Hygiene, Volume 4, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 9 articles

Parental willingness is a prerequisite for childhood immunization. This study evaluated whether parental vaccination readiness and willingness, measured using the modified Japanese 7C Vaccination Readiness Scale, predicted vaccination behavior. In December 2021, 2 months before the approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5–11 years in Japan, 1190 parents of children in this age group were surveyed regarding their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The survey utilized an online version of the modified 7C Vaccination Readiness Scale, comprising seven components: Confidence, Complacency, Constraints, Calculation, Collective Responsibility, Compliance, and Conspiracy. The modified 7C components were analyzed for model fit and their association with parental intention using structural equation modeling. The scale demonstrated good model fit (goodness-of-fit index: 0.98), with high standardized factor loadings for parental readiness (factor loadings: 0.84). In January 2024, the same parents were surveyed about their children’s COVID-19 vaccination status (valid responses: 536). The relationship between the components of the modified 7C scale and actual vaccination behavior was examined. Parents with low readiness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 exhibited a significantly higher non-vaccination rate. These findings suggest that the modified 7C scale could support the development of targeted interventions to improve childhood vaccination uptake. Full article

Infections are a common post-operative ailment for patients who have received a dental implant or device and can be attributed to biofilm formation in tissue or on the implant. Many current solutions for oral hygiene have side effects and affect the natural oral microbiome. 2-heptylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (2CP) is a medium-chain fatty acid and synthetic diffusible signaling factor that can prevent and disperse biofilm. The purpose of this work was to evaluate an immersion strategy for coating hydroxyapatite (HAp) with 2CP to prevent biofilm attachment on and around natural teeth and dental implants. The release profile of 2CP-loaded and 2CP+oral rinse-loaded HAp coupons (n = 6) was assessed by a 3-day exposure to phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Antimicrobial properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis and cytocompatibility of 2CP-loaded HAp coupons (n = 4) were also assessed alone and in combination with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. The majority of 2CP is released by 12 h. 2CP, oral rinse, and 2CP+oral rinse significantly reduced P. gingivalis viability, though direct contact assay demonstrates a significant reduction in Saos-2 viability for oral rinse and 2CP+oral rinse coupons. Immersion or rinsing hydroxyapatite with 2CP could inhibit biofilm-associated dental infections and prevent further complications including caries, gingivitis, and peri-implantitis. Full article

Infectious diseases are largely preventable, yet they continue to pose a significant threat to public health, particularly among vulnerable populations in developing countries. Basic hygiene practices, especially hand and skin hygiene, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of the cross-transmission of infections, including those caused by multi-drug-resistant organisms. In light of the growing global concern about antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent need to review and reinforce these practices. This study provides a general overview of the role that hand hygiene practices play in decreasing infectious diseases by conducting a comprehensive review. Multiple online databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched using relevant keywords such as “hygiene practices”, “infectious diseases”, “public health”, “Africa”, and “sanitation”. After filtering the search results for relevancy, selected studies were narratively synthesized to present the latest data on hand hygiene and its impact on infectious diseases. Strengthening hand and skin hygiene, along with environmental sanitation and preventive measures, can help reduce the spread of nosocomial infections. By emphasizing the importance of these fundamental hygiene practices, particularly in regions where the burden of infectious diseases is highest, the development of antibiotic-resistant diseases can be prevented, improving patient safety, and enhancing public health outcomes. Adopting comprehensive hygiene policies, including regular handwashing, is crucial for reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases and improving health outcomes in developing countries. Full article

The symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus often go unreported, complicating the effectiveness of conventional chemical and physical methods used to inhibit its growth in food production. This challenge, combined with the increasing use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the food industry and consumer preference for minimally processed products, prompted this study. The antibacterial activity of diffusible substances produced by Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454 against Bacillus cereus NC11143 and Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 was investigated using a non-contact co-culture model utilising deMann Rogosa and Sharpe broth, with glucose as a carbon source. This study employed plate counting and flow cytometry to assess the impact of these substances on bacterial growth and to analyse their composition and antimicrobial efficacy. The co-culture of Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454 resulted in the production of a stable antimicrobial peptide, which was heat resistant and acid tolerant. Purification was achieved via ammonium sulphate precipitation and preparative HPLC, yielding a peptide with a molecular mass of 3.3 kDa, with daughter ion fractions similar to nisin A. Antimicrobial activity studies demonstrated that the diffusible substances effectively inhibited B. cereus growth over a period of eight days and exhibited bactericidal activity, killing 99% of the B. cereus cells. Additionally, these substances also inhibited Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 grown under similar conditions. Comparative analysis revealed that in the co-culture assay, L. lactis produced a 50% higher yield of the antimicrobial peptides compared to pure cultures. Similarly, the specific growth rate of L. lactis was four times higher. With respect to protein purification and concentration, ammonium sulphate precipitation coupled with solid phase extraction was most effective in the purification and concentration of the diffusible substances. The findings provide a basis for utilising bacteriocin-producing strains as a preservation method, offering an alternative to traditional chemical and physical control approaches especially for the food industry. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections, commonly referred to as mycoses, are widespread and affect various parts of the body. Common types of fungal skin infections include tinea pedis, tinea unguim, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and tinea manuum. Athletes, in particular, are at a higher risk of contracting these infections due to several factors inherent to their training and competitive environments. Methods: This research examined the incidence, anatomical distribution, and seasonal occurrence of fungal skin infections among beach volleyball athletes in Greece. The study cohort consisted of 785 participants, with an average age of 28.4 years. Variables recorded included gender, the seasonal periods during which athletes might be more prone to injuries, and the specific body areas affected by fungal infections. In addition, training-related data such as weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were collected. Results: Incidence rates correlated in relation to gender: male, tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea manuum (p < 0.010); number of weekly trainings: tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea unguium (p < 0.043), tinea cruris (p < 0.008), tinea versicolor (p < 0.038), tinea manuum (p < 0.043); average hours of daily training: tinea unguium (p < 0.039), tinea manuum (p < 0.039). Conclusions: Athletic activities often involve exposure to warm, moist conditions that promote fungal growth. Locker rooms, showers, and equipment can harbor fungi, spreading infections among athletes. Understanding these infections is essential for effective prevention and management, as they can impact performance and health if untreated. Proper hygiene, antifungal treatments, and public health measures are crucial to reducing the risk in athletic settings. Full article

Background: Hands are critical vectors for microorganisms that cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene, being done the right way, at the right time, and being given the right priority in a healthcare setting is an effective strategy to reduce HAIs and associated costs. Different strategies have been put in place to help improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers; amongst them, continuous training is advised at all levels of care. Aim: This study, focusing on nursing students, aimed to describe their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards hand hygiene, highlighting their crucial role in maintaining health and preventing infections. Methods: This study was a quantitative cross-sectional study. One hundred and fourteen questionnaires were distributed; 103 were filled out and returned by willing students at Maluti Adventist College, thus a 90% response rate. Results: 62% (64) demonstrated moderate knowledge, all had positive attitudes, and 61% (63) had a positive perception towards hand hygiene. There was a significant (p-value = 0.012) association between knowledge and training. Conclusions and recommendations: These provide valuable input for enhancing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) hand hygiene multimodal strategy, the SAFE LIFE Clean YOUR HAND campaign, and healthcare workers’ teaching curriculum. All stakeholders should implement strategies that prioritize knowledge dissemination to promote effective hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers worldwide. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) is a dangerous disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its transmission occurs through aerosols, making healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to it. At the San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital in Granada (HUCSC), preventive measures such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) tests were implemented to detect latent tuberculosis infection. At HUCSC, between 2022 and 2024, 4.75% (92/1936) of workers were found to have positive IGRA test results, with no significant differences observed between professional categories. However, variability in positive IGRA rates was noted across different medical departments, with pulmonology and sample handling being the most affected. Additionally, a relationship was found between age and the likelihood of obtaining a positive IGRA test result. These findings underscore the importance of targeted preventive measures and a multifaceted approach to controlling and preventing tuberculosis in workplace environments. Full article

Dental students are frequently exposed to percutaneous injuries (PCIs) due to the nature of their clinical work, which involves sharp instruments and close patient contact. The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasized the need for stringent biosafety measures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Despite these precautions, injuries remain prevalent, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and training in biosafety and infection control. This study investigates the incidence and causes of injuries among undergraduate dental students during clinical sessions. This study was conducted at the Department of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, focusing on injuries reported from 2021 to 2024. Data were collected through self-reported clinical records. The primary variables assessed included the type of injury, the instrument involved, the clinical procedure performed, and the immediate actions taken post-injury. Serological testing was conducted on students and patients to assess the risk of the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. The findings reveal a high prevalence of injuries, with needles being the most common cause (51.4%), followed by other tools such as dental probes (25.7%) and burs (8.6%). The most frequent injury type is piercing (74.2%), primarily affecting the fingers (88.6%). Periodontal treatments, restorative procedures, and endodontic treatments are the main activities leading to injuries, with 17.1% of injuries being caused by each. No statistically significant results are recorded. Despite regular medical records for most patients treated by injured students, serological testing shows significant positivity rates for HCV and HBV. Notably, most injured students demonstrate their commitment to safety by adhering to recommended post-exposure protocols, including wound cleaning, disinfecting, and serological testing. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 heightened the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and reinforced occupational health standards. Our study highlights the critical need for enhanced biosafety awareness and training among undergraduate dental students to reduce injury risks. Full article