scholarly journals Microbial Contamination in Drinking Water Fountains and the Potential Risk Associated with Location and Cleanliness

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-408
Author(s):  
Maíra Pompeu Martins ◽  
Alexandre Junio Borges Araujo ◽  
Lara Parreira de Souza ◽  
Yasmin De Araújo Ribeiro ◽  
Letícia Clemente Olmos Hernandes ◽  
...  

As drinking water fountains are the main source of free drinking water in public spaces, microbiological quality standards in such facilities are strongly relevant to public health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological condition of drinking water fountains in a public institution, specifically investigating the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and to establish possible causes of contamination. Microbiological analysis was conducted with samples from seven drinking water fountain bubbler faucets located near the restrooms. We evaluated the number of users of these fountains under two parameters: individuals who only drank water, and individuals who drank water after using the restroom. The biological samples were cultivated on a specific culture medium, and the results revealed the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella spp. Although our findings indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the results showed no correlation between the number of isolated microorganisms and the number of water fountain users. No specific correlation between the frequency of use of drinking water fountains and restrooms location was identified. We therefore suggest that the contamination present on the surface of the drinking water fountains is due to both the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and the location of the water fountains. Identification of public health-relevant pathogens may have serious consequences for users.

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Nigar Sultana ◽  
Md Atiqul Haque ◽  
Md Mostafizer Rahman ◽  
Mir Rowshan Akter ◽  
Mst Deloara Begum ◽  
...  

The study was conducted aiming at the isolation and identification of pathogens from poultry feed manufactured by four different brands namely A (broiler starter), B (broiler finisher), C (layer starter) and D (layer finisher) sold in retail stores of Rangpur city of Bangladesh. All these samples were collected from four randomly chosen outlets and analyzed by culturing in different culture media such as Nutrient broth (NB), Nutrient agar (NA), Salmonella-Shigella (SS) agar, Eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar, MacConkey agar, Triple sugar iron (TSI) agar slant, Motility, Indole, Urease (MIU) and Saboraud Dextrose agar (SDA) media. The bacterial agents were isolated and examined under light microscope for their gross morphological and conventional biochemical characteristics. The bacteriological analyses were done at the Microbiology Laboratory of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur during the period of January to June, 2014. Total bacterial colonies of all the samples were counted separately according to the American Public Health Association, using nutrient agar medium for total viable count (TVC), Eosine methylene blue (EMB) agar media for total E. coli count (TEC) and Salmonella-Shigella agar for TSC (total salmonella count). Saboraud Dextrose agar (SDA) media was used for detection of fungus. The virulence effect of the organism present in feed were observed by inoculating the organism in poultry. Recorded result showed that average TVC of feed sample A, B, C and D were 5.45x106, 3.28x105, 5.14x106 and 4.53x105 CFU/gm (colony forming unit per gram) respectively. TEC of feed sample A, B, C and D were recorded 6.25x105, 8.26x103, 5.52x105 and 5.65x104 CFU/gm respectively. TSC of feed sample A, B, C and D were recorded 3.15x104, 2.68x103, 4.46x103 and 1.19x104 CFU/gm respectively. The highest TVC, TEC and TSC were found in broiler starter (feed sample A) and lowest TVC, TEC and TSC were found in broiler finisher (feed sample B). Fungal count was 1.85x105 CFU/ gm in layer finisher (feed sample D) could be as a result of their high pathogenecity as reported by researchers elsewhere. These organisms can cause several poultry and farm animal infections specially mycotoxicosis having public health significance to both human and poultry. The presence of high numbers of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in poultry feed were indicative of poor hygienic practices during manufacture, post process contamination and unsatisfactory transportation and reservation. Therefore reinforce the need for preventive control measures, hygienic handling and processing of feeds to reduce the risk of potential human health hazards.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 52-60


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ntombie Thandazile Mhlongo ◽  
Memory Tekere ◽  
Timothy Sibanda

Abstract Insufficient potable water resources and poorly treated drinking water quality are the world's number one cause for preventable morbidity and mortality from water-related pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic microorganisms, including mycotoxigenic fungi, have been identified in treated drinking water. This paper presents a review of mycotoxigenic fungi as a health risk to the public as these fungi are responsible for allergies, cancers and opportunistic infections mainly to immunocompromised patients. The exacerbating factors contributing to fungal presence in water distribution systems, factors that lead to fungi being resistant to water treatment and treated drinking water quality legislations are also discussed. This paper provides a review on the prevalence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their implications to public health in treated drinking water, and the need for inclusion in treated drinking water quality regulations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Nguepidjo Gilbert ◽  
Kapso Tchouankep Mireille ◽  
Ngong Ankiambom Innocent ◽  
Tonmeu Douyong Chimène Sandrine ◽  
Enoka Patrice ◽  
...  

Water is the basic drink for human beings and drinking water in sachets is very popular because of its relatively low cost and availability. The aim of this study is to determine the bacteriological profile of sachet drinking water sold in the city of Yaounde. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study covering the period from March to June 2019, carried out in the application laboratory of ETMS-Yaounde. A total of 230 samples of drinking water in sachets purchased in different markets in the city of Yaounde were analyzed using Mac Conkey's flooding method. The identification was done on the API 20 E Gallery and the susceptibility test on Mueller Hinton media. The size of the sample was 230 packaged sachet drinking water and 213 of the 230 revealed 92% of positive culture of germs, and only 17 samples gave a negative culture, at a percentage of 8% of isolated germs. The isolated bacterial species and their respective abundances in samples were Enterobacter gergoviae (3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%), Proteus mirabilis (5%), Serratia fonticola (5%), Salmonella choler arizonae cloacae (8%), Salmonella spp. (8%), Enterobacter cloacae (10%), Staphylococcus aureus (10%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (28%). All these tested germs were resistant to Amoxicillin and Erythromycin and 70% of tested germs were sensitive to Gentamycin. Overall, the results revealed poor microbiological quality of these waters. This exposes consumers to health risks, and it is important to inform and sensitize consumers about the risks involved, to educate producers and to control their activities by the health services.


1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 112-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tista Prasai ◽  
Binod Lekhak ◽  
Dev Raj Joshi ◽  
Madhav Prasad Baral

Drinking water quality assessment in Kathmandu valley has always been crucial with reference to public health importance. A study was conducted to evaluate the quality of drinking water of the valley. A total of 132 drinking water samples were randomly collected from 49 tube wells, 57 wells, 17 taps and 9 stone spouts in different places of Kathmandu valley. The samples were analyzed for microbiological parameters. Total plate and coliform count revealed that 82.6% and 92.4% of drinking water samples found to cross the WHO guideline value for drinking water. During the study, 238 isolates of enteric bacteria were identified, of which 26.4% were Escherichia coli, 25.6% were Enterobacter spp, 23% were Citrobacter spp, 6.3% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5.4% were Klebsiella spp, 4.0% were Shigella spp, 3.0% were Salmonella typhi, 3.0% were Proteus vulgaris, 3.0% were Serratia spp and 1.0% were Vibrio cholerae . Key words: Drinking water; Public health; Coliform; Bacteria. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2667 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 112-114


2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 738-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Bacci ◽  
Deborah V. Chapman

The microbiological quality of 75 private drinking water supply boreholes in Co. Cork, Ireland was assessed in order to determine the incidence of contamination and the potential pathways of such contamination. Microbiological analysis was carried out using the membrane filtration technique for the recovery of thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms. The sanitary protection of the supplies was evaluated by means of systematic inspections and subsequent qualitative sanitary risk assessment. Almost a quarter of all supplies investigated (24%, n = 18) was found positive for thermotolerant coliforms. Weather conditions had a significant impact on microbiological water quality, increasing both contamination incidence and gross contamination frequency. Over half of the supplies had nine or more sanitary hazards and most had rudimentary sanitary protection measures at the head of the borehole. These low sanitary protection measures suggest that boreholes can pose a significant hazard to valuable groundwater resources by providing direct contamination routes.


Food Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 1351-1356
Author(s):  
M.A. Uddin ◽  
T. Jabin ◽  
E.A. Siam ◽  
M.T. Afreen ◽  
S.S. Uddin ◽  
...  

Pathogenic microorganisms have been so far reported to contaminate a wide range of foods triggering food borne infections or intoxications including the enteric complications, abdominal pain, fever, bloodstream infection etc. The current study was attempted to observe the microbiological quality of some popular foods collected from different places of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Conventional cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests were followed for the detection and enumeration of bacterial isolates associated with these food samples. The investigation encompassed detection of total viable bacterial count (TVBC) and presumptive identification of other pathogenic bacteria from these samples. Higher counts of TVBC, coliform, Staphylococcus spp. and fungal load were recorded as 1.46×107 CFU/g (yogurt 1), 4.5×106 CFU/g (yogurt 1), 5.6×105 CFU/g (raw meat) and 2.9×103 CFU/g (sea fish), respectively. Fecal coliform was detected only in one out of ten samples. On the contrary Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Shigella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were completely absent. The antibiogram study showed that all the isolates were sensitive against Kanamycin and Azithromycin. Better sensitivity was also observed against Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin. Varying degree of antibiotic resistance was also detected against Cefixime, Amikacin and Neomycin. Our study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring of the various categories of food samples for the safety of public health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-147
Author(s):  
S. L. Afegbua ◽  

The Sustainable Development Goal on sanitation aims to achieve universal access to good health, affordable drinking water, sanitation and an end to open defeacation by 2030. The recent ranking of Nigeria as first globally for open defecation is of public and environmental health concern. This study assessed the sanitary condition and the microbiological quality of well and surface waters of Panhauya community and Ahmadu Bello University farm, Zaria, and the antibiogram of the bacterial isolates.. Based on the WHO criteria, the sanitary inspection showed that 16.7%, 54.2%, 25% and 4.2% of the water sampling points had a very high, high, intermediate and low risk of contamination respectively. Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp and Vibrio cholerae in water samples from Panhuaya community was 87.5%, 75%, 68.8%, 50%, 25% and 12.5% respectively. In ABU farm Shika, the occurrence was; E. coli (75%), E. histolytica (63%), G. lamblia and Salmonella spp. All E. coli isolates exhibited high multidrug resistance to antibiotics screened with a MAR index of 0.3-0.8. The drinking water sources in Panhuaya and ABU farm were unsafe and the presence of these pathogens in the water samples may be attributed to a number of factors including poor sanitation, manure application and open defecation practice. This indicates a public health risk to the residents and emphasises the need for safe water supplies sanitation and antibiotic stewardship. Keywords: Well water; surface water; sanitary inspection; open defecation; water-borne pathogens; Zaria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e412997379
Author(s):  
Bruno Fernando Oliveira Araújo ◽  
Sybelle Geórgia Mesquita da Silva ◽  
João Manoel da Silva ◽  
Cícero Cerqueira Cavalcanti Neto ◽  
Paula Cibelly Vilela da Silva ◽  
...  

Raw milk is a food with great consumption and economic value in Brazil. However, is susceptible of contamination by pathogenic bacteria. The aimed of this study was to evaluate the quality of in natura milk based on microbiological in three dairy farms, somatic cells counting (SCC), bacterial counting and his physical-chemical composition. Were made the following microbiological analysis: counting of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms at 30 ºC, coliforms at 45 ºC, Staphylococcus spp., Listeria spp., and SCC. The physical-chemical analysis was fat, protein, lactose, total solids, urea, and casein. There was no evidence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were identified in any samples.  In accordance to the microbiological standards established by Normative Instruction 76 only coliforms 30 ºC and 45 ºC counts were above the standards. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) between the three farms studied regarding most microbiological aspects. Also, was observed difference (p≤0.05) for most of physical-chemical aspects. Overall, the milk produced in the regions of Alagoas State fails to meet just a constant criterion in the current legislation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
L.A. Agbabiaka ◽  
C.O. Agu

The study was carried out to assess the microbiological quality of smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus in four markets in Orlu Local Government Area, South East, Nigeria. Forty freshly smoked samples of Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus were procured from Eke Eziachi, Orlu Main, Aforaja Umuowa and Afor Ogidi Ihioma markets and analyzed using standard techniques. Results revealed that Orlu main market had the highest level of microbial contamination (mean bacteria and fungi count of 5 x 102 and 10 x 102cfu/g respectively). The highest total viable count (7 x102 cfu/g) of Scomber scumbrus was obtained in Aforaja Umuowa market while the least value of 2 x102 cfu/g was observed in Afor Ogidi Ihioma market. Also, similar value was recorded in Trachurus trachurus at Aforaja Umuowa market. Results from the study indicated that pathogens present in fish samples included bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Gliocladium spp., Candida spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Clasdosprium spp., Fonsecaca spp., Chrysoporius spp., mucour spp. and Botrytis spp). The study also showed that freshly smoked Trachurus trachurus and Scomber scumbrus samples sold in the four markets under assessment were contaminated with pathogenic organisms. This may however present some public health implications. Keywords: Microbial activity, Smoked fish, Orlu, Fish quality; Hygiene


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