recovered. we hope to shed some light on this rare complication of Brucella infection through our study. We have conducted a literature review of six cases that reported the same condition with some notable differences. We believe that it is crucial to include brucellosis in the deferential diagnosis of any patient presenting PUO especially when there is a positive history of unpasteurized dairy product consumption.

Stability of color in Spanish-style green table olives pasteurized and stored in plastic containers.

There is an increasing interest in the use of pasteurizable plastic packaging by the olive industry. In order to investigate the change from traditional glass or varnished can containers to plastic packaging, the proper plastic material that is compatible with fermented olives while maintaining color quality during pasteurization treatment and storage must be selected. This work is focused on color stability in two distinct pasteurizable plastic containers with different oxygen permeability. In PET + MDPE/EVOH (polyethylene terephthalate + medium-density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol) pouches, pasteurization provoked severe browning which drastically decreased their color shelf life (<6 weeks). However, this browning did not occur in the unpasteurized product without preservatives owing to the presence of microorganisms. In AlOx-coated PET + MDPE (aluminum oxide coating on polyethylene terephthalate + medium-density polyethylene) pouches, color changes were small or negligible throughout storage, especially if ascorbic acid was added to the packing solution (shelf life > 6.5 months). The plastic material had a significant effect on the retention of color of the pasteurized product. The use of AlOx-coated PET + MDPE pouches could be an alternative to traditional packaging for the pasteurization and storage of Spanish-style green olives from a color quality standpoint. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Brucellose : revue de la littérature à propos d’un cas pédiatrique

Brucellosis is an overlooked infection of widespread geographic distribution. This disease is rarely evoked when assessing unexplained pediatric fever, and only 20-30 cases (children and adults) are confirmed per year. Risk factors for contracting brucellosis are exposure to bodily fluids and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals. Most cases of brucellosis are associated with traveling to or importing contaminated goods from endemic areas. Here, we report a case of brucellosis in a 16-month-old patient hospitalized for an acute febrile illness in a French general pediatric ward. An antibiotic regimen of rifampicin and co-trimoxazole given over 6 weeks led to successful cure without relapse. The child had eaten a cake made from unpasteurized goat's milk and imported from Oran, a region in Algeria. His mother had consumed the same cake and was hospitalized for brucellosis 15 days later. Clinicians should suspect brucellosis when encountering febrile patients who have traveled to endemic areas, been exposed to body fluids or products of abortion of farm animals, or consumed unpasteurized products.

Awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab

Aim:The present study was conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab.Materials and Methods:250 livestock farmers were selected randomly and interviewed with a pretested questionnaire, which contained both open and close ended questions on different aspects of zoonotic diseases, i.e., awareness, knowledge, risks, etc. Knowledge scorecard was developed, and each correct answer was awarded one mark, and each incorrect answer was given zero mark. Respondents were categorized into low (mean − ½ standard deviation [SD]), moderate (mean ± ½ SD), and high knowledge (Mean + ½ SD) category based on the mean and SD. The information about independent variables viz., age, education, and herd size were collected with the help of structured schedule and scales. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, and results were prepared to assess awareness, knowledge, and risks of zoonotic diseases and its relation with independent variables.Results:Majority of the respondents had age up to 40 years (70%), had their qualification from primary to higher secondary level (77.6%), and had their herd size up to 10 animals (79.6%). About 51.2% and 54.0% respondents had the history of abortion and retained placenta, respectively, at their farms. The respondents not only disposed off the infected placenta (35.6%), aborted fetus (39.6%), or feces (56.4%) from a diarrheic animal but also gave intrauterine medication (23.2%) bare-handedly. About 3.6-69.6% respondents consumed uncooked or unpasteurized animal products. About 84.8%, 46.0%, 32.8%, 4.61%, and 92.4% of livestock farmers were aware of zoonotic nature of rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, anthrax, and bird flu, respectively. The 55.6%, 67.2%, 52.0%, 64.0%, and 51.2% respondents were aware of the transmission of zoonotic diseases to human being through contaminated milk, meat, air, feed, or through contact with infected animals, respectively. The transmission of rabies through dog bite (98.4%), need of post-exposure vaccination (96.8%), and annual vaccination of dogs (78%) were well-known facts but only 47.2% livestock owners were aware of the occurrence of abortion due to brucellosis and availability of prophylactic vaccine (67.6%) against it as a preventive measure. About 69.2% respondents belonged to low to medium knowledge level categories, whereas 30.8% respondents had high knowledge (p<0.05) regarding different aspects of zoonotic diseases. Age, education, and herd size had no significant effect on the knowledge level and awareness of farmers toward zoonotic diseases.Conclusion:Therefore, from the present study, it may be concluded that there is a need to create awareness and improve knowledge of livestock farmers toward zoonotic diseases for its effective containment in Punjab.