Microbial Load of Chicken Shawerma and the Handlers’ Compliance with Food Safety Practices in Jordan

Background: Shawerma is a popular traditional food in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the shawerma handlers’ compliance with food safety practices and determine the microbial load and pathogenic organisms in the ready-to-eat chicken shawerma sandwiches in the restaurants of Amman, Jordan. Methods: This cross-sectional study used mixed methods including observational checklists to determine the compliance of food safety practices by 120 chicken shawerma handlers from 40 randomly selected restaurants in Amman. Additionally, pathogenic microorganisms were assessed by laboratory analysis in the ready-to-eat chicken shawerma sandwiches. Results: Only 2.5% and 10% complied, respectively, with separating knives and boards used for chicken from the ones used for vegetables. The compliance for maintaining proper temperatures for freezers and chillers were only 62% and 67%, respectively. As for hand-washing techniques and using disposable drying papers, the adherence was 5% and 7.5%, respectively. Laboratory analysis showed that 27.5% of the ready-to-eat shawerma had unacceptable levels of microorganisms. Conclusion: Our findings showed poor compliance of food safety practices in chicken shawerma restaurants of Amman. There is a need for capacity building and periodic evaluations of food handlers’ knowledge and practices within a comprehensive food safety program, carried out by qualified trainers. Keywords: chicken shawerma, food safety, Jordan

Meconium Microbiome of Very Preterm Infants across Germany

Meconium is present in the intestines of infants before and after birth and constitutes their first bowel movements postnatally. The consistency, composition and microbial load of meconium is largely different from infant and adult stool.

Anti – Microbial effect of three essential oils in treating Upper respiratory tract Infection via vapours generated by Pressurized steam chamber (PSC)

Disinfection tunnel (DT) or sanitization tunnel used for disinfecting the persons by spraying with appropriately atomized virucide spray, Direct inhalation or spraying of disinfectants on people with chemical element and different toxicant chemicals may lead to eye and skin irritation and cause numerous allergic disorders. So this obstacle was overcome by Ideal flow control private limited by designing the Pressurized Steam Chamber (PSC) in which Natural oils was mixed in an emulsifier solution, and induced along with steam through multiple nozzles within the chamber, so that persons could get disinfected the entire body. Anti-microbial efficacy of our three essentials oils were determined by standard method, ISO 4833-1:2013 by collecting sample through walk in/walk out chamber protocol. Our present study report of MSME (ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises) and SGS Chennai, reveals that in phytotherapeutic oils initial microbial load are found to be <1 CFU / mL, in emulsifier and in formulation (water + emulsifier + natural oils) the presence of bacterial colonies found to be 470000 CFU / mL and 20000000 CFU / mL whereas, the distillate collected from essential oils at 65̊ c shows the absence of microbial load. Further swab analysis report of 8 individuals states that samples (hand swab and surface swab) collected for the estimation of Total plate Count showed that there is a reduction in microbial load when exposed to the Steam generated by Pressurized Steam Chamber (PSC) at both the time intervals, 20 and 40 seconds. These findings confirm that three essential phytotherapeutic oils combined with steam have some potent activity against emerging disease.

THE COMPOST, A SOURCE OF PLANT BENEFICIAL BACTERIA WITH BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL

Recycling the sewage sludge from treatment plants is a common activity. The resulting compost is usually rich in plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. However, compost properties greatly differ depending on the nature of the fermented biomass and fermentation processes. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbial load of three different composts, in order to detect new bacterial strains with plant protection properties. Isolated bacteria were microbiologically characterized and evaluated for their potential to reduce soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi. Results showed a microbial load of approximately 106 CFU/g of compost. In the analyzed samples it was revealed that as bacterial load increases, the fungal amount decreases. Analyzing some newly isolated bacteria obtained from these composts, a good biocontrol potential against soil-borne pathogenic fungi was revealed. Some of the isolated bacterial strains revealed antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These bacteria showed good colonization capacity and lytic enzymes production, correlated to antimicrobial activity. These compost-originated bacteria reveal high potential in pathogens inhibition. Therefore, the analyzed composts are recommended not only as soil fertility improvers, but also as potential suppressors of soil-borne pathogens. Results revealed these composts as source of plant beneficial bacteria with biological control potential.

USE OF NON-LINEAR AUTOREGRESSIVE MODEL (NAR) TO FORECAST THE FUTURE HEALTH OF SHRIMP FARM

Microbial load in terms of Total Coliform (TC) and Fecal Coliform (FC) were documented in the water of a shrimp culture farm at Malancha region of North 24 Parganas for a period of 36 years (1984-2019). The region receives the wastewater from the city of Kolkata. A steady hike in the microbial load (comprising of both total and fecal coliform) is noticed. The primary reason behind this rise of the microbial load is the run-off from the nearby landmasses that brings various types of wastes in the shrimp farm under investigation. The sustainability of shrimp farms in this region is under question due to the huge microbial load as revealed from the output of NAR.

Study of the effect of treatment with pomegranate peel extract on the microbial load of coated Awassi lambs' meat samples when preserved by freezing: دراسة تأثير المعاملة بمستخلص قشور الرّمان على الحمولة الميكروبية لعينات لحم حملان العواس المغلّفة عند حفظها بالتجميد

In this study, the effect on the microorganism counts and the changes of this microbial load on the meat of Awassi lambs were studied after being packed and stored for 6 months under freezing conditions (-18 C) through treatment with pomegranate peel extract. The research tests were conducted in the laboratories of the Food Science Department at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering in Deir Ezzor. The results of the microbial load counts showed significant differences in the numbers of intermediate thermophilic anaerobic bacteria between the samples treated with the extract and the control samples during the storage period. Significant differences were also observed in the numbers of E. coli bacteria, and the samples treated with concentration (1.5%) were the least numbered compared to samples treated with other concentrations. The average logarithm of the numbers of E. coli bacteria in the meat of Awassi lambs decreased from (7.74, 7.45, 6.64) in The beginning of the storage period to (3.72, 2.54, 1.21) at the end, when using pomegranate peel extract concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5%) respectively. The average logarithm of the number of bacteria Pseudomonas according to the concentration of the extract (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) from (11.07, 11.02, 10.46) at the beginning of the storage period to (7.12, 6.23, 2.98) at the end of the storage period, respectively, as for the control samples. (Other than the treatment with the extract), the number of bacteria increased in an insignificant way.

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.

Disposal habits and microbial load of solid medical waste in sub-district healthcare facilities and households in Yilo-Krobo municipality, Ghana

The study aimed to assess disposal practices and quantify the microbial load present in SMW from ten sub-district level healthcare facilities and 385 households in Yilo Krobo municipality, Ghana. Disposal of solid medical waste (SMW) was assessed by questionnaire-based surveys, unstructured interviews and field observations. Microbiological analysis identified species and counts of bacteria present in SMW from both sources. Sociodemographic factors influencing the method of SMW disposal in households were evaluated using logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Open burning (29%), burying (25%) and disposal at a dumpsite (49%) were common methods used by households to discard SMW. SMW disposal at a dumpsite was associated with age of respondents in households. Older people (50+ years) were three times more likely to place SMW in household waste later discarded at a dumpsite, compared to younger persons (20–30 years) [a0R, 95%CI = 3.37, 1.41–8.02]. In sub-district level healthcare facilities, open burning and burying were the most common methods used. Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium tetani, Enterococcus faecalis, Acinetobacter spp. Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Enterococcus faecium) were bacteria identified in SMW recovered from both the healthcare facilities and the households. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp. and Clostridium tetani were found exclusively in untreated SMW generated in the healthcare facilities. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. were found in one sample of treated SMW. The microbial load in SMW from healthcare facilities and households ranged from 0.036 x 103cfc/mg to 0.167 x 103 cfc/mg and from 0.118 x 103cfc/mg to 0.125 x 103cfc/mg respectively. This highlights the need for institutionalizing appropriate treatment methods in sub-district level facilities or strengthening the linkages with higher level facilities to ensure regular and adequate treatment of SMW. Public guidance on management of SMW generated in households which is context specific should also be provided.