Bacterial pathogens isolated from currency notes circulating amongst live-bird marketers in Damaturu and Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria

Bacterial contamination of currency notes is of veterinary and public health importance because contaminated notes could serve as vector for the spread of pathogenic and perhaps multidrug resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to assess the antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial contaminants found in various denominations of the Nigerian currency circulating among live-bird vendors in Yobe State, Nigeria. Three hundred and twenty (320) currency notes of all denominations were collected from the marketers for investigation. All samples were screened for bacterial pathogens according to standard techniques. The disc diffusion method was used to assess the antibiotic susceptibility of each of the isolated bacterial species against twelve antimicrobial drugs. The result showed that the higher denominations (N1000 - N100) were contaminated by Bacillus spp, (48.2 %), Eischerchiia coli ((13.5 %), Klebsiella spp (6.4 %) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.0%), Salmonella spp (0.7%), Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus (17.0%), and Streptococcus spp (9.2%) while the lower denominations (N50 - N5) were contaminated by Bacillus spp (37.1%), coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus (19.1%,), E. coli (14.6 %), Klebsiella spp (5.1 %), P. aeruginosa (6.7%), Salmonella spp (7.3%) and Streptococcus spp (10.1%). All the isolated bacteria were resistant to ampicillin, oxacillin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline. Ciprofloxacin had the greatest activity followed by nitrofurantoin, neomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin. The present study revealed that Naira notes circulating among live-bird marketers were contaminated by pathogenic bacteria. It is recommended that live-bird traders should observe strict personal and environmental hygiene while engaging in their daily transaction to forestall any public health threat that may arise from transmission of disease pathogens from the legal tender of transaction in the market.

Variation Between Community and Hospital Acquired Methicillin Resistant Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus Isolates from The Nasal Carriage in The Central Region of Saudi Arabia

Background The coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CoPS) has become progressively prevailing in both community and hospital. The variation between community and hospital acquired methicillin resistant coagulase positive staphylococcus has been used to monitor decisions about realistic therapy. Methods Participants presenting with culture proven coagulase positive staphylococcus from the nose were enclosed during this study. Antibiotic susceptibility test was verified by exploiting the E-test and disk diffusion methods. Eleven toxin genes had been analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction. Results The oxacillin-resistant E-test showed extremely vital resistance in hospital-isolates (34.5%) than in community-isolates (19.2%) (p-value = 0.009). The most effective antibiotic against community acquired CoPS is a quinupristin followed by vancomycin and rifampin then clindamycin. Whereas, clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, rifampin, and quinupristin seem to be more effective against hospital acquired CoPS. The intermediate effects of both cefoxitin and vancomycin were highly significant in hospital acquired CoPS isolates compared with hospital acquired CoPS isolates (p-value = 0.009 and 0.005). The proven methicillin resistance coagulase positive staphylococcus (MRCoPS) was subjected for detection the following toxin embp (480 bp), aap (180 bp, 200 bp, 300 bp, 460 bp, and 480 bp), and aae (110 bp) genes that were present only in a community acquired MRCoPS. But the following coa (400 bp and 800 bp), spa (1100 bp and 1120 bp), aae (220 bp), and IcaD (100 bp) genes were present only in a hospital acquired MRCoPS. The PVL gene was absent in both community and hospital acquired MRCoPS isolates. Conclusion Hospital acquired coagulase positive staphylococci were highly significant resistant effects against oxacillin and intermediate effects against cefoxitin compared to community acquired coagulase positive staphylococci. All coagulase positive staphylococcus isolates were sensitive to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and quinupristin, but they were resistant to penicillin only. Genotypically, all tested toxin genes showed variation between community and hospital depending on the gene size bands. This study stresses the vital would like for broad screening, precautionary, and educational methods to accomplish the cumulative MRSA prevalence rate.

MICROBIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PASTY AND SOFT ICE CREAM

Ice creams are susceptible to contamination by handling and bad hygiene conditions during the storage process and the fraction for sale, once those can be means of diseases. This survey’s objective was to evaluate the microbiological quality of ice creams sold in bulk, of the pasty and soft types, offered for consuming. Thirty samples of pasty ice cream, sold in bulk, and thirty samples of soft ice cream were analyzed by counting thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, and researching the presence of Salmonella. During the survey, were found ten (33%) samples of pasty ice cream and five (16%) samples of express ice cream out of the limits established by the Brazilian law. Salmonella was found in four samples. These results are an alert to the need of a bigger attention to the microbiological quality of ice creams, in order to ensure the consumer’s security.

Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de doces pastosos de leite comercializados na região de Lavras - MG

The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of five brands of dulce de leche called A, B, C, D and E. The samples were collected in an establishment and taken to the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, fungi, and yeasts, coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CPS) and enterobacteria were quantified. Temperature, pH and acidity were also determined. The results showed that the brands C, D and E are following the legislation. Regarding the physicochemical analysis were adequate. It is emphasized that there must be an inspection and the cleaning of utensils so that the food becomes safe in this way.

Hygiene status of food contact surfaces in public school canteens in the city of Novi Sad, Serbia

Background/Aim. The aim of this study conducted between 2008 and 2017 was to examinethe hygiene status of food contact surfaces and the application of good hygiene practice by food handlers in school canteens. Methods. A total of 10.366 swabs were taken from food contact surfaces including food handler's hands from public school canteens in Novi Sad, Serbia, over ten year period, covering voluntary good hygiene practice and obligatory HACCP implementation periods. Results. Significant differences (P < 0.05) between aerobic colony counts (ACCs) on surfaces were found. A general positive trend regarding the reduction of microbial contamination of food contact surfaces was observed. The percentage of surfaces swabs with ACCs above 2.48 log CFU/cm2 significantly decreased (R2= 0.453) during the study period, the percentage of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus in the swabs also decreased, but not significantly (R2=0.264), and average annual Enterobacteriaceae counts above the established limit values on surfaces significantly decreased (R2=0.442) over the years. A significantly higher (P<0.05) percentage of workers? hands harbored ACCs, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae above the established limits than from equipment or work surfaces. Conclusion. The results obtained showed proper implementation of good hygiene practice concerning food contact surfaces, but implementation of good personal hygiene practices needs enhanced supervision.

NUGGETS PREPARED USING MECHANICALLY SEPARATED MEAT (MSM) OBTAINED FROM TILAPIA CARCASSES AND CASSAVA DOUGH

The aim of this study was to develop Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) nuggets produced using tilapia fillet residues (obtained from the filleting process performed at the Fish Market in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil) and cassava dough. Five nugget formulations were developed, and the following microbiological analyses were performed: Escherichia coli counts, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts, and Salmonella sp. detection. Physicochemical analyses were also carried out concerning moisture content, ash, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, calories, water activity and pH. A sensory analysis was performed by untrained tasters concerning color, aroma, flavor, texture, global acceptance, and purchase intention. The microbiological analyses results indicate that both the tilapia MSM and the prepared nuggets exhibited suitable hygienic sanitary standard for human consumption. The physicochemical assessments indicated a nutrient-rich product. Regarding the sensory analysis, good nugget acceptance was observed. In conclusion, the use of tilapia MSM to produce nuggets is a good way to use carcasses that would otherwise be discarded, and cassava dough up to 21.5% may be used for nugget production.

Microbiology of Sandwiches: “Street – Foods” and “Fast – Foods”

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological quality and the presence of pathogens in sandwiches from different snack bars. Study Design: Foods ready for consumption present a composition which facilitates their deterioration and care from production to consumption ensures its quality. The sandwich is a product of high consumption for its easy acquisition and despite its immediate consumption the sandwich can be considered a food offering risk to the consumers because it is composed of different ingredients that require excessive manipulation. Place and Duration of Study: Food Microbiology Laboratory - University of Uberaba. Methodology: For this study, 30 samples of this product were collected from the popular snack bars, street-foods and reputable fast-foods chains in Uberaba trade. The samples were transported to the Laboratory of Food Microbiology of the University of Uberaba in isotherm boxes filled with ice where they were kept under refrigeration until the time of analysis. The microbiological analyses were done according to the methods proposed by Vanderzant and Splittstoesser (1999) and Silva et al. (2007). Results: From the total of the samples analyzed, 36.6% presented fecal coliforms and Salmonella sp.; 46.6% presented coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and 30% Bacillus cereus. There was no presence of sulphite-reducing clostridium. Conclusion: The presence of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus indicates the lack of hygiene by food handlers because it is a living microorganism from the nasopharynx and the presence of Salmonella sp. and fecal coliforms indicate poor hygiene and sanitary handling. The improper handling and lack of care in relation to good practices favor the food poisoning.