scholarly journals Taking Screenshots of the Invisible: A Study on Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Phones from University Students of Healthcare Professions in Rome, Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Cicciarella Modica ◽  
Massimo Maurici ◽  
Gian Loreto D’Alò ◽  
Cinzia Mozzetti ◽  
Alessandra Messina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Mobile phones (MPs) are commonly used both in the personal and professional life. We assessed microbiological contamination of MPs from 108 students in healthcare professions (HPs), in relation to their demographic characteristics and MPs handling habits, collected by means of a questionnaire. Cultural and biochemical tests were performed, and statistical analyses were carried out. Staphylococci were present in 85% of MPs, Enterococci in 37%, Coliforms in 6.5%; E. coli was never detected. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated staphylococcal species (72% of MPs), followed by S. capitis (14%), S. saprophyticus, S. warneri, S. xylosus (6%), and by S. aureus (4%). Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC) at 37 °C, ranged from 0 to 1.2 × 104 CFU/dm2 (mean = 362 CFU/dm2). In univariate analysis, the male gender only was significantly associated with higher HPCs and enterococcal contamination. Multiple linear regression models explained only 17% and 16% of the HPC 37 °C and staphylococcal load variability, respectively. Developing specific guidelines for a hygienic use of MPs in clinical settings, for preventing cross-infection risks, is advisable, as well as introducing specific training programs to HP students. MPs decontamination procedures could also be implemented in the community.

Coliforms and other microbial indicators occurrence in water and biofilm in full-scale distribution systems

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Batté ◽  
C. Féliers ◽  
P. Servais ◽  
V. Gauthier ◽  
J.-C. Joret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Residence Time ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Bacterial Indicators ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Microbiological Water Quality ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Biofilm and microbial water quality were studied in four middle size full-scale distribution systems (DS) in France serving 5,000–30,000 inhabitants (maximum residence time 23–160 h) through three sampling campaigns over 1 year. Three of these DSs were chosen because of a quite high occurrence of bacterial indicators (i.e. total coliforms), the last DS was considered as a reference. Biofilm was studied on cast iron coupons incubated for more than 1 month in devices continuously fed with water from the DS in conditions imitating those met in DS. The devices were located at different points (4–6) along each DS. The abundance of bacteria in biofilm was estimated by heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) after detachment of the biofilm from the support by sonication. Microbiological water quality was estimated in parallel; analysis of total coliforms, E. coli, enterococci and anaerobic sulphide-reducing bacteria spores (ASRB spores) was carried out in biofilm and water. Over the period of the study, 171 water samples and 57 biofilm samples were collected. Over these 171 waters, 19 (11%) were positive for at least one of the measured indicators while two biofilm samples were positive (3.5%). Significant differences were observed in the levels of contamination between the DSs. High residence time in the DS, low disinfectant residual and high temperature increased the risk of indicator occurrence in the water phase. Due to the low number of biofilm samples positive for bacterial indicators, the data collected in the present study did not allow observation of a direct association between biofilm and water contaminations, even if the occurrence of indicators in water appeared on DSs with the highest density of biofilm (HPC).

Microbial Load of Fresh Produce and Paired Equipment Surfaces in Packing Facilities Near the U.S. and Mexico Border

2017 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kira L. Newman ◽  
Faith E. Bartz ◽  
Lynette Johnston ◽  
Christine L. Moe ◽  
Lee-Ann Jaykus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Fresh Produce ◽  
The United States ◽  
Microbial Load ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Crop Type ◽  
Mexico Border ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Rinse Cycle

ABSTRACT Several produce-associated outbreaks have been linked to the packing facility. Equipment surfaces may be an important source of contamination. The goal was to assess whether the microbial load of packing facility surfaces is associated with the microbial load of produce. From November 2000 to December 2003, 487 matched produce (14 types) and equipment surfaces (six production steps) were sampled from eight packing facilities in the United States near the border with Mexico and enumerated for aerobic plate counts (APC), Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and coliforms. Bivariate correlations were assessed by Spearman's ρ, and adjusted associations were assessed by multilevel mixed linear regression models. In general, the microbial load both increased and decreased on produce (0.2 to 1.0 log CFU/g) and equipment surfaces (0.5 to 3.0 log CFU/cm2) across production steps. Equipment surface and produce microbial loads were correlated, but correlations varied from none to high depending on the equipment surface. For example, significant correlations (P < 0.01) included APC (ρ = 0.386) and Enterococcus (ρ = 0.562) with the harvest bin, E. coli (ρ = 0.372) and Enterococcus (ρ = 0.355) with the merry-go-round, Enterococcus (ρ = 0.679) with rinse cycle equipment, APC (ρ = 0.542) with the conveyer belt, and for all indicators with the packing box (ρ = 0.310 to 0.657). After controlling for crop type, sample replicate group, and sample location, there were significant positive associations between the log concentration of Enterococcus on produce and the harvest bin (β = 0.259, P < 0.01) and the rinse cycle (β = 0.010, P = 0.01), and between the log concentration of all indicators on produce and the packing box (β = 0.155 to 0.500, all P < 0.01). These statistically significant associations between microbial loads on packing facility surfaces and fresh produce confirm the importance of packing facility sanitation to protect produce quality and safety.

scholarly journals Aerobic Bacterial Pattern in Puerperal Sepsis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Ahmed ◽  
Md. Akram Hossain ◽  
AKM Shamsuzzaman ◽  
Asma Azad Sumona ◽  
Zahura Bagum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Anaerobic Bacteria ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Puerperal Sepsis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Maternal Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Aerobic And Anaerobic ◽  
Culture Positive

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the Aerobic bacterial agents of Puerperal sepsis among the patients admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period from July, 2006 to June, 2007. Endocervical swabs/secretions were collected from 50 cases of Puerperal sepsis and were cultured aerobically. Out of 50 samples, 42 (84%) yielded growth in cultures. Among 42 culture positive cases, 20 (40%) were Aerobic organisms and 22 (44%) were mixed, i.e., Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria. The isolated Aerobic organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (26, 61.90%), Escherichia coli (6, 14.28%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (5, 11.90%), Streptococcus pyogenes (3, 7.14%) and Enterococcus faecalis (2, 4.76%). The organisms were identified by standard biochemical tests. All isolates of S.aureus and S. epidermidis were sensitive to Cephalexin and Vancomycin. Similarly all the strains of E. coli were sensitive to Gentamicin, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cephalexin. All the strains of S. pyogenes were sensitive to Amoxicillin and all the isolates of Enterococcus were sensitive to Amoxicillin and Cephalexin.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 22-27DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21785

Microbiological investigations of rainwater and graywater collected for toilet flushing

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 311-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-J. Albrechtsen
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbial Water Quality ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Plate Count Agar ◽  
Hand Wash ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts ◽  
Micro Organisms

Seven Danish rainwater systems were investigated with respect to the microbial water quality. The general microbiological quality (total numbers of bacteria (AODC)), and heterotrophic plate counts on R2A and Plate Count Agar in the toilets supplied with rainwater were approximately the same as in the reference toilets supplied with drinking water. However, in 12 of the 27 analysed samples one or more pathogens were observed (Aeromonas sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella non-pneumophila, Campylobacter jejuni, Mycobacterium avium, and Cryptosporidium sp.). These pathogens were not found in any of the reference toilets (32 toilets). This means that the use of rainwater introduced new, potentially pathogenic micro-organisms into the households which would normally not occur in toilets supplied with water from waterworks. Furthermore, four graywater systems were investigated where water from the shower and hand wash basin was reused. The graywater systems gave more problems in terms of bad smell and substantially higher numbers of E. coli and Enterococcus in some toilet bowls supplied with graywater.

Untersuchungen zur aeroben bakteriellen Besiedlung der Vaginalschleimhaut klinisch gesunder Kätzinnen

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (02) ◽  
pp. 88-91
Author(s):  
Susanne Kloß ◽  
A. Wehrend ◽  
Astrid König ◽  
H. Bostedt
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Pasteurella Multocida ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Klinische Relevanz ◽  
Staphylococcus Intermedius

Zusammenfassung: Gegenstand und Ziel: Im Gegensatz zur Hündin liegen bei der Katze bisher wenige Studien über die genitale Keimflora geschlechtsgesunder Tiere vor. Ziel der Untersuchung war daher, physiologische Daten über die aerobe Vaginalflora bei dieser Spezies zu gewinnen. Material und Methoden: Für die vorliegende Studie standen 26 gesunde, anöstrische Katzen zur Verfügung, die zu einer Ovariohysterektomie vorgestellt wurden. Nach einer klinischen Untersuchung wurden von allen Probanden unter sterilen Bedingungen Vaginaltupfer entnommen. Ergebnisse: In allen Proben konnte ein Bakterienwachstum mit durchschnittlich zwei verschiedenen Bakterienspezies nachgewiesen werden. Die Gesamtkeimgehalte wurden bei 50% der Vaginaltupferproben als gering-, bei 15% als mittel- und bei 35% als hochgradig beurteilt. Vorherrschend waren Mischkulturen aus zwei bis vier verschiedenen Keimarten. Monokulturen wurden aus 38% der Tupferproben isoliert. Am häufigsten gelang der Nachweis von E. coli variatio haemolytica (E. coli var. haem.) (58%) und Staphylococcus epidermidis (42%). Als weitere Spezies wurden E. coli, α-, β-hämolysierende Streptokokken, anhämolysierende Streptokokken, aerobe Bazillen, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Pasteurella multocida sowie Klebsiellen isoliert. Auffällig ist die hohe Nachweisrate von E. coli var. haem. mit 35% in Mischkulturen und 23% in Reinkultur. Schlussfolgerungen: Die physiologische Mikroflora der felinen Vaginalschleimhaut differiert deutlich von der der anöstrischen Hündin. Besonders die Dominanz von E. coli var. haem. in 38% der Mischkulturen und 23% der Monokulturen bei der Katze ist hervorzuheben. Klinische Relevanz: Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse geben eine erste Grundlage für die Interpretation mikrobiologischer Befunde feliner Vaginaltupfer.

The Order in Which Antibiotics are Administered Affects the Fitness Costs of Adherent-Invasive E. coli (AIEC) Strains

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan B Gregg
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Agar Plate ◽  
Sequential Therapy ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Fitness Costs ◽  
Inflammatory Gene Expression ◽  
E Coli

AIEC-LF82 is a strain of bacteria that is surmised to have a role in causing IBD and Crohn’s disease by activating pro-inflammatory gene expression in organisms. Using antibiotics via combination therapy has been a technique used in clinical settings in an attempt to treat the strains, however, the attempts have not been that effective nor efficient in terms of completely halting the growth and colonization of AIEC to treat IBD and Crohn's disease patients. Research has shown that regarding hindering or preventing the colonization bacterial colonies, sequential therapy tends to be more effective and time-efficient than combination therapy, with fewer adverse effects. To test if this is also the case with the AIEC-LF82 strain of bacteria, I first tested AIEC’s response to combination therapy using the Penicillin-Streptomycin, Kanamycin-Chloramphenicol, antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Kanamycin, SPE phase and LB agar plates, all of which were experimental plates other than the LB agar plate that acted as the negative control. I then tested AIEC-LF82’s response to sequential therapy using the LB+ Kan + Spe, LB + AMP + Spe, LB+ Kan/Cam + Spe, LB + P/S + Spe, LB + P/S + Kan and LB + P/S + AMP and one LB agar plate acting as the negative control. The only differences between sets a and b were the order in which antibiotics were administered in the six aforementioned treatment sets. Ultimately, I found that set b of sequential therapy, strong-weak antibiotic treatments, was the most effective treatment but that set a regarding sequential therapy was actually the least effective of all of the treatments. In conclusion, using strong-weak sequential antibiotic therapy treatments appears to be a potentially promising option to treat patients suffering from Crohn's disease and IBD.

Антимікробна резистентність провідних збудників інфекцій сечових шляхів у Києві (Україна)

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-60
Author(s):  
A.G. Salmanov ◽  
A.V. Rudenko
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Klebsiella Oxytoca ◽  
Enterobacter Aerogenes ◽  
Enterobacter Cloacae ◽  
Proteus Vulgaris ◽  
Providencia Rettgeri ◽  
E Coli

Мета роботи — вивчити резистентність до антибіотиків бактеріальних збудників інфекцій сечових шляхів (ІСШ), виділених у пацієнтів урологічного стаціонару в м. Києві. Матеріали і методи. Досліджено 1612 штамів бактерій, виділених із сечі хворих з ІСШ (цистит, уретрит, пієлонефрит), госпіталізованих в урологічне відділення ДУ «Інститут урології НАМН України» у м. Києві протягом 2016 р. Серед пацієнтів переважали жінки — 1201 (74,5 %). Вік хворих становив від 17 до 74 років. Для збору даних використано медичну документацію лікарні. Мікробіологічні дослідження виконано у лабораторії мікробіології ДУ «Інститут урології НАМН України». Аналізували результати культурального дослідження зразків сечі, зібраних за наявності клінічних ознак ІСШ. Дослідження клінічного матеріалу та інтерпретацію отриманих результатів проводили загальноприйнятими методами. Вивчено чутливість уропатогенів до 31 антибіотика дискодифузійним методом відповідно до рекомендацій Інституту клінічних та лабораторних стандартів США (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)). Результати та обговорення. Аналіз мікробного спектра сечі виявив домінування серед уропатогенів штамів Escherichia coli (32,0 %), Enterococcus faecalis (19,5 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10,9 %), Staphylococcus epidermidis (8,9 %), S. haemolyticus (6,5 %) та Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6,4 %). Частка Enterococcus faecium, Enterobacter aerogenes і Streptococcus viridans становила відповідно 2,5, 2,2 і 1,6 %, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Acinetobacter baumannii, Proteus vulgaris та Providencia rettgeri — менше 1,0 %. У більшості випадків (69,7 %) мікроорганізми виділено у монокультурі, у решті випадків — у мікробних асоціа- ціях. Високу резистентність до тестованих антибіотиків виявили штами E. aerogenes (45,1 %), E. cloacae (45,7 %), E. faecium (40,9 %), E. faecalis (40,7 %), E. coli (39,9 %), P. aeruginosa (34,0 %), K. pneumoniae (28,6 %). Найбільш активними до уропатогенів були іміпенем (E. coli — 87,6 %, P. aeruginosa — 75,7 %, E. cloacae — 67,3 %, E. aerogenes — 72,6 %, K. pneumoniae — 93,2 %), меропенем (E. coli — 89,1 %, P. aeruginosa — 76,7 %, K. pneumoniae — 82,6 %), лефлоцин (E. coli — 74,5 %, ентерококи — 78,7 %, P. aeruginosa — 76,7 %, E. cloacae — 73,9 %, E. aerogenes — 80,4 %, K. pneumoniae — 83,5 %), амоксицилін/клавуланат (ентерококи — 84,6 %), фурагін (ентерококи — 82,6 %), цефоперазон (K. pneumoniae — 89,2 %, P. aeruginosa — 73,8 %), цефтріаксон (K. pneumoniae — 80,1 %). Висновки. Антибіотикорезистентність збудників ІСШ — важлива терапевтична проблема. Найбільшою активністю до уропатогенів характеризуються іміпенем, меропенем, лефлоцин, амоксицилін/ клавуланат, фурагін, цефоперазон, цефтріаксон, які можна розглядати як препарат вибору для призначення стартової терапії ІСШ. Необхідно здійснювати постійний моніторинг за резистентністю до дії антибіотиків. Політику використання антибіотиків у кожному стаціонарі слід визначати залежно від локальних даних щодо резистентності до протимікробних препаратів.

scholarly journals Endotoxin contamination in the dental surgery

2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1230-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. Huntington ◽  
J. F. Williams ◽  
C. D. Mackenzie
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Dental Surgery ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Endotoxin Exposure ◽  
Endotoxin Contamination ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Heterotrophic Plate Counts

Dental waterlines contain large numbers of Gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin, a component of such organisms, has significant health implications. Paired samples of dental unit water and the aerosols generated during dental procedures were collected, and assayed for bacteria and endotoxin levels, using heterotrophic plate counts and the Limulus amoebocyte lysate test. Consistent with published studies, the extent of bacterial contamination in the dental waters sampled for this investigation surpassed the levels associated with potable water, with counts in excess of 2.0×106 c.f.u. ml−1 in some samples. Correspondingly high concentrations of endotoxin [up to 15 000 endotoxin units (EU) ml−1] were present in the water. A statistically significant Spearman correlation coefficient of ρ=0.94 between endotoxin (EU ml−1) and bacterial load (c.f.u. ml−1) was demonstrated. All of the aerosol samples contained detectable endotoxin. Further studies of the consequences of dental endotoxin exposure, and evaluation of means to prevent exposure, are warranted.

scholarly journals The quantitative bacteriology of some commercial bivalve shellfish entering British markets

1975 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 431-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Ayres
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Accepted Standard ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Bivalve Shellfish ◽  
Faecal Streptococci ◽  
Specific Illness

SUMMARYIncidents of non-specific illness associated with the consumption of oysters have highlighted the lack of published information on the bacteriology of shellfish suitable for consumption. Investigations showed that the majority of molluscan shellfish entering English markets conform to the accepted standard of less than 5 Escherichia coli/ml. tissue. The numbers of E. coli were related to the sanitary quality of the growing area but no relation could be established between numbers of E. coli and coliforms, faecal streptococci or Clostridium welchii. The numbers of non-specific bacteria varied considerably but shellfish from sources associated with non-specific illness yielded relatively high counts at 37° C. The results showed that there was no justification for a standard based on total plate counts, which often exceeded 106/g. Such a standard would have to be coupled with spoilage or the incidence of non-specific illness. The relation between the numbers of non-specific bacteria growing at 20 and 37° C. appears to be a useful measure for assessing the likelihood that raw shellfish are a public health risk.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in Canadian Hospitals: Results of the Canadian Ward Surveillance Study (CANWARD 2008)

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (11) ◽  
pp. 4684-4693 ◽  
Author(s):  
George G. Zhanel ◽  
Melanie DeCorby ◽  
Heather Adam ◽  
Michael R. Mulvey ◽  
Melissa McCracken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Epidermidis ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Surveillance Study ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Polymyxin E ◽  
Resistance Rates

ABSTRACT A total of 5,282 bacterial isolates obtained between 1 January and 31 December 31 2008, inclusive, from patients in 10 hospitals across Canada as part of the Canadian Ward Surveillance Study (CANWARD 2008) underwent susceptibility testing. The 10 most common organisms, representing 78.8% of all clinical specimens, were as follows: Escherichia coli (21.4%), methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA; 13.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.0%), coagulase-negative staphylococci/Staphylococcus epidermidis (5.4%), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; 5.1%), Haemophilus influenzae (4.1%), Enterococcus spp. (3.3%), Enterobacter cloacae (2.2%). MRSA comprised 27.0% (272/1,007) of all S. aureus isolates (genotypically, 68.8% of MRSA were health care associated [HA-MRSA] and 27.6% were community associated [CA-MRSA]). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli occurred in 4.9% of E. coli isolates. The CTX-M type was the predominant ESBL, with CTX-M-15 the most prevalent genotype. MRSA demonstrated no resistance to ceftobiprole, daptomycin, linezolid, telavancin, tigecycline, or vancomycin (0.4% intermediate intermediate resistance). E. coli demonstrated no resistance to ertapenem, meropenem, or tigecycline. Resistance rates with P. aeruginosa were as follows: colistin (polymyxin E), 0.8%; amikacin, 3.5%; cefepime, 7.2%; gentamicin, 12.3%; fluoroquinolones, 19.0 to 24.1%; meropenem, 5.6%; piperacillin-tazobactam, 8.0%. A multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype occurred frequently in P. aeruginosa (5.9%) but uncommonly in E. coli (1.2%) and K. pneumoniae (0.9%). In conclusion, E. coli, S. aureus (MSSA and MRSA), P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and Enterococcus spp. are the most common isolates recovered from clinical specimens in Canadian hospitals. The prevalence of MRSA was 27.0% (of which genotypically 27.6% were CA-MRSA), while ESBL-producing E. coli occurred in 4.9% of isolates. An MDR phenotype was common in P. aeruginosa.

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