scholarly journals Microbiological Contamination of the Office Environment in Dental and Medical Practice

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1375
Author(s):  
Alexandre Baudet ◽  
Monique Guillaso ◽  
Léonie Grimmer ◽  
Marie Regad ◽  
Arnaud Florentin ◽  
...  

The microbiological contamination of the environment in independent healthcare facilities such as dental and general practitioner offices was poorly studied. The aims of this study were to describe qualitatively and quantitatively the bacterial and fungal contamination in these healthcare facilities and to analyze the antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens identified. Microbiological samples were taken from the surfaces of waiting, consulting, and sterilization rooms and from the air of waiting room of ten dental and general practitioner offices. Six surface samples were collected in each sampled room using agar contact plates and swabs. Indoor air samples were collected in waiting rooms using a single-stage impactor. Bacteria and fungi were cultured, then counted and identified. Antibiograms were performed to test the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens. On the surfaces, median concentrations of bacteria and fungi were 126 (range: 0–1280) and 26 (range: 0–188) CFU/100 cm2, respectively. In indoor air, those concentrations were 403 (range: 118–732) and 327 (range: 32–806) CFU/m3, respectively. The main micro-organisms identified were Gram-positive cocci and filamentous fungi, including six ubiquitous genera: Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Alternaria. Some antibiotic-resistant bacteria were identified in general practitioner offices (penicillin- and erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), but none in dental offices. The dental and general practitioner offices present a poor microbiological contamination with rare pathogenic micro-organisms.

Author(s):  
J. O. Aribisala ◽  
M. K. Oladunmoye ◽  
E. J. Olotu ◽  
O. I. Afolami ◽  
O. C. Bhadmus

This research was carried out to identify microorganisms associated with termitarium on cashew tree barks and macerated dead termites from Ibule-Soro, Akure, Nigeria. Pour plate technique was used for isolation, standard and conventional methods of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics were employed in the identification and characterization. Bacterial isolates such as Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp, Corynebacterium sp, Streptococcus sp were identified, while fungi isolates such as Aspergilus niger, Fusarium solani and Penicillium nonatum were identified. The result of antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the isolates showed that all the bacteria were susceptible to at least three of the antibiotics. However, Micrococcus sp and Bacillus sp were screened to be multiple antibiotic resistant isolates. Plasmid profiling of these multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria isolates were carried out to determine the size of the bacteria plasmids and genetic basis of their antimicrobial resistance. The isolates were cured of their plasmid and subjected to antibiotic treatments again to determine whether their susceptibility to antibiotic is chromosomal or extra-chromosomal. Antagonistic properties of the isolated bacteria and fungi were determined against known bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococus aureus, Shigella sp, Salmonella sp, and Escherichia coli, the result showed that only the fungus Penicillium notatum showed positive and mild antagonistic potential against the selected pathogens. Findings from this research showed the potentials of termite nest as reservoirs for beneficial microorganisms with great antagonistic properties.


Author(s):  
Zorica Voşgan ◽  

Indoor air of a family medical office was analyzed in order to investigate the level of the microbial contamination, because a series of diseases and infections can be transmitted to patients through the air. The determinations were made from October 2018 until May 2019, considering the consulting room, the treatment room, respectively the waiting room. For the enumeration of the total germs number and the streptococcal and fungal populations of the air, the Koch sedimentation technique was used. The microbiological contamination of the air within this study shows the surpassof the suggested standard for the air bacterial load from a medical building. The results highlight a high degree of air pollution in the medical unit, especially in the winter months, when the traffic is more intense and the ventilation is deficient. The aeromicroflora in the treatment room has the highest number of germs, respectively hemolytic streptococci and fungi. The microorganisms isolated in this study from the microscopic examination includes: Penicillium sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Tetrads. Thus, it is necessary to permanently monitor the quality of the air inside the medical office, by applying appropriate cleaning and disinfection methods and by the control of the environmental factors that favor the growth and propagation of microbes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuket Sivri ◽  
Ahmet Ozgur Dogru ◽  
Arzu Funda Bagcigil ◽  
Kemal Metiner ◽  
Dursun Zafer Seker

Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Cadnum ◽  
Basya S. Pearlmutter ◽  
Annette L. Jencson ◽  
Hanan Haydar ◽  
Michelle T. Hecker ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To investigate the frequency of environmental contamination in hospital areas outside patient rooms and in outpatient healthcare facilities. Design: Culture survey. Setting: This study was conducted across 4 hospitals, 4 outpatient clinics, and 1 surgery center. Methods: We conducted 3 point-prevalence culture surveys for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Clostridioides difficile, Candida spp, and gram-negative bacilli including Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in each facility. In hospitals, high-touch surfaces were sampled from radiology, physical therapy, and mobile equipment and in emergency departments, waiting rooms, clinics, and endoscopy facilities. In outpatient facilities, surfaces were sampled in exam rooms including patient and provider areas, patient bathrooms, and waiting rooms and from portable equipment. Fluorescent markers were placed on high-touch surfaces and removal was assessed 1 day later. Results: In the hospitals, 110 (9.4%) of 1,195 sites were positive for 1 or more bacterial pathogens (range, 5.3%–13.7% for the 4 hospitals) and 70 (5.9%) were positive for Candida spp (range, 3.7%–5.9%). In outpatient facilities, 31 of 485 (6.4%) sites were positive for 1 or more bacterial pathogens (range, 2% to 14.4% for the 5 outpatient facilities) and 50 (10.3%) were positive for Candida spp (range, 3.9%–23.3%). Fluorescent markers had been removed from 33% of sites in hospitals (range, 28.4%–39.7%) and 46.3% of sites in outpatient clinics (range, 7.4%–82.8%). Conclusions: Surfaces in hospitals outside patient rooms and in outpatient facilities are frequently contaminated with healthcare-associated pathogens. Improvements in cleaning and disinfection practices are needed to reduce contamination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 5337-5343
Author(s):  
Nilam Qureshi ◽  
Seungjae Lee ◽  
Ravindra Chaudhari ◽  
Pramod Mane ◽  
Jayant Pawar ◽  
...  

In our current endeavor, 3-dimensional (3D) tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures (nanocubes, nanobars and nanobricks) have been swiftly generated via hydrothermal route at 160 °C for 24 h. Physico-chemical characterization of the resultant powder revealed formation of WO3 nanostructures with predominantly faceted cube, brick and rectangular bar-like morphology. The present study was also aimed at exploring the antimicrobial and anticancer potential of WO3 nanostructures. Antimicrobial activity was tested against different micro-organisms viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was ascertained against these micro-organisms by measuring the diameter of inhibition zone in agar well diffusion test which revealed that the resultant WO3 nanostructures acted as excellent antibacterial agents against both bacteria and fungi but were more effective against the fungus, A. fumigatus. To examine the growth curves of bacterial cells, time kill assay was monitored for E. coli, against which significant antibacterial action of WO3 nanostructures was noted. The anti-cancer activity of WO3 nanostructures was found to be concentration-dependent against KB cell line by viable cell count method. In our pilot study, WO3 nanostructures suspension with concentration in the range of 10−1 to 10−5 mg/ml was found to kill KB cells effectively.


2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rinaldo Botondi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible microbiological contamination in terms of total counts and representative microbial groups found in the hazelnuts as well as in work areas and on the working surfaces of a hazelnut processing plant.Design/methodology/approachSome microbiological parameters related to the manufacturing process (e.g. aerobic colony count yeast and fungi) were evaluated. Indoor air samples were tested in order to evaluate the possible contamination of fungal strains (i.e. mycotoxin producing fungi).FindingsThe results showed that the highest values (>of 500 CFU/m3) for bacteria and fungi were only observed in the shelling and sorting areas. Some species such as Aspergillus and Penicillium (potential mycotoxin-producers) as well as some noxious colonies ofAspergillus fumigatuswere detected along the processing line. No occurrence of aflatoxins was observed in the finished product. Microbial loads obtained through surface analyses were in accordance to the reference data.Originality/valueThe aim of this study was to monitor and improve the procedures currently used in a hazelnut processing plant.


Author(s):  
O. Shkromada ◽  
Yu. Dudchenko ◽  
T. Necherya ◽  
I. Abubakari Kavla

In this field, complex disinfectants were contrasted using effective concentrations against bacteria and spore-forming microorganisms. A significant problem for the owners is the emergence of resistance of strains of microorganisms in the existing production and the same disinfectants. Investigation of trusted working concentrations of disinfectants that do not have a corrosive effect on metal structures. According to the results of research and production, contrast is an effective disinfectant for reducing E. coli and S aureus at 0,3 – 0,5% concentration at exposure for 30 min. and consumption of 100 - 400 cm3 / m2. Laboratory researches were carried out in laboratories of microbiological faculties of veterinary medicine of Sumy National Agrarian University. Disappearance gaps and disinfection on the market in Kyiv. Samples were drawn in the refrigerators from the walls, ceilings and floors. Refrigerated chambers made of stainless steel are made up of rubber and plastic elements. Metals are very vulnerable to corrosion with more concentrated acids and alkali. This was taken into account when choosing a disinfectant and its effective organizations. As a disinfectant used the drug contrast (manufacturer PE "Kronos Agro", Ukraine). The disinfectant was taken at a dose of 100 ml per 1 m2. To produce the culture was prepared basic products containing 1000 mg of the drug in 1 ml of distilled water. The experimental solutions were prepared for study with the main formulations developed. Representatives had extraordinary effects. The  disks were leaked through the disinfectant to obtain a zone of retention of high bacteria and fungi. The reliability of disinfectant destroying the micro-organisms of E. coli and S. aureus test cultures was also known. For the trusted production preparations, the contrast at the trusted enterprises was carried out by the rehabilitation of the premises of the educational laboratory of the Sumy National Agrarian University (premises for animals, dairies, refrigeration chambers). Renovation and test activities were performed at 0,1, 0,25 and 0,5 % of exposed contrast with exposure for 60, 30 and 10 min. the disinfectant was consumed 250 cm3 / m2. Upon completion of the studies, the investigated tests were investigated with distilled water (flow rate - 1000 cm3 / m2). Water that has been washed away test products, presented in specially prepared capabilities. Test results for this after disinfection were also investigated with distilled water, which was found on the disinfectant. To study the corrosion activity of the disinfectant used metal plates 1h1sm2. The metal samples were welded to the fifth mark after the commission before and after the study. 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,5 % contrast solutions were used in the study. For comparison, in the experiments used 2% of productive. M. bovis mycobacterial cultures were grown on Pavlovsky's glycerol medium. The bacterial culture was transferred into sterile vials and sterile isotonic material containing 0,05 cm3 / mg was added. A large amount of delay zone in Petri dishes containing 0,5 % of S. aureus disinfectant, 3,5 times S. cholerase 1,8 S. Enteritidis 2 more than 0,5% formal form . Higher indicators of bacterial properties of the disinfectant contrast at a concentration of 0,5%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Collignon ◽  
John J Beggs

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is affected by many factors, but too much of our focus has been on antimicrobial usage. The major factor that drives resistance rates globally is spread. The COVID-19 pandemic should lead to improved infection prevention and control practices, both in healthcare facilities and the community. COVID-19 will also have ongoing and profound effects on local, national and international travel. All these factors should lead to a decrease in the spread of resistant bacteria. So overall, COVID-19 should lead to a fall in resistance rates seen in many countries. For this debate we show why, overall, COVID-19 will not result in increased AMR prevalence. But globally, changes in AMR rates will not be uniform. In wealthier and developed countries, resistance rates will likely decrease, but in many other countries there are already too many factors associated with poor controls on the spread of bacteria and viruses (e.g. poor water and sanitation, poor public health, corrupt government, inadequate housing, etc.). In these countries, if economies and governance deteriorate further, we might see even more transmission of resistant bacteria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-31
Author(s):  
Binita Koirala Sharma

Background: Hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) could be colonized by potential drug resistant bacteria like Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producers (ESBLs) and Carbapenems-resistant (CR) isolates and could become vectors of nosocomial pathogens in healthcare facilities that are associated with an increase of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ESBLs and CR isolates from hands of HCWs with their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included a total of 150 hand swabs collected from March, 2018 to September, 2018 in Gandaki Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were done using standard microbiological procedures. Results: Among the total isolates of 219 obtained from growth positive samples 92/219(42.01%) were Gram negative bacteria (GNB) and the most common were Klebsiella spp 32(34.78%) followed by Escherichia coli 17(18.48%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa12 (13.04%), Acenetobacter spp 11(11.96%), Proteus spp 9(9.78%), Citrobacter spp 7(7.61%) and Enterobacter spp 4(4.35%). The prevalence of ESBLs, CR and ESBLs with Co-resistant to Carbapenems were 19.56%,14.13% and 9.78%, respectively. The most effective drugs for isolates were Nitrofurantoin followed by Amikacin, Tetracycline and Gentamycin. Distribution pattern of the ESBLs and CR isolates among doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, helpers and basic science faculties were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: This report revealed the emerging and moderately high prevalence of ESBLs, CR and ESBLs with Co-resistant to Carbapenems GNB with their antibiotic susceptibility patterns found on hands of HCWs in Nepal. Thus, this study could be helpful in developing proper guidelines on hand hygiene and implementation of infection control measures including contact precautions against the spread of infections by such pathogens in healthcare settings.  


1933 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. C. Broadfoot

The antagonistic and compatible growth relationships of 66 cultures of bacteria and fungi, most of which were from the soil, towards O. graminis on potato dextrose agar and Molisch's salt peptone agar, were compared with the effect of each on the virulence of this pathogene on wheat seedlings in open soil culture.Of the 21 cultures which controlled the virulence of O. graminis in the soil, only 15 of these were antagonistic on potato dextrose agar, while of the 45 cultures which gave intermediate or no control, 17 were compatible and 28 were decidedly antagonistic. From data secured indirectly, the antagonism or compatibility of the micro-organisms toward O. graminis, observed on potato dextrose agar, did not seem to depend on active alkali or acid more than on other metabolic products. The study apparently demonstrates that the growth reaction of various micro-organisms and O. graminis, associated on the two solid media used, is not a reliable indication that the same micro-organism will or will not suppress the virulence of this pathogene on wheat in soil in open pot culture.


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