scholarly journals Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated With Rot of Watermelon Fruit in Sokoto Metropolitan, Sokoto State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 78-83
Author(s):  
Y. I. Alhaji ◽  
S. Y. Lema ◽  
J. Ibrahim ◽  
A. Umar ◽  
M. Garba
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Foodborne Diseases ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Rhizopus Stolonifer ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Identification Of Fungi ◽  
Fungal Organisms ◽  
Careful Handling

Watermelon fruit contain high vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is susceptible to many pathogenic microorganisms that results to unpleasant odours and cause foodborne diseases. This study was conducted to isolate and identify fungi that are associated with rot of watermelon fruit in Sokoto metropolitan. The presence of fungal organisms was examined in five different locations within Sokoto metropolitan. Isolated fungus was identified morphologically, microscopically and using molecular standard procedures. Results showed that (3- Aspergillus is one gemus) 4 fungal genera were isolated and Identified. The isolated fungi were Asperqillus flavus, Aspergillus niger. Rhizopus stolonifer and Mucor spp. Fungi isolated from this study are of economical and public health importance. This study was carried out to examine the fungi associated with the rot of watermelon fruit in Sokoto metropolitan. Careful handling of watermelon  fruit are recommended to ensure longer shelf-life, prevent spread of rot pathogens and keep fruit in the highest quality before consumption.

scholarly journals Isolation and identification of bacteria associated with fermentation of melon seed for Ogiri Sold in Owerri, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 057-061
Author(s):  
Joy Nkeiruka Dike-Ndudim ◽  
Chizaram Winners Ndubueze ◽  
Juliet Chidinma Ezihe ◽  
Emeka Okechukwu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Public Health Implication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Food Borne ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Identification Of Bacteria ◽  
Food Condiments ◽  
Melon Seeds

In order to ascertain the public health implication of the consumption of the fermented melon (Cucumismelo), known as Ogiri, consumed in all South Eastern Nigeria and beyond as a food condiment, thirty samples of locally fermented melon seeds, Ogiri, were randomly purchased from three markets in Owerri metropolis in Imo State. These samples were microbiologically analysed using pour plate technique on nutrient agar, MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar at 370C for 24 hours. The viable and mean counts were determined and the data obtained were statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference between the contamination of the samples (p>0.05). These organisms, following the order of predominance were isolated; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence of these microorganisms of public health importance in food condiments pose a risk of enteritis and other food borne diseases in some individuals after its intake. Thus, the health organizations should embark on public and personal enlightenment programs targeted at both the producer and the consumer.

scholarly journals Microbial Assessment and Health Risks of Consumption of Uncooked Smoked Horse Mackerel Fish (Trachurus trachurus) Sold in Open Markets in Owerri Metropolis, South Eastern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 15-20
Author(s):  
N. U. Nwogwugwu ◽  
E. C. Chinakwe ◽  
C. E. Ihejirika ◽  
E. C. Ezenweani ◽  
C. C. Ngumah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Horse Mackerel ◽  
Trachurus Trachurus ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Smoked Fish ◽  
Microbiological Methods ◽  
Fish Samples

Aim: To assess the microbiological quality of uncooked smoked horse mackerel fish (Trachurus trachurus) sold in Owerri and ascertain the presence and prevalence of microorganisms of public health importance. Study Design: Random sampling was done. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri; from October, 2019 to April, 2020. Methodology: Smoked fish samples (n=20) were purchased randomly from retailers in Relief, Naze, Eziobodo and Obinze markets and taken to the laboratory for isolation and identification of microorganisms. Standard microbiological methods were employed to analyze for viable heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts on nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar respectively, using the spread and streak plate techniques. Coliform counts were done on MacConkey agar. Biochemical characterization of the microorganisms was adopted for their identification. Results: Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Salmonella and Micrococcus species. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and coliform counts ranged from 2.8 x 106 cfu/g to 1.6 x 108 cfu/g and 2.7 x 104 cfu/g to 5.3 x 105 cfu/g respectively. Fungal species identified were Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus and Fusarium spp and fungal counts as high as 4.5 x 105 cfu/g were recorded. Conclusion: The high level of microbial contamination of the samples and the presence of organisms of public health importance signifies an obvious danger to human health. Eating smoked fish without proper cooking should be discouraged by the relevant authorities. Also, food safety authorities should intensify their monitoring efforts towards controlling such contaminations and averting possible outbreaks of diseases.

An Overview of Gambling in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Sanju George ◽  
Jessy Fenn ◽  
Kripa Robonderdeep
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
The World

Gambling is a popular pastime in India, as in most cultures across the world. Although research from India is limited, there is enough evidence to suggest that it should be of public health importance. In this brief paper, we look at the evolution of gambling in India and also discuss potential ways forward to address this issue.

scholarly journals Reconciling Epidemiology’s Aspirations and Capabilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Savitz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Action Current ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Action ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Health Applications

Abstract Interpreting the results of epidemiologic studies calls for objectivity and rigorous scrutiny, acknowledging the limitations that temper the applicability of the findings to public health action. Current trends have posed new challenges to balancing goal of scientific objectivity and validity with public health applications. The ongoing tension between epidemiology’s aspirations and capability has several sources: the need to overpromise in research proposals, compromising methodologic rigor because of public health importance, defending findings in the face of hostile critics, and appealing to core constituencies who have specific expectations from the research.

scholarly journals Salmonella in Captive Reptiles and Their Environment—Can We Tame the Dragon?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1012
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zając ◽  
Magdalena Skarżyńska ◽  
Anna Lalak ◽  
Renata Kwit ◽  
Aleksandra Śmiałowska-Węglińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Epidemiological Analysis ◽  
High Occurrence ◽  
Salmonella Serovars ◽  
Floor Surfaces

Reptiles are considered a reservoir of a variety of Salmonella (S.) serovars. Nevertheless, due to a lack of large-scale research, the importance of Reptilia as a Salmonella vector still remains not completely recognized. A total of 731 samples collected from reptiles and their environment were tested. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Salmonella in exotic reptiles kept in Poland and to confirm Salmonella contamination of the environment after reptile exhibitions. The study included Salmonella isolation and identification, followed by epidemiological analysis of the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. Implementation of a pathway additional to the standard Salmonella isolation protocol led to a 21% increase in the Salmonella serovars detection rate. The study showed a high occurrence of Salmonella, being the highest at 92.2% in snakes, followed by lizards (83.7%) and turtles (60.0%). The pathogen was also found in 81.2% of swabs taken from table and floor surfaces after reptile exhibitions and in two out of three egg samples. A total of 918 Salmonella strains belonging to 207 serovars and serological variants were obtained. We have noted the serovars considered important with respect to public health, i.e., S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Kentucky. The study proves that exotic reptiles in Poland are a relevant reservoir of Salmonella.

scholarly journals First molecular detection of hepatitis E virus genome in camel and pig faecal samples in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fufa Dawo Bari ◽  
Haimanot Belete Wodaje ◽  
Umer Said ◽  
Hika Waktole ◽  
Melaku Sombo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Universal Primers ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Faecal Samples

Abstract Background Hepatitis E is an enteric and zoonotic disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) that is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food or the environment. The virus is an emerging infectious agent causing acute human infection worldwide. A high seroprevalence of the disease was reported in pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising significant public health concern. The presence of HEV specific antibodies were also reported in dromedary camels in the country; however, the infectious virus and/or the viral genome have not been demonstrated to date in animal samples. Methods To address this gap, a total of 95 faecal samples collected from both apparently healthy pigs of uncharacterised types (50 samples) in Burayu and Addis Ababa areas and camels (Camelus dromedarius, 45 samples) in west Hararghe were screened for the presence of HEV genome using universal primers in a fully nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The protocol is capable of detecting HEV in faecal samples from both pigs and camels. Results The nRT-PCR detected HEV genes in six (12%) pig faecal samples and one camel sample (2.2%). Therefore, the results indicate that HEV is circulating in both pigs and camels in Ethiopia and these animals and their products could serve as a potential source of infection for humans. Conclusion The detection of HEV in both animals could raise another concern regarding its public health importance as both animals’ meat and camel milk are consumed in the country. Further studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of the virus in different animals and their products, water bodies, food chain, and vegetables are warranted, along with viral gene sequencing for detailed genetic characterisation of the isolates circulating in the country. This information is critically important to design and institute appropriate control and/or preventive measures.

Criteria for identifying allergenic foods of public health importance

2008 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Björkstén ◽  
R. Crevel ◽  
C. Hischenhuber ◽  
M. Løvik ◽  
F. Samuels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Importance
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