Fungi as environmental microbiological indicators

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Mendes ◽  
P. Urbano ◽  
C. Alves ◽  
J. Morais ◽  
N. Lapa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Area ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Saprophytic Fungi ◽  
Keratinolytic Fungi ◽  
Quality Objective ◽  
Microbiological Indicators ◽  
Satisfactory Quality

An evaluation of the mycological quality of the sand beaches of the Lisboa and Vale do Tejo coastal area in Portugal was undertaken in May-October 1994. The keratinolytic fungi, yeasts, potential pathogenic and allergic and/or environmental saprophytic fungi were analysed. The results for the yeast Candida were evaluated according to the “Proposed Guidelines for the Microbiological Quality of Sand”. The data showed good/satisfactory quality of the sand beaches for the genus Candida. The results indicate that the allergic and/or environmental saprophytic fungi were the most common in sand beaches. The fungi Scopulariopsis and the yeast Candida could be used as specific indicator organisms of sand beaches quality. A new quality objective is introduced that will contribute to improve the sand beaches quality.

Presence of Indicator Organisms and Recovery of Salmonella in Fish and Shellfish

1980 ◽  
Vol 43 (9) ◽  
pp. 679-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Y. D'AOUST ◽  
R. GELINAS ◽  
C. MAISHMENT
Keyword(s):  
Brilliant Green ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Positive Sample ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Agar Media ◽  
Fish And Shellfish ◽  
Coagulase Positive Staphylococci

The efficacy of two methods for detection of Salmonella in 29 fish and 312 shellfish samples was evaluated, using replicate samples (100 g) of food homogenate. In method A, samples were preenriched 3 h in lactose broth, selectively enriched overnight in selenite cystine (35 C) and plated on brilliant green sulfa, xylose lysine desoxycholate and Hektoen enteric agar media. In method B, overnight nutrient broth cultures were enriched in tetrathionate brilliant green (43 C) and selenite cystine (35 C) broths and plated on brilliant green sulfa and bismuth sulfite agar media. Salmonella was recovered from seven (3%) shrimp samples of which six were detected by method B alone; the single positive sample detected by method A was negative by method B. Infected shrimp samples did not harbor coagulase-positive staphylococci, and aerobic plate counts ranged from 105 to 107 cells/g; two of the seven positive samples contained no detectable Escherichia coli. Our results suggest that short preenrichment incubation periods are not reliable and that tetrathionate brilliant green is superior to selenite cystine for effective recovery of Salmonella in shellfish. Coliforms are not reliable as an index of microbiological quality of fish and shellfish.

Assessment of the Microbiological Quality of Meat Pies from Retail Sale in England 2013

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 781-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
JIM McLAUCHLIN ◽  
HEATHER AIRD ◽  
ANDRE CHARLETT ◽  
NICOLA ELVISS ◽  
ANDREW FOX ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Foodborne Illness ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Coagulase Positive Staphylococci

ABSTRACT Outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes in England associated with meat pie consumption were detected in 2012. To obtain baseline data for pies unrelated to outbreaks, 862 samples of ready-to-eat meat pies were collected at retail or from catering facilities in England in 2013 and examined to enumerate food-poisoning bacteria and indicator organisms using Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods for Listeria spp. including L. monocytogenes (ISO 11290), Clostridium perfringens (ISO 21528), coagulase-positive staphylococci including Staphylococcus aureus (ISO 6888), Bacillus spp. including B. cereus (ISO 1737), Escherichia coli (ISO 16649), Enterobacteriaceae (ISO 21528), and aerobic colony counts (ACCs; ISO 4833). Microbiological quality was satisfactory in 94% of samples, borderline in 5%, and unsatisfactory in 1%. The proportion of pies from markets that were borderline or unsatisfactory significantly increased, and the proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory pies from supermarkets significantly decreased. Among the refrigerated (0 to 15°C) pies, microbiological quality significantly decreased in pies stored at >8°C and further significantly decreased at in pies stored at ambient temperature (>15 to 25°C). Samples collected at 25 to 40°C had the highest proportion of borderline or unsatisfactory results, but results improved in pies stored at >40°C. The most common cause for borderline or unsatisfactory results was elevated ACCs (5% of all samples). Within the individual microbiological parameters, borderline or unsatisfactory results resulted from elevated Enterobacteriaceae or Bacillus levels (10 samples for each), C. perfringens levels (2 samples), and S. aureus or E. coli levels (1 sample each). L. monocytogenes was recovered from one pie at <10 CFU/g. A literature review revealed a range of microbiological hazards responsible for food poisoning and meat pie consumption, and surveillance data from 1992 to 2012 from England indicated that C. perfringens was the most commonly reported cause of outbreaks of foodborne illness.

scholarly journals Health risks associated with unpasteurized goats' and ewes' milk on retail sale in England and Wales. A PHLS Dairy Products Working Group Study

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. LITTLE ◽  
J. de LOUVOIS
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Retail Sale ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Representative Study ◽  
Unpasteurized Milk

A pilot study to determine the microbiological quality of unpasteurized milk from goats and ewes sampled from farm shops, health food shops, and other retail premises found that 47%, (47/100) of goats' and 50% (13/26) of ewes' milk samples failed the standards prescribed by the Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus, haemolytic streptococci or enterococci, were present in excess of 102 c.f.u./ml in 9 (7%) 2 (2%) and 19 (15%) samples, respectively. Salmonella, campylobacter, verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected in the samples. At the time of purchase approximately half of the milk samples (58%) were frozen, the rest were liquid. Farm outlets sold predominantly liquid milk, other retail premises sold a frozen product. The microbiological quality of goats' and ewes' milk, whether frozen or liquid, was not significantly different. Milk sold from farm shops was of lower quality than that from health food shops and other retail premises. In this pilot study most producers (92%) supplied, and most retailers (76%) sold unpasteurized goats' and ewes' milk that contained unacceptable levels of indicator organisms. The study was carried out during the winter when goats' milk production is reduced. The results indicate the need for a full representative study of unpasteurized goats' and ewes' milk on retail sale throughout the year.

Male-Specific Coliphages as an Additional Fecal Contamination Indicator for Screening Fresh Carrots

2003 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
SEEMA ENDLEY ◽  
LINGENG LU ◽  
EVERARDO VEGA ◽  
MICHAEL E. HUME ◽  
SURESH D. PILLAI
Keyword(s):  
Fecal Contamination ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Bacterial Contaminants ◽  
Viral Indicators ◽  
Additional Level ◽  
Male Specific

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of male-specific (F+) coliphages as a fecal-contaminationindicator for fresh carrots. The prevalence of specific pathogens and indicator organisms on the surface of carrots obtained from a farm, truck, and processing shed was studied. Twenty-five carrot samples collected from each of these locations were washed, and aliquots of the wash were analyzed for the presence of F+ coliphages, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. Additionally, the Salmonella isolates were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Our studies detected the presence of F+ coliphages, E. coli, and Salmonella on carrots. All samples, however, tested negative for Shigella. Although none of the carrot samples from the field were positive for E. coli, one sample was positive for Salmonella, and another was positive for F+ coliphages. From the truck, two carrot samples (8%) were positive for Salmonella, four (16%) were positive for F+ coliphages, and four (16%) were positive for E. coli. None of the carrot samples from the processing shed were positive for Salmonella. However, 2 carrot samples (8%) were positive for E. coli, and 14 carrot samples (56%) were positive for F+ coliphages. The PFGE results suggest that there were three distinct Salmonella genotypes among the carrot samples from the truck and that the Salmonella isolates identified on carrot samples from the field and truck locations were different. Microbiological screening of fresh produce such as carrots (which can be exposed to fecal contaminants in soils and water) should ensure the detection of both viral and bacterial contaminants. Overall, in this study, F+ coliphages were detected in 25% of the carrot samples, compared to E. coli (8%), Salmonella (4%), and Shigella (0%). The results suggest F+ coliphages can serve as a conservative indicator of fecally associated viruses on carrots. This suggests that in addition to E. coli screening, F+ coliphages should be included when produce such as carrots that are vulnerable to fecal contaminants are screened. Since the detection of specific enteric viral pathogens is expensive, screening for viral indicators of fecal contamination using F+ coliphages can be an economical approach to providing an additional level of assurance about the microbiological quality of fresh carrots.

Sanitary quality of sands from beaches of azores islands

1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 147-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Mendes ◽  
P. Urbano ◽  
C. Alves ◽  
N. Lapa ◽  
J. Morais ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Organism ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Faecal Coliforms ◽  
Azores Archipelago ◽  
Azores Islands

An evaluation of the sanitary quality of the sand beaches of Azores archipelago was undertaken May-October 1994 and 1995. The samples were analysed for total and faecal coliforms, faecal enterococci, Clostridium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi (keratinolytic, yeasts, potential pathogenic and allergic and/or environmental saprophytes). The results were evaluated according to a “Proposal Guideline for the Microbiological Quality of Sand”. The data showed good or satisfactory sanitary quality of the sand beaches. The results indicated that the faecal enterococci can be a better indicator organism than the total and faecal coliforms. The fungi could be used as indicator organisms. The application of the “Proposal” should complete the criteria used in the “Blue Flag” distinction for high environmental quality beaches.

scholarly journals Statistical Analyses: Possible Reasons for Unreliability of Source Tracking Efforts

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (8) ◽  
pp. 4690-4695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarivel Lasalde ◽  
Roberto Rodríguez ◽  
Gary A. Toranzos
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Discriminant Function ◽  
Discriminant Function Analysis ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Statistical Analyses ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Quality Of Water

ABSTRACT Analyses for the presence of indicator organisms provide information on the microbiological quality of water. Indicator organisms recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for monitoring the microbiological quality of water include Escherichia coli, a thermotolerant coliform found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. These bacteria can also be isolated from environmental sources such as the recreational and pristine waters of tropical rain forests in the absence of fecal contamination. In the present study, E. coli isolates were compared to E. coli K12 (ATCC 29425) by restriction fragment length polymorphism using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Theoretically, genomic DNA patterns generated by PFGE are highly specific for the different isolates of an organism and can be used to identify variability between environmental and fecal isolates. Our results indicate a different band pattern for almost every one of the E. coli isolates analyzed. Cluster analysis did not show any relations between isolates and their source of origin. Only the discriminant function analysis grouped the samples with the source of origin. The discrepancy observed between the cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis relies on their mathematical basis. Our validation analyses indicate the presence of an artifact (i.e., grouping of environmental versus fecal samples as a product of the statistical analyses used and not as a result of separation in terms of source of origin) in the classification results; therefore, the large genetic heterogeneity observed in these E. coli populations makes the grouping of isolates by source rather difficult, if not impossible.

Microbiological Quality of Cooked Chicken: Results of Monitoring in England (2013 to 2017)

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (11) ◽  
pp. 1989-1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. McLAUCHLIN ◽  
H. AIRD ◽  
A. CHARLETT ◽  
N. ELVISS ◽  
F. JØRGENSEN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
European Union ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
European Union Countries ◽  
Coagulase Positive Staphylococci

ABSTRACT Results from monitoring of the microbiological quality of 2,721 samples of ready-to-eat cooked chicken collected between 2013 to 2017 in England were reviewed: 70% of samples were from retail, catering, or manufacture and 30% were imported and collected at English ports. Samples were tested for a range of bacterial pathogens and indicator organisms. Six samples (<1%) had unsatisfactory levels of pathogens that were potentially injurious to health. Neither Salmonella nor Campylobacter were recovered from any samples. Two samples from catering settings contained either an unsatisfactory level of Bacillus cereus (5 × 106 CFU/g) or an unsatisfactory level of coagulase-positive staphylococci (1.6 × 104 CFU/g). Listeria monocytogenes was recovered from 36 samples (1 at manufacture, 26 at catering, and 9 at retail) and in 4 samples, unsatisfactory levels (≥102 CFU/g) were detected (3 samples collected at catering and 1 sample at retail). For L. monocytogenes, there were no significant differences between the rates of contamination for the samples collected from ports, manufacture, retail supermarkets, and other retailers (P = 0.288). There were no differences between the rates of contamination for other potential pathogens detected between samples from different settings. The prevalence of hygiene indicators (Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and aerobic colony counts) at import was significantly lower than in samples collected from manufacturers, retail, or catering (P < 0.01). Samples collected from catering gave poorer results than those from all other settings. Regardless of the stage in the food chain, samples from Thailand and from other non–European Union countries were of significantly better microbiological quality with respect to indicator organisms than those from the United Kingdom or from other European Union countries (P = <0.001). HIGHLIGHTS

scholarly journals Contributions to the Knowledge of Microbiological Quality of Pasteurized Melange Produced in Romania

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreea Catalina NISTOR ◽  
Lucia Iuliana NISTOR ◽  
Claudia Gabriela DUMINICA ◽  
Marius Giorgi USTUROI
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Pseudomonas Spp ◽  
Egg Products ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
Microbiological Indicators ◽  
Production Conditions

Today's consumers show an affinity for quality products produced under production conditions that strictly observes the principles of food safety. Bacterial contamination of eggs and egg products can thus be a source of disease for the human consumer with the necessary effects on the sector of activity.The term "egg products" defines the components of the egg (separate or as a mixture-melange) released from their shell and submitted to a heat treatment, they are forming foods rich in protein, vitamins and trace elements of high quality . The purpose of this study was to establishing and monitoring the microbiological indicators of melange produced in our country. The study was carried out on the pasteurized egg mix, packaged "bag-in-box" (5 units package), and stored for a period of 25 days at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer (0 ... + 4 °C). The actual analysis is to determine NTGMA, Enterobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Salmonella spp. Regarding developments of NTGMA in pasteurized melange stored for 25 days, our data showed an increase of 75.22% compared to the situation found on fresh product (3.656 log cfu/ml vs 6.406 log cfu/ml). The situation was similar for Enterobacter spp. (119.64% increase), Bacillus spp. (76.27% increase) and Pseudomonas spp. (58.72% increase). Salmonella spp. was not identified in the product tested by us. The heat treatment of pasteurized liquid melange does not destroy completely the initial microbial load, therefore certain precautions are needed to store these foods.

scholarly journals Evaluation of microbiological quality of coastal waters in Greece

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. Vantarakis ◽  
A. Tsibouxi ◽  
D. Venieri ◽  
G. Komninou ◽  
M. Papapetropoulou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Human Viruses

To evaluate the microbiological water quality of bathing sites along the Achaia coastline (south western Greece), a survey was conducted to determine the concentration of faecal bacterial and phage indicators as well as the presence of human viruses. Seawater samples (234) were collected from nine bathing sites on the Achaia coastline and were analysed for the presence of: total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, somatic coliphages, F-RNA bacteriophages, bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and hepatitis A viruses. Most of the bacteriological analysis results were in accordance with the European Union standards. In all sites, bacteriophages were detected occasionally. Enteroviruses and adenoviruses were detected in 24 samples (10.26%) and 37 samples (15.81%) respectively. No samples were positive for the presence of hepatitis A virus. The overall data indicates that bathing sites are impacted by human faecal material. Both bacterial indicators and phages have low predictive capability for the presence of human viruses in coastal waters. None of the environmental parameters analysed was strongly related to the presence of the indicator organisms and viruses. Appropriate and effective administrative measures that should be taken into account may be considered in order to improve water quality and reduce public health risk.

scholarly journals A systematic review of microorganisms as indicators of recreational water quality in natural and drinking water systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Luis Lugo ◽  
Elkyn Rafael Lugo ◽  
Mario de la Puente
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Recreational Water ◽  
Microbiological Indicators

Abstract The purpose of this review was to highlight the most frequent biological indicators used to estimate the microbiological quality of drinking and recreational water. It was observed that the incorporation of other microbiological indicators should be considered to strengthen the decision-making process on water quality management and guarantee its safe consumption in recreational activities.

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