Vehicle For Transmission Research Articles

Rapid RT-PCR identification of SARS-CoV-2 in screening donors of fecal microbiota transplantation

Since its first appearance in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on healthcare facilities around the world. Although in the past year, mass vaccination and the development of monoclonal antibody treatments have reduced the number of deaths and severe cases, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 remains high. Over the past two years, diagnostics have played a crucial role in virus containment both in health care facilities and at the community level. For SARS-CoV-2 detection, the commonly used specimen type is the nasopharyngeal swab, although the virus can be identified in other matrices such as feces. Since fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) assumes significant importance in the treatment of chronic gut infections and that feces may be a potential vehicle for transmission of SARS-CoV-2, in this study we have evaluated the performance of the rapid cartridge-based RT-PCR test STANDARD™ M10 SARS-CoV-2 (SD Biosensor Inc., Suwon, South Korea) using fecal samples. The results obtained indicates that STANDARD™ M10 SARS-CoV-2 can detect SARS-CoV-2 in stool samples even at low concentration. For this reason, STANDARD™ M10 SARS-CoV-2 could be used as reliable methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in fecal samples and for the screening of FMT donors.

ASSESSMENT of CI ENGINE VIBRATION at VARIOUS INJECTION TIMING and injection pressure with CEIBA PENTANDRA BIODIESEL

ABSTRACT Vibration in vehicles causes discomfort and poor safety for passengers. The dynamic activities of the engine, transmission, and wheel system impact vehicle vibration. Engine vibration is the primary cause of noise and instability. It mainly depends on the combustion, engine load, speed, ignition delay, etc. Modifying injection timing (IT) and injection pressure (IP) was an effective way to improve performance. Earlier investigations by authors revealed that a 20% biodiesel blend with advanced IT and higher IP resulted in better combustion and lesser emissions except NOx. This paper evaluates the vibration of diesel engine fueled with Ceiba pentandra biodiesel at various IT (21° to 27° BTDC) and also at various IP (200 to 260 bar). Vibrations in all three axes were studied and compared with diesel at 23° IT and 200 bar. Blending of B20 significantly decreases vibration, with arms values falling to 18.08, 11.90, and 31.04 in X, Y, and Z directions, which were 2–4% lesser than diesel fuel at 23°BTDC. Further advancing the IT to 27°, engine vibration was reduced by 8%. Higher IP (260 bar) slightly increased engine vibration by 3%. Thus, substantially advancing the IT and optimum IP resulted in smoother operation of the diesel engine.

Unusual sources of hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units and operating rooms at Tanta University Educational Hospital

Background Fomites can serve as a vehicle in transmission of health care-associated pathogens especially in intensive care units (ICUs) and operating rooms (ORs) where the patients are immunocompromised and at high risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant bacteria. Aim To assess bacterial contamination on inanimate surfaces and equipment in ICUs and ORs at Tanta University Educational Hospital to detect the potential reservoirs of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and to give appropriate recommendations for corrective actions. Materials and methods The samples were collected in sterile nutrient broth and incubated for 24 h. The isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria were done through standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolates were assessed by disc diffusion method. Results The contamination levels from group I (hospital samples) and group II (control samples) were 88.3% and 84%, respectively. In group I, Gram-negative bacilli were the most frequent isolates followed by Gram-positive cocci then Gram-positive bacilli, fungi, and lastly Gram-negative cocci that represented 35.7%, 34.4%, 25.9%, 3.2%, and 0.8%, respectively. In group II, all bacterial isolates were Gram-positive bacilli that represented 100%. Conclusion The presence of potential pathogenic-resistant bacteria on inanimate surfaces in hospital is of great health concern and these surfaces can serve as sources of HAIs.

Roles of viable but non-culturable state in the survival of Campylobacter jejuni.

Despite being considered fragile and fastidious, Campylobacter jejuni is the most prevalent cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis, and chicken meat is considered the main vehicle of transmission to humans. This agent can survive adverse conditions in the form of biofilms, but extreme stress (nutritional, oxidative and thermal) promotes the acquisition of a state called viable but not culturable (VBNC). The emergence of this pathogen worldwide and the recent international requirements in its control instigated us to qualitatively and quantitatively estimate the time required for the acquisition of the VBNC form in 27 strains of C. jejuni, characterize morphological aspects, determine its adaptive and invasive potential and perform comparative metabolomic evaluation. Extreme stress promoted the complete acquisition of the VBNC form in a mean time of 26 days. Starting from an average initial count of 7.8 log CFU/mL, the first four days determined the greatest average reduction of the culturable form of 3.2 log CFU/mL. The scanning and transmission image analyses showed a transition from the typical viable form (VT) to the VBNC form, with initial acquisition of the straight rod shape, followed by loss of the flagella and subdivision into two to 11 imperfect cocci arranged in a chain and rich in cellular content, until their individual release. RT-PCR identified the presence of ciaB and p19 transcripts in the 27 cultivable C. jejuni strains, a character maintained in the VBNC form only for p19 and in 59.3% (16/27) of the VBNC strains for the ciaB gene. The average inoculation of 1.8 log CFU/mL of C. jejuni VBNC into primary chicken embryo hepatocyte cells promoted the occurrence of apoptosis processes significantly after 24 hours of contact by one of the strains tested. In C. jejuni VBNC, we detected higher expression of metabolites linked to protective and adaptation mechanisms and of volatile organic precursor compounds indicative of metabolism interruption. The oscillations in the time of acquisition of the VBNC form together with the presence of transcripts for ciaB and p19, the identification of cell lysis and metabolites that ensure the maintenance of the pathogen alert to the fact that C. jejuni VBNC remains virulent and adapted to stress, which makes evident the potential danger of this latent form, which is not detectable by official methodologies.

Powertrain modeling and performance simulation of a novel flywheel hybrid electric vehicle

To improve vehicle performance and energy utilization, a novel planetary gear set based flywheel hybrid electric powertrain (PGS-FHEP) is proposed. The PGS-FHEP involves an internal combustion engine, a planetary gear set that integrated a control motor and an energy storage flywheel, which combines the high efficiency of the mechanical flywheel energy storage system with the flexible and controllable characteristics of the electric motor. The powertrain is analyzed and modeled using lever analogy method, and a rule-based control strategy is designed and verified under different test cycles. The simulation results indicate that compared with the traditional manual transmission vehicle, the fuel economy of the vehicle equipped with PGS-FHEP can be improved by more than 50%, and the acceleration performance can be increased by 28.01%. Up to 60.61% of vehicle kinetic energy can be recovered by PGS-FHEP, among which 37.85% can be directly captured by the energy storage flywheel. In addition, the battery charging power is reduced, which is beneficial to prolong the battery life.

Legionella pneumophila and Free-Living Nematodes: Environmental Co-Occurrence and Trophic Link.

Free-living nematodes harbor and disseminate various soil-borne bacterial pathogens. Whether they function as vectors or environmental reservoirs for the aquatic L. pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, is unknown. A survey screening of biofilms of natural (swimming lakes) and technical (cooling towers) water habitats in Germany revealed that nematodes can act as potential reservoirs, vectors or grazers of L. pneumophila in cooling towers. Consequently, the nematode species Plectus similis and L. pneumophila were isolated from the same cooling tower biofilm and taken into a monoxenic culture. Using pharyngeal pumping assays, potential feeding relationships between P. similis and different L. pneumophila strains and mutants were examined and compared with Plectus sp., a species isolated from a L. pneumophila-positive thermal source biofilm. The assays showed that bacterial suspensions and supernatants of the L. pneumophila cooling tower isolate KV02 decreased pumping rate and feeding activity in nematodes. However, assays investigating the hypothesized negative impact of Legionella's major secretory protein ProA on pumping rate revealed opposite effects on nematodes, which points to a species-specific response to ProA. To extend the food chain by a further trophic level, Acanthamoebae castellanii infected with L. pneumphila KV02 were offered to nematodes. The pumping rates of P. similis increased when fed with L. pneumophila-infected A. castellanii, while Plectus sp. pumping rates were similar when fed either infected or non-infected A. castellanii. This study revealed that cooling towers are the main water bodies where L. pneumophila and free-living nematodes coexist and is the first step in elucidating the trophic links between coexisting taxa from that habitat. Investigating the Legionella-nematode-amoebae interactions underlined the importance of amoebae as reservoirs and transmission vehicles of the pathogen for nematode predators.

Data Mining Approach for the Identification of the Intelligent Gear Decision Strategy for the Stepped Automatic Transmission

The primary goal of automatic transmission vehicle design and optimization is to ensure that drivers can operate automatic transmission vehicles with the same driving experience as skilled drivers driving manual transmission vehicles. However, the existing gear decision strategies of stepped automatic transmission vehicles have poor adaptability to different driving intentions and complex driving environments. When operating manual transmission vehicles, skilled drivers can make intelligent gear decision to satisfy their driving intentions and adapt to different driving environments. Therefore, this study's objective is to establish the design and formulation process for the identification of the intelligent gear decision strategy for the stepped automatic transmission that adapts to different driving intentions and complex driving environments. This is achieved using the data mining method to identify skilled drivers' gear decision strategy from their driving data. To this end, the driving data of skilled drivers operating manual transmission vehicles are collected. The shift boundary points of each gear under the target driving condition are obtained through data preprocessing, data cleaning, outlier processing, and boundary points extraction. Thereafter, the gear decision strategy of skilled drivers is established by fitting the shift boundary points. Taking the flat-straight road condition as an example, the gear decision strategy is established and experimental comparisons are made to verify the effectiveness of proposed gear decision design method.

Nasotracheal Microbiota of Nestlings of Parent White storks with Different Foraging Habits in Spain

Migratory storks could be vectors of transmission of bacteria of public health concern mediated by the colonization, persistence and excretion of such bacteria. This study aims to determine genera/species diversity, prevalence, and co-colonization indices of bacteria obtained from tracheal (T) and nasal (N) samples from storks in relation to exposure to point sources through foraging. One-hundred and thirty-six samples from 87 nestlings of colonies of parent white storks with different foraging habits (natural habitat and landfills) were obtained (84 T-samples and 52 N-samples) and processed. Morphologically distinct colonies (up to 12/sample) were randomly selected and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. About 87.2% of the total 806 isolates recovered were identified: 398 from T-samples (56.6%) and 305 from N-samples (43.4%). Among identified isolates, 17 genera and 46 species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were detected, Staphylococcus (58.0%) and Enterococcus (20.5%) being the most prevalent genera. S. sciuri was the most prevalent species from T (36.7%) and N (34.4%) cavities of total isolates, followed by E. faecalis (11.1% each from T and N), and S. aureus [T (6.5%), N (13.4%)]. Of N-samples, E. faecium was significantly associated with nestlings of parent storks foraging in landfills (p = 0.018). S. sciuri (p = 0.0034) and M. caseolyticus (p = 0.032) from T-samples were significantly higher among nestlings of parent storks foraging in natural habitats. More than 80% of bacterial species in the T and N cavities showed 1–10% co-colonization indices with one another, but few had ≥ 40% indices. S. sciuri and E. faecalis were the most frequent species identified in the stork nestlings. Moreover, they were highly colonized by other diverse and potentially pathogenic bacteria. Thus, storks could be sentinels of point sources and vehicles of bacterial transmission across the “One Health” ecosystems.

SQUAB AND QUAIL MEATS: MICROBIAL STATUS AND PREVALENCE OF MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT SHIGA TOXIN-PRODUCING E. coli

The consumption of exotic meats, such as squab and quail meats, is common in many parts of the world. However, little is known about the safety of these foods. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial characteristics of squab and quail meats, with a particular interest in the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Meat samples were examined for total bacterial counts, total mold counts, most probable number of coliforms, total E. coli counts, and the prevalence of STEC. The presence of virulence genes (stx1, stx2, and eae) in STEC isolates was also investigated. Results from microbial analyses revealed poor hygienic status of squab and quail meats. E. coli was isolated from 16% and 10% of squab and quail meats, respectively. Six E. coli serotypes were recovered, including O26, O78, O111, O114, O119, and O127, and STEC genes were detected in all these isolates. Squab liver had the highest E. coli prevalence rates, followed by gizzard, heart, spleen, and breast muscles. The prevalence of E. coli in quail meat samples was similar across all tissues. STEC serotypes showed notable multidrug resistance profiles. We then used ascorbic and rosmarinic acids to increase the safety of breast muscle. Treatment of breast muscles with these acids significantly improved their microbial safety. These findings highlight the potential role of squab and quail meats as a vehicle for STEC transmission to humans, and the beneficial effect of treatment with ascorbic and rosmarinic acids on enhancing the safety of exotic meats. Key words: food safety; shiga toxin; E. coli; squab; quails; meat

Identification of Potential Proteinaceous Ligands of GI.1 Norovirus in Pacific Oyster Tissues.

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading foodborne pathogen causing nonbacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The oyster is an important vehicle for HuNoV transmission, especially the GI.1 HuNoV. In our previous study, oyster heat shock protein 70 (oHSP 70) was identified as the first proteinaceous ligand of GII.4 HuNoV in Pacific oysters besides the commonly accepted carbohydrate ligands, a histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs)-like substance. However the mismatch of the distribution pattern between discovered ligands and GI.1 HuNoV suggests that other ligands may exist. In our study, proteinaceous ligands for the specific binding of GI.1 HuNoV were mined from oyster tissues using a bacterial cell surface display system. Fifty-five candidate ligands were identified and selected through mass spectrometry identification and bioinformatics analysis. Among them, the oyster tumor necrosis factor (oTNF) and oyster intraflagellar transport protein (oIFT) showed strong binding abilities with the P protein of GI.1 HuNoV. In addition, the highest mRNA level of these two proteins was found in the digestive glands, which is consistent with GI.1 HuNoV distribution. Overall the findings suggested that oTNF and oIFT may play important roles in the bioaccumulation of GI.1 HuNoV.

Vector Borne Diseases Related with Companion Animals in Panama: A Review

Zoonoses are, in a broad sense, diseases transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with animals (vertebrates or invertebrates), their environment or by-products. There are different concepts, definitions and classifications of zoonoses according to different criteria. There are different concepts, definitions, and classifications of zoonoses following several criteria. Vectors are transmission vehicles that carry etiological agents between different animal species, including man, or between the environment and these species. The Republic of Panama is an interoceanic isthmus that meets all the basic conditions for the development of vector-borne diseases. This review provides a chronological analysis of the vectorial zoonoses related to companion animals or those that have a close relationship with humans. The history of studies on Trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Hepatozoonosis, Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Bartonellosis, Borreliosis, Equine Encephalitis, Dirofilariasis and Dipylidiasis in Panama shows that environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, evolutive, investigative and educational factors have a direct influence on the success or failure in the control and prevention of these vectorial zoonoses. For this reason, major efforts are needed in relation to research and work that provide real data to support control programs for these diseases.

Roadmap for the Development of EnLang4All: A Video Game for Learning English

Nowadays, people are more predisposed to being self-taught due to the availability of online information. With digitalization, information appears not only in its conventional state, as blogs, articles, newspapers, or e-books, but also in more interactive and enticing ways. Video games have become a transmission vehicle for information and knowledge, but they require specific treatment in respect of their presentation and the way in which users interact with them. This treatment includes usability guidelines and heuristics that provide video game properties that are favorable to a better user experience, conducive to captivating the user and to assimilating the content. In this research, usability guidelines and heuristics, complemented with recommendations from educational video game studies, were gathered and analyzed for application to a video game for English language learning called EnLang4All, which was also developed in the scope of this project and evaluated in terms of its reception by users.

Pseudo-spectral optimization and model predictive control of vehicle shift process with dual clutch transmission

To improve the shift quality of dual clutch transmission (DCT) vehicles and reduce the jerk and sliding friction in the shift process, a real-time planning of clutch optimal engagement trajectory and control method in the shift process is proposed. This method combines pseudo-spectral optimization, machine learning, and model predictive control. First, considering the jerk, sliding friction work, and shift time as the optimization indices, the adaptive pseudo-spectral method is employed to optimize the engagement trajectory of the clutch during the shift process. Based on the optimal trajectory data set, a gradient boosting decision tree-based real-time planning method for the clutch target engagement trajectory is proposed. Second, a model predictive control strategy for the shift process is proposed based on the DCT system model to track the optimal target trajectory in real-time. Simulations and experiments reveal that the proposed target engagement trajectory planning method can plan the clutch target engagement trajectory for various accelerator pedal openings and initial clutch speed states in real-time, and the proposed model predictive control method can accurately track the target trajectory. Compared with the original vehicle strategy, under 35% and 65% accelerator pedal opening, the maximum absolute value of jerk produced by the proposed strategy was reduced by 31.06% and 31.46%, respectively, and the sliding friction work was reduced by 22.87% and 23.24%, respectively. The shift times of the proposed strategy under 35% and 65% accelerator pedal openings were 19.12% and 20.69% lower than that of the original vehicle strategy, respectively.

A simple non-invasive method to collect soft tick saliva reveals differences in Ornithodoros moubata saliva composition between ticks infected and uninfected with Borrelia duttonii spirochetes.

Introduction: We developed a new simple method to assess the composition of proteinaceous components in the saliva of Ornithodoros moubata, the main vehicle for pathogen transmission and a likely source of bioactive molecules acting at the tick-vertebrate host interface. To collect naturally expectorated saliva from the ticks we employed an artificial membrane feeding technique using a simple, chemically defined diet containing phagostimulants and submitted native saliva samples collected in this way for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. These experiments were conducted with groups of uninfected ticks as well as with O. moubata infected with B. duttonii. The ticks exhibited a fair feeding response to the tested diet with engorgement rates reaching as high as 60-100% of ticks per feeding chamber. The LC-MS analysis identified a total of 17 and 15 proteins in saliva samples from the uninfected and infected O. moubata nymphs, respectively. Importantly, the analysis was sensitive enough to detect up to 9 different proteins in the samples of saliva containing diet upon which as few as 6 nymphal ticks fed during the experiments. Some of the proteins recognized in the analysis are well known for their immunomodulatory activity in a vertebrate host, whereas others are primarily thought of as structural or "housekeeping" proteins and their finding in the naturally expectorated tick saliva confirms that they can be secreted and might serve some functions at the tick-host interface. Most notably, some of the proteins that have long been suspected for their importance in the vector-pathogen interactions of Borrelia spirochetes were detected only in the samples from infected ticks, suggesting that their expression was altered by the persistent colonization of the tick's salivary glands by spirochetes. The simple method described herein is an important addition to the toolbox available to study the vector-host-pathogen interactions in the rapidly feeding soft ticks.

Preliminary Soundings on the Roman Origins of the Juristic Concept «Possession»

When we want to know about the origins of the principle of possession as criterium to qualify the standing of defendant in the Roman civil procedure, we inevitably encounter source problems. This article traces a strain of antiquarian informations. Out of the examinations appears that vindiciae or vindicta had been ritual word denoting possession, and the Annalistic traditions around the tale of Verginia had had much to do with the problem. This cluster of traditions seems to have pertinence only to causa liberalis, but this is only for the reason that the vehicle of transmission was this procedure which had been differentiated from a common ritual. This ritual had been incorporated in the corpus of the Twelve Tables and had marked the birth of the civil procedure itself with those. Through the analysis of various versions of etiological myth for this ritual we can know also about what factors contributed to create this principle and this procedure and what it means.

Prevalence of Pathogenic Bacteria and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles Isolated from Medical Equipment and Inanimate Surface.

The hospital environment, especially the intensive care unit, is a leading reservoir of nosocomial bacteria. Equipment and inanimate surfaces are among the most transmission vehicles for nosocomial bacteria. This study is to assess the bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates from medical equipment and inanimate surfaces at intensive care unit wards in Bahir Dar City government hospital, North West Ethiopia. A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted between March 01/2021 and May 30/2021 at Felege Hiwot and Tibebe Gihon Compressive Specialized Hospitals. A total of 158 surface swab samples from the patient bed, table, chair, sphygmomanometer, and stethoscopes were collected. Sterile cotton-tipped swabs moistened with normal saline were used. Using standard protocols, the collected samples were processed at Bahir Dar University, Microbiology Laboratory. All isolates were cultured and identified by using routine bacterial culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on each isolate following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26 and the results were explained by using percentages and tables. In this study, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae were the most predominant isolated bacteria, which accounted for 52.8%, 47.2%, and 43.2% respectively. Chairs, sphygmomanometers, and patient beds were the most contaminated. Imipenem and clindamycin were the most effective antibiotics for all Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates, respectively. Among the total isolates, 84 (57.5%) were multidrug resistant and of these, 78.4% were Gram-negative isolates. Inanimate objectives and key medical devices of the hospital are heavily contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the recovered isolates are multidrug resistant, making the control and prevention strategy more challenging. Thus, the hospital infection prevention and surveillance system must be activated and perform periodic disinfection of objects. Furthermore, large-scale surveillance is desirable.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccocus aureus Contamination in Hospital Door Handles of Pokhara, Nepal

The presence of contaminants on the door handles surfaces of hospitals may be a common means of transfer of potentially pathogenic bacteria among users and can act as vehicles of diseases transmission. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the presence of bacterial contaminants and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococci (MRSA) with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern present on the door handles of selected hospitals of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Western Nepal to take the necessary remedial measures. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test of bacteria were done using standard microbiological procedures. Further screening and confirmation of MRSA were done according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institutes (CLSI) guidelines. Out of the 100 swab samples cultured, 96 (96%) showed bacterial growth. 62.86% (88/140) of the isolates were found to be Gram positive. Percentage distribution of the isolates showed that the most prevalent Gram-positive bacteria identified was Staphylococcus aureus (43.18%), followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococci (15.91%), Bacillus spp (11.36%), Diptheroides (10.23%) but considerable number of Micrococci (7.95%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (6.82%), Enterococci (4.55%). Prevalence of MRSA in this study was 39.47%. Significant difference in antibiotic resistance pattern was found among MRSA and MSSA isolates (P<0.05) reflecting increased ability of MRSA to develop resistance against various antimicrobials. Drugs like clindamycin, cefazoline and amikacin were found quite effective against MRSA in the present study would be better options for the management of such infections. MRSA strains’ contaminating on the door handles of hospitals may cause threat of infections to patients, hospital staffs, visitors to hospitals and people in the community. Thus, regular surveillance and disinfection with appropriate agent at regular interval would minimize the settlement and transmission of various pathogens including MRSA.Keywords: Contaminants; disinfection; door handles; hospital; MRSA; pathogen

Prevalence Of Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus in Raw Milk and its Products Sold for Human Consumption in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria: A Potential Public Health Concern

Globally, milk represents an important human nutrition. However, it also serves as an important vehicle for transmission of foodborne pathogens some of which may be multidrug resistant. The current study was undertaken with the main aim of assessing the microbiological quality of raw milk and its products consumed in Maiduguri metropolis. Fresh milk was sampled from six different milk source outlets in the metropolis and the samples were subjected to standard microbiological procedures for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 120 milk samples collected and cultured on appropriate growth and differential media and further biochemical tests were carried out in order to determine the presence of E. coli and S. aureus. A total of 66 (55.0%) of the 120 samples were contaminated with bacteria, while 54 (45.0%) milk samples tested were negative for the contaminants. Contaminating bacteria comprised 51 (42.5%) and 43 (35.8%) of S. aureus and E. coli respectively. The mean pH of the milk samples ranges from 3.3 to 6.3 respectively in ―Kindirmo‖ and fresh milk with an overall mean pH of 3.9. A high prevalence of both pathogens was detected in ―Kindirmo‖ and ―Nono‖ fermented milk products. Overall, a statistically significant association was found between the detection of Escherichia coli (p = 0.046) and Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.013) with the different types of milk samples examined. Our findings of the high prevalence of these pathogens in readily consumed fresh milk and its products in the study area raise public health concerns. Therefore, we recommended the application of strict quality control and good hygienic standards along the milk value chain by application of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). Public health awareness of the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated milk or its products is also highly recommended.

White coat - is it safe?

Background: The transient contamination of medical professional’s attires including white coats is one of the major vehicles for the horizontal transmission of microorganisms in the hospital. In particular, white-coat cuffs had a higher bacterial load than the mouths of the pockets. The bacterial isolates were resistant to nearly all of the antibiotics tested. This study was conducted to determine the level and type of microbial contamination present on the white coats of medical students in order to assess the risk of transmission of pathogenic micro-organisms by this route in a hospital setting. This study was performed in tertiary care hospital to study the white coat as vehicle for bacterial dissemination and to know the way of handling, cleaning of white coat.Methods: It is observational prospective cross-sectional study conducted at tertiary care hospital. Nurses, interns, residents, technicians are included. Samples are taken from 3 sites of white coat pocket, lapel and collar.Results: We found that reason to wear white coat is dress code of the hospital. Most of the white coats were washed less than 3 days or less. Pocket was the most common site with MRCONS. Pocket (14%) is the most common contaminated site. Antibiotic sensitivity of organisms is mainly sensitive for ciprofloxacin and vancomycin.Conclusions: From the above study we confirm white coat carries microorganism hence it spreads nosocomial infection. Hand washing and multiple number white coat use should be encouraged.

Method validation for the recovery of the porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, a potential SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, from stainless steel.

Virus survival on fomites may represent a vehicle for transmission to humans. This study was conducted to optimize and validate a recovery method for the porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), a potential SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, from stainless steel. Coupons (1.5 × 1.5 cm) inoculated with ca. 7 logs TCID50 of PRRSV were dried for 15 min at room temperature, followed by incubation at 4°C and 35% relative humidity. After 1 h and 24 h, the coupons were processed by four different methods: vortex in DMEM media, vortex in DMEM media with beads, vortex in elution buffer, and shake in elution buffer. The rinsates were processed for titration using the TCID50 method in the MARC-145 cell line. All four methods were equally effective to recover the virus from the soiled SS surfaces (> 79% recovery). The amount of infectious virus recovered after 24 h was similar (P>0.05) to that recovered after 1 h, indicating that the virus was stable at 4°C for up to 24 h. Using an elution buffer followed by shaking was the least labor-intensive and most economical method. Therefore, this method will be used for future experiments on PRRSV survival and transfer from food-contact surfaces.