scholarly journals Impact of a disinfecting technique on microbial contamination of computer keyboards and telephone handsets

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Messina ◽  
Emma Ceriale ◽  
Sandra Burgassi ◽  
Carmela Russo ◽  
Chiara Defranceschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Health Care Associated Infections ◽  
Elastic Compound ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Background: Computers and telephones are ubiquitous in the hospital and have been shown to be contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganism. The aim of the study was to determine microbial contamination on computer keyboards and telephone handsets and the effectiveness of a disinfecting technique (DT). Methods: A matched cross-over study, involving an overall of 50 computer keyboards and 50 telephone handsets, was conducted in three hospitals, located in the Local Health Area of Siena (Italy) before and after the use of an innovative DT consisting of a malleable-elastic compound, containing ethanol, which adheres to surfaces, removes dirt and disinfects. Total bacterial count was evaluated and several types of bacteria and fungi were researched pre- and post- use of the DT. Non parametric tests: Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann Whitney, were used, when appropriate. Results: The DT was effective in disinfecting the objects. In fact, Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) decreased to zero in most comparisons. All the comparisons showed significant differences (p<0.001) after the DT, both for computer keyboards and telephone handsets. The only exception was found for molds in telephones (p=0.062). Keyboards emerged to be dirtier than telephones handsets (p<0.05) for several types of bacteria. Conclusions: The data suggest that microbial contamination of keyboards and telephones is considerable. These objects can be a vehicle for Health Care-Associated Infections HAIs and their disinfection should not be neglected. The DT showed to be appropriate for the disinfecting purpose.

scholarly journals Environmental Contaminants in Hospital Settings and Progress in Disinfecting Techniques

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Messina ◽  
Emma Ceriale ◽  
Daniele Lenzi ◽  
Sandra Burgassi ◽  
Elena Azzolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Count ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Hospital Units ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Medical devices, such as stethoscopes, and other objects found in hospital, such as computer keyboards and telephone handsets, may be reservoirs of bacteria for healthcare-associated infections. In this cross-over study involving an Italian teaching hospital we evaluated microbial contamination (total bacterial count (TBC) at 36°C/22°C,Staphylococcusspp., moulds,Enterococcusspp.,Pseudomonasspp.,E. coli, total coliform bacteria,Acinetobacterspp., andClostridium difficile) of these devices before and after cleaning and differences in contamination between hospital units and between stethoscopes and keyboards plus handsets. We analysed 37 telephone handsets, 27 computer keyboards, and 35 stethoscopes, comparing their contamination in four hospital units. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney tests were used. Before cleaning, many samples were positive forStaphylococcusspp. and coliforms. After cleaning, CFUs decreased to zero in most comparisons. The first aid unit had the highest and intensive care the lowest contamination (P<0.01). Keyboards and handsets had higher TBC at 22°C (P=0.046) and mould contamination (P=0.002) than stethoscopes. Healthcare professionals should disinfect stethoscopes and other possible sources of bacterial healthcare-associated infections. The cleaning technique used was effective in reducing bacterial contamination. Units with high patient turnover, such as first aid, should practise stricter hygiene.

Incidence of Microorganisms on Environmental Surfaces in Some Secondary Schools in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Famubo, Joseph A. ◽  
Oladunjoye, Bunmi B. ◽  
Sofoluwe, Yetunde O.
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Mannitol Salt Agar ◽  
Environmental Surfaces ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

Due to the ubiquitous nature of bacteria and fungi, the microbiological analysis of environmental surfaces (chairs, tables, floors, hand rails, toilet door knobs and class door knobs) of five (5) secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi metropolis was carried out. Surface swabbing method was used for the collection of a representative sample on the surfaces. Media such as Nutrient agar, Eosin methylene blue, Sabouraud dextrose agar, and Mannitol salt agar were used for the isolation of the organisms. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.1×102 to 9.9×103 CFU/ml, while the total fungi count ranged from 0.0 to 3.6 ×103 CFU/ml. The bacteria isolated include: Corynebacterium kutsceri, Lactobacillus casei, Bacillus sphaerious, Staphlococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aeromonas spp, staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas spp, Micococcus varians, while the fungi isolated include Rhizopus stolonifer, Saccharyomyces cerevisae, Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, Mucor spp., Fusarium spp. The isolation of these organisms followed series of procedures, starting with samples collected with swab sticks emulsified with peptone water, followed by the sterile dilution of each sample to a factor of 10-1 for chairs, tables, hand rail and door knobs while floor was diluted to a factor of 10-2. One millilitre (1ml) aliquots of which was used as a representative sample used for isolation of pure colonies was followed by series of biochemical test to confirm the identification of each isolate. Despite the routine cleaning practiced in secondary school setting, isolation of microorganisms from secondary school setting is inevitable.

scholarly journals Contamination Levels and Identification of Bacteria in Milk Sampled from Three Regions of Tanzania: Evidence from Literature and Laboratory Analyses

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Msalya
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Listeria Ivanovii ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Identification Of Bacteria ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
First Time

Milk in Tanzania has been reported to be contaminated with large number of bacteria. This is because (1) milk is obtained from animals with unknown health status, (2) good milking and handling practices are to a large extent not observed, and (3) marketing and distribution are done in informal channels. These factors are potential causes of milk-borne diseases and milk quality loss. The aim of this study was to assess nutritional risks in milk as reported in literature over a period of 20 years and through analyses of samples collected during the present study. The issues highlighted in literature were high bacteria and coliform counts exceeding standard levels in East Africa, prevalence of bacteria and drug residues in milk, and adulteration. Based on performed analyses, total bacterial count1.0×107colony forming units per millilitre (cfu/ml) and total coliform count1.1×107 cfu/ml, also greater than recommended levels, were found. Ten bacteria types were isolated from milk samples (five,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Listeria monocytogenes,Listeria innocua,Listeria ivanovii, andKlebsiellaspp. are reported in Tanzanian for the first time). Two drugs tetracycline and sulphur were detected. Therefore, it is worth noting that integrated research is needed to evaluate the situation and address these challenges.

scholarly journals Identification of Microbial Contamination Sources in Distilled Spirits

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ancuța ROTAR ◽  
Cristina Anamaria SEMENIUC ◽  
Elena MUDURA ◽  
Teodora COLDEA ◽  
Carmen LAZÄ‚R POP
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
High Alcohol ◽  
Alcohol Content ◽  
Coliform Count ◽  
Distilled Spirits ◽  
Total Yeast

Due to their high alcohol content, distilled spirits are not susceptible to microbial contamination. Because moulds were found in samples of vodka and spirit drinks, the present study was conducted to identify the sources of microbial contamination during the manufacturing process. Total bacterial count (TBC), total yeast and mould count (TYMC) and total coliform count (TCC) were determined in water and from different processing area surfaces, TBC and TYMC in the air of processing areas and TYMC in distilled spirits samples. The source of microbial contamination of distilled spirits was microaeroflora from processing areas.

scholarly journals ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT OF 0.2% CHLORHEXIDINE AND 1% CHITOSAN MOUTHWASH ON BACTERIA DURING ORTHODONTIC MINISCREW USE

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
ERLINA HASRIATI ◽  
HARU SETYO ANGGANI ◽  
MARIA PURBIATI ◽  
ENDANG WINIATI BACHTIAR
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Antibacterial Effect ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objective: Inflammation is one of the most common complications observed when using orthodontic miniscrews. Chlorhexidine mouthwash can beused to prevent and reduce the degree of inflammation, but long-term use of this solution may lead to some side effects. This study sought to evaluatethe peri-miniscrew antibacterial effect of 1% chitosan, a biomaterial with antibacterial properties, relative to 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash.Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at the Dental Teaching Hospital and Oral Biology Research Laboratory at theUniversity of Indonesia from February to June 2019. Thirty subjects (25 females and five males) were randomly assigned to rinse with 1% chitosan(n=10), 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (n=10), and Aquadest (n=10) in addition to their usual oral hygiene procedure for 4 days. Peri-miniscrewclinical inflammation signs were recorded and peri-miniscrew plaque collected before and after 4 days of rinsing. The total bacterial and red-complexbacteria count in plaque samples were evaluated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Chitosan and chlorhexidine showed antibacterial activity, reducing total bacterial count around orthodontic miniscrews (p<0.05). Theantibacterial activity of chitosan on total bacteria was not significantly different from that of chlorhexidine (p≥0.05). Regarding the antibacterialactivity of chitosan on red-complex bacteria, the best result seen was a 58% bacteria count reduction in Tannerella denticola.Conclusion: Chitosan has potential antibacterial activity and could be used in mouthwash to maintain peri-miniscrew hygiene.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Resistance in Microbes from Street Fruit Drinks and Hygiene Behavior of the Vendors in Delhi, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4829
Author(s):  
Neha Sharma ◽  
Kamalpreet Singh ◽  
Devinder Toor ◽  
Somnath S. Pai ◽  
Rishika Chakraborty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Fruit Juices ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Street Vendors ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Almost All

Microbial contamination of fruit juices has caused major outbreaks, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The inept hygiene and safety practices followed by the juice vendors are the leading risk factors of the microbial contamination of juices. In this pilot study, the five most crowded markets in urban Delhi, including Kamla Nagar, University of Delhi (north campus), Tilak Nagar, Chandni Chowk, and Rohini, were selected for a questionnaire survey on the fruit juice vendors and the sampling of water used for juice preparation as well as sugarcane, orange, and mix fruit juices collected from these markets for the enumeration of total bacterial count (TBC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem. The results indicated that the majority of the vendors were not following hygiene and safety practices when compared with the recommended standard safety practices. The use of municipal water by 95% of vendors with high TBC counts might have been the major source of microbial contamination in all types of fruit juices. E. coli and Salmonella contaminations were high in sugarcane (2 × 105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL) and mix fruit (2.2 × 105 CFU/mL) juice samples, respectively. On the other hand, Vibrio was found to be absent in almost all juice samples except for orange juice. All strains were found to be susceptible to chloramphenicol, but resistant to ampicillin and cefotaxime. Only a few strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, and only E. coli strains were resistant to imipenem. Taken together, the overall microbiological standards of fruit juices served by street vendors were not within the acceptable limits, perhaps due to the poor quality of water used to prepare juices and poor hygiene and safety practices followed by the vendors. More importantly, the isolated microbes demonstrated resistance to ampicillin and cefotaxime, which may have pressing public health implications. Post hoc power analyses identified the minimum sample size required for 80% power.

scholarly journals Is it Possible to Sanitize Athletes' Shoes?

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Messina ◽  
Sandra Burgassi ◽  
Carmela Russo ◽  
Emma Ceriale ◽  
Cecilia Quercioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Enterococcus Spp ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Unpleasant Odor ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp

Context: Footwear should be designed to avoid trauma and injury to the skin of the feet that can favor bacterial and fungal infections. Procedures and substances for sanitizing the interior of shoes are uncommon but are important aspects of primary prevention against foot infections and unpleasant odor. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a sanitizing technique for reducing bacterial and fungal contamination of footwear. Design: Crossover study. Setting: Mens Sana basketball team. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-seven male athletes and 4 coaches (62 shoes). Intervention(s): The experimental protocol required a first sample (swab), 1/shoe, at time 0 from inside the shoes of all athletes before the sanitizing technique began and a second sample at time 1, after about 4 weeks, April 2012 to May 2012, of daily use of the sanitizing technique. Main Outcome Measure(s): The differences before and after use of the sanitizing technique for total bacterial count at 36°C and 22°C for Staphylococcus spp, yeasts, molds, Enterococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Escherichia coli, and total coliform bacteria were evaluated. Results: Before use of the sanitizing technique, the total bacterial counts at 36°C and 22°C and for Staphylococcus spp were greater by a factor of 5.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.42, 9.84), 5.84 (95% CI = 3.45, 9.78), and 4.78 (95% CI = 2.84, 8.03), respectively. All the other comparisons showed a reduction in microbial loads, whereas E coli and coliforms were no longer detected. No statistically significant decrease in yeasts (P = .0841) or molds (P = .6913) was recorded probably because of low contamination. Conclusions: The sanitizing technique significantly reduced the bacterial presence in athletes' shoes.

scholarly journals Udder preparation and its effect on udder cleanliness and milk quality

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. AL- Hubaety
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Permanganate ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Milk Quality ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Paper Towel ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Proportional Reduction

Total bacterial count was performed in eighty milk samples and eighty udder swabs collected from 20 cows, to compare the effect of treating udders with wet towel washing (55-60C0), followed by paper towel drying; three concentrations of Iodophre and Hibitane followed by paper towel drying and two concentrations of potassium permanganate followed by paper towel drying with non-treated udders .Results showed that Log10 of CFU/ swab of untreated udders was significantly (p≤ 0.05) differ from those swab samples when udder was treated with wet towel washing (55-60C0), followed by paper towel drying. By using iodophor, there was in asignificant (p≤ 0.05) reduction in the Log10 of CFU/ swab after udder treatment with all used concentrations of iodophor, and there was also proportional reduction in the Log10 CFU/ swab with each increase in the Iodophor concentration (0.1:100, 0.5:100 and 1:100) respectively. The same picture was gained by using Hibitane at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% as Iodophre. Potassium permanganate treatments with its two concentrations showed significant differences in Log10 /swab of udder before and after treatments and between its two concentrations 0.5:1000 and 1:1000.Total bacterial count of milk samples were a mirror of swab samples. From results it is evident that chemical disinfectants or hot water were effective in reducing udder contamination before milking.

scholarly journals Microbial contamination of hands with or without the use of bidet toilets (electric toilet seats with water spray) after defecation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeharu Oie ◽  
Shinya Kawai
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Water Spray ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Toilet Paper ◽  
Signed Rank ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Signed Rank Test

Abstract Bidet toilets (electric toilet seats with water spray) are increasing in popularity worldwide. However, the extent of reduction of microbial contamination of the hands with the use of bidet toilets after defecation is unclear. Microbe contamination of the hands with and without the use of bidet toilets after defecation was examined in 32 nursing students. Double gloves were worn on the dominant hand and four layers of toilet paper were used to wipe the buttocks after defecation, and microbe contamination of the second glove (outer glove) of the double gloves was examined. The volunteers were free to select the flow volume, wash time of the bidet, and the type of bidet. Without the use of a bidet toilet, the average value ± standard deviation of the number of microbes attached to the gloves was 39,499.3 ± 77,768.3 colony forming units (cfu)/glove; however, it was 4,146.9 ± 11,427.7 cfu/glove when the bidet toilet was used. The number of microbes adhering to gloves was significantly reduced when a bidet toilet was used (p &lt; 0.00001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test).

Total Bacterial Count in Raw Milk Using the BactoScan 8000

1993 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 838-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L Rodrίguez-Otero ◽  
M Hermtoa ◽  
A Cepeda ◽  
C Franco
Keyword(s):  
Reference Method ◽  
Petri Dish ◽  
Bacterial Count ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Total Bacterial Count ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Milk Hygiene ◽  
The Individual

Abstract The BactoScan 8000 (Foss Electric) automatically performs a total count of bacteria in raw milk. It was designed for fast, repeatable counting. The apparatus counts the individual bacteria (IBC) instead of colony forming units (CFU). IBC provides more information on the state of milk hygiene than the CFU count. The repeatability, sr, was 0.033 log (IBC/μL), which is equivalent to a coefficient of variation of 7.9% (IBC/μL). The carryover, which is the contamination one sample imposes on the next, was 0.19%. The BactoScan 8000 was calibrated against the reference method of counting colonies on a Petri dish. The correlation coefficient for 429 milk samples was r= 0.88, and the standard deviation of the residuals, syx, was 0.259. The detection limit was 15 CFU/μL. We recommend establishing a system of payment to farmers based on the bacteriological quality of their milk as determined by the BactoScan 8000. Because results are obtained in IBC/μL, analytical differences resulting from conversion to CFU/|iL are eliminated.

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