Inactivation of Airborne Viruses using Newly Designed Emitron

The objective of the current research is to validate the microbiological quality of Emitron against MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds. Unimech healthcare designed PMEE based Emitron which is mostly used to reduce the microbial count and virus count in an area. To perform microbiological testing of the Emitron, environmental monitoring was performed for MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds before and after treatment by settle plate method. Petri plates of sterilized Phage agar, SCDA and PDA media were prepared and exposed for environment monitoring before and after treatment by settle plate method. The phage agar and SCDA plates were incubated at 37°C for 72 hours and PDA plates incubated at 25°C for 5 days. Total of 99% reduction was reported in microbiology lab with respect to the microorganisms after installing Emitron. We can conclude that the Unimech healthcare’s Emitron is virus attenuation device so one can use it to purify the air and kill the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

Inactivation of Airborne Viruses using Newly Designed Emitron

The objective of the current research is to validate the microbiological quality of Emitron against MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds. Unimech healthcare designed PMEE based Emitron which is mostly used to reduce the microbial count and virus count in an area. To perform microbiological testing of the Emitron, environmental monitoring was performed for MS2 phage, Corona virus, bacteria, yeast, and molds before and after treatment by settle plate method. Petri plates of sterilized Phage agar, SCDA and PDA media were prepared and exposed for environment monitoring before and after treatment by settle plate method. The phage agar and SCDA plates were incubated at 37°C for 72 hours and PDA plates incubated at 25°C for 5 days. Total of 99% reduction was reported in microbiology lab with respect to the microorganisms after installing Emitron. We can conclude that the Unimech healthcare’s Emitron is virus attenuation device so one can use it to purify the air and kill the viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

Microbiological Assessment of Wheat and Buckwheat Sprouting Process

Introduction. Sprouted grain can cause food poisoning, since inappropriate conditions can promote the growth of pathogenic microorganisms on the grain surface. As a result, products of long-term storage use thermally-treated sprouted grain, the parameters of which depend on the initial bacteria content. There are different ways to reduce bacterial contamination of sprouted grain, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Natural substances with antimicrobial properties, such as medicinal herbs, can serve as decontaminators. However, no scientific research has been performed so far to determine the exact temperature of grain sprouting to minimize its microbiological contamination. The research objective was to investigate the effect of antimicrobial agents and sprouting conditions on the microflora of wheat and buckwheat grain. Study objects and methods. The study featured wheat grain and green buckwheat grain. A set of experiments was performed to define the effect of antimicrobial agents and sprouting conditions on the quantity of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (QMAFAnM), molds, and yeasts. During sprouting at 10–30°C for 90 h, the grain was irrigated with distilled water, potassium permanganate solution (KMnO4), calendula infusion, and celandine i nfusion. QMAFAnM and the count of molds and yeasts were determined by standard methods; the qualitative analysis of the microflora was based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Results and discussion. Microflora development during sprouting of wheat and buckwheat grains was controlled by selecting appropriate conditions and grain treatment methods. The herbal infusions for sprouting reduced the total microbial insemination of grain during sprouting by 52–68%; the calendula infusion reduced the contamination with molds by 47–51%, yeasts – by 100%. Conclusion. The research revealed the total microbial count and the count of mold and yeast colonies in dry sprouted grain. The optimal temperature of sprouting wheat and buckwheat was 20 ± 2°C in the infusion of medicinal herbs: it minimized the microflora of sprouted grain and reduced the sprouting time to 46 h. Calendula infusion could be recommended for commercial use in order reduce the microbiological contamination of sprouted grain. The initial microbial population of the product was found to affect the mode of heat treatment in long-term storage products.

Prevalence of Bacillus cereus in Ready-to-Eat Foods in Northern Perak, Malaysia

Food poisoning cases in Malaysia showed an increasing trend every year where 496 episodes were reported in 2018 as compared to 401 episodes in the same week of the year 2017. Bacillus cereus is one of the foodborne pathogens related to food poisoning cases in Malaysia. The main cause for the outbreak of B. cereus is the unregulated temperature during holding time. This study was conducted to detect the presence of aerobic bacteria and B. cereus present in ready-to-eat food in Northern Perak. A total of 83 food samples were collected and analyzed for the microbial count. The result shows that aerobic bacteria and B. cereus were detected in 28% of the samples. B. cereus count in food samples tested ranged from 100 cfu/g to 42000 cfu/g, whereas the aerobic bacteria recorded a range of 500 cfu/g to 2100000 cfu/g. The highest percentage of B. cereus was found in rice-based food, followed by meat, poultry, and gravy dishes. Positive colonies of B. cereus were further tested for anti-microbial resistance profile. Most B. cereus isolates showed resistance to tetracycline and clindamycin.

Microbiological surveillance of air and contact surface of pubic transports with its correlation to human infection risks

Over past few years, people are giving more attention to air pollution and its effects on human health. Due to the high population density in Bangladesh, air pollution is a major issue in metropolitan areas, especially in Dhaka city. Present study aims to isolate air-borne microbes from the inside environment of public transport and different types of microbes that are frequently encountered by commuters when they touch the interior surfaces of vehicles used for public transport in Dhaka City. Atmospheric load of microorganisms was measured with petri dish which was kept open for 30 minutes in the sampling locations and swabs were taken from interior surfaces of vehicles. Air samples collected from both bus and railway stations showed a high atmospheric microbial count (total viable bacteria and total fungal count were 140 to 776 CFU/plate/30 min and 27 to 168 CFU/plate/30 min, respectively). A similar outcome was found after analysis of swab samples of the contact surfaces of the vehicles as well. A total of four bacterial pathogens were identified from the interior surfaces of the vehicle including Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Vibrio spp. which are known to be associated with gastrointestinal tract infection. To manage and control the environmental health risks caused by air pathogens, an authorized governmental agency should do continuous monitoring of air quality to reduce the negative effects and impacts of air pathogens on human and animal health. This research has shown a great concern to health practitioners in developing countries because these are pathogens that are mostly resistant to the commonly available antibiotics used in the treatment of infection associated with these pathogens. Most importantly, we need to raise awareness among the public in order to reduce the load and spread of pathogenic bacteria in the environment. Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.11 (1) 2021: 7-10

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triphala Oral Spray in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment- A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Malocclusion is one of the most susceptible causes of the development of periodontal diseases and dental caries in young individuals undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. It provides a surface area for the accumulation of food particles, which further leads to plaque formation. Various mechanical and chemical aids are used regularly to decrease the microbial load and accumulation of plaque. Chemical adjuncts such as chlorhexidine mouthwash are widely used as antimicrobial agents that have significant efficacy against oral Streptococci and Actinomyces species. Herbal agents have replaced conventional medications due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Among herbal medicaments, Triphala is the well-known drug formulation that can be used as an adjuvant for commercially available chemical aid. Chlorhexidine mouth wash requires the assistance of the caregivers. Therefore, there is a need for a newer modality to maintain oral hygiene in patients undertaking orthodontic corrections. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala oral spray on Streptococcus mutants levels in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. 2. To evaluate the efficacy of Triphala oral spray in reducing dental plaque in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. 3. To evaluate the efficacy of Triphala oral spray reducing gingivitis in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methodology: A randomized control trial will be done among – participants with the age group of 10 to 15 years of age. A total of 25 children were included in the study. The participants will be told to use the spray two times a day for one week. After 7 days, plaque index and the gingival index will be re-recorded, and plaque samples will be collected for post-intervention microbial analysis. Results: Triphala-based oral spray will effectively reduce plaque score, reduce gingival inflammation, and show inhibitory effects on microbial count. Conclusion: Triphala oral spray can be used as an adjuvant by the orthodontic patients for reduction of the microbial load. It also provides better acceptability by the children as it does not require any assistance of the caregivers.

Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Quality Attributes of a Fermented Milk Drink (Laban) Fortified with Date Syrup (Dibs) during Cold Storage

This study investigated the nutritional, microbial, and sensory quality attributes of a fermented milk (laban) drink flavored with date syrup (dibs) during cold storage at 4 °C for 7 days. Date syrup was added to laban in specific proportions (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15% date syrup/total weight of flavored laban) and an appropriate percentage (12.5%, 74 °Bx) was selected based on the sensory preference of panelists. The results indicate that flavoring laban with date syrup affected the physicochemical, nutritional, microbial, and sensory quality attributes of the product in different ways. Incorporation of date syrup in fresh laban drink significantly increased the pH, ash, protein, total solids, sugars, and magnesium (p < 0.05). However, acidity, fat, casein, lactose, calcium, total microbial count, and total yeast and molds count were decreased (p < 0.05). During storage, acidity, ash, and microbial load were concomitantly increased, while fat, casein, total solids, and sugars showed a concurrent reduction as the storage period progressed. The panelists preferred the freshly prepared flavored laban drink compared with the stored one, which is not surprising. After 7 days of storage, flavored laban drink was more acceptable than a non-flavored one. The findings of this research will help in fortifying dairy products with dates to create highly nutritious drinks without the addition of artificial additives, refined sweeteners, and preservatives, which at the same time would be accepted by consumers.

Heavy Metal, Aflatoxin, Pesticide Residue, Microbial Analysis of Siddha Polyherbal Formulation Veppampoo mathirai

Aim: The polyherbal siddha formulation veppampoo Mathirai is effective in regulating blood pressure but its safety is not known. The heavy metal, aflatoxins, pesticide residue, microbial count have not been evaluated so far. The current study evaluated the above parameters. The present study was aimed to evaluate the safety parameters (heavy metal, aflatoxin, pesticide residue and microbial profile) of Veppampoo Mathirai. Materials and Methods: According to AYUSH [Ayurveda, yoga, unani, siddha, naturopathy] Pharmacopoeial laboratory for Indian medicine (PLIM) guidelines, the formulation was evaluated for its safety parameters at Noble research solutions, kolathur, Chennai, accredited with ISO 9001: 2015.Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) was used for testing heavy metals and aflatoxins were tested using Thin layer chromatography(TLC). The Pesticide residues content was estimated by GC/MS while microbial count by pour plate method. Results: The study revealed presence of heavy metals mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium within the recommended limit as per AYUSH Pharmacopoeial Laboratory for Indian Medicine Guidelines whereas presence of Aflatoxin, pesticide residues and microbes were absent in the sample which showed the formulation Veppampoo Mathirai (VPM) was free from toxicity. Conclusion: VPM showed heavy metal content below the permissible limit as per PLIM guidelines of AYUSH. Aflatoxins and pesticide residue were not detected while the microbes and specific pathogens were absent in the current batch of VPM. Hence, the present study ensures the formulation was safe for therapeutic use.

Killing efficacy of a new hypothermic corneal storage medium against the micro-organisms frequently found in human donor cornea intended for transplantation

ObjectiveTo study the in vitro killing efficacy of Kerasave (AL.CHI.MI.A Srl), a medium provided with amphotericin B tablet for hypothermic storage of human donor corneas, against relevant contaminants associated with postkeratoplasty infections.Methods and AnalysisThe antimicrobial activity of Kerasave was determined after 0, 3 and 14 days of incubation at 2°C–8°C, inoculating Kerasave and the control medium with 105–106 colony forming units (CFU) of Candida albicans (CA), Fusarium solani (FS), Aspergillus brasiliensis (AB), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Enterococcus faecalis (EF), Bacillus subtilis spizizenii (BS), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Enterobacter cloacae (EC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). Log10 reductions at different time intervals were determined by assessing the number of viable CFU using the serial dilution plating technique.ResultsAfter 3 days, Kerasave induced the highest log10 decrease in the concentrations of KP, PA, CA and EC (5.37, 4.15, 2.97 and 2.67, respectively; all p<0.001). The log10 decreases of SA and EF were 2.27 and 2.11, respectively (all p<0.001). The lowest log10 decrease was observed in BS, AB and FS concentrations (0.25, 0.30 and 0.67, respectively; p<0.001 for BS and AB and p=0.004 for FS). After 14 days, the microbial count of CA, FS, SA, EF, PA and EC further decreased (p=0.006 for FS; p<0.001 for the others).ConclusionKerasave effectively reduced or kept unchanged the microbial concentration of almost all tested strains after 3 days. Thus, this novel medium represents a valuable tool to control the microbial contamination of human donor corneas during hypothermic storage for up to 14 days before transplantation.