Hygiene

Background: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) have been suggested as novel pharmacological agents for various clinical conditions, including cancer and neurodegenerative, inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Periodontitis is a complex, multifactorial disease characterised by chronic inflammation, a dysbiotic microbiota, and the degradation of tooth-supporting tissues. It is influenced by factors such as immune capacity, genetic and epigenetic changes, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Objective: This systematic review with narrative synthesis examines the therapeutic potential of HDACis in the management of periodontitis. Method: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched to identify relevant articles published between 2000 and 2026. The systematic review is reported according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Results: HDACis consistently attenuated periodontal inflammation, reduced alveolar bone loss, and inhibited osteoclast differentiation and activity by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenic markers. Trichostatin A, MS-275, and valproic acid were the most extensively investigated compounds. Conclusion: Overall, the findings indicate that HDAC inhibition may have therapeutic potential, although substantial methodological heterogeneity and limited translational evidence precluded conclusions regarding clinical efficacy. Full article

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of infant morbidity and hospitalization, with respiratory viruses being the predominant etiological agents. Data on clinical profile and outcomes of viral ARIs in term infants from India remain limited. Our objective was to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical profile, laboratory profile, and outcomes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other viral ARIs in hospitalized infants (aged ≤ 12 months) born at term (>37 weeks gestation). Methods: This prospective, multicenter, hospital-based observational study was conducted in Eastern India between July 2023 and March 2025. Respiratory viruses were detected using real-time RT-PCR. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed. RSV-positive infants were compared with RSV-negative infants and with infants infected with other respiratory viruses. Results: Among 224 infants, respiratory viruses were detected in 56.3%, with RSV being the most common pathogen (19.6%). Compared with infants infected with other respiratory viruses, RSV-positive infants had a significantly higher frequency of fast breathing (72.7% vs. 53.6%, p = 0.03), higher levels of inflammatory markers, and a longer median hospital stay (8 vs. 6 days, p = 0.02). In exploratory multivariable analysis, RSV infection (adjusted OR [aOR] 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–6.1), low-flow oxygen requirement at admission (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.3), and feeding difficulty (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–2.9) were independently associated with severe disease. Conclusions: RSV was the leading viral cause of ARI in hospitalized term infants and was associated with greater respiratory involvement, a heightened inflammatory response, and prolonged hospitalization compared with other viruses. These findings highlight the importance of early recognition and appropriate supportive care in hospitalized term infants with RSV infection. Full article

Background: Food Service Units (FSUs) play a key role in large-scale meal provision but face significant challenges related to food waste management and environmental sustainability. Objective: To evaluate food waste generation in FSUs and investigate its association with operational factors and nutritionists’ knowledge of sustainability practices. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 30 FSUs belonging to a single food service company in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to unit nutritionists and through direct measurement of food waste. Waste was categorized into pre-preparation, overproduction, expired food, and plate waste. Measurements were performed using calibrated digital scales. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests, with correlations assessed via Spearman’s coefficient. Results: Median total waste was 54,718 units (IQR: 32,891–81,502). Strong correlations were observed between total waste and overproduction (ρ = 0.93; p < 0.001) and pre-preparation waste (ρ = 0.85; p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were found with number of meals served and number of employees. No statistically significant association was observed between nutritionists’ knowledge and total waste. Conclusions: Operational factors, particularly production-related waste, are the main contributors to total food waste in FSUs. Although no direct association with nutritionists’ knowledge was observed, improving management practices and production planning may significantly reduce waste. Full article

The integration of occupational safety and health protection with workplace efforts to promote worker health and well-being is a well-established concept, progressively formalized through the CDC-NIOSH Total Worker Health^® (TWH) program. This scoping review aimed to map and describe the implementation and evaluation methods used in TWH approaches across occupational settings. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched using predefined search strings based on “Total Worker Health” and “Total Worker Health approach”. The original search was conducted in January 2023 and was updated in July 2026 using the same databases and search strategies. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles written in English that addressed the application, implementation, assessment, or evaluation of TWH approaches in occupational settings. Sixty studies identified in the original search were fully charted and summarized using descriptive frequency tables. The updated search retained eight additional recent studies, which were reported separately and additionally charted across a focused set of core methodological domains. Across the original corpus and the updated studies, substantial heterogeneity was observed in occupational sectors, study aims, intervention components, assessment methods, analytical approaches, and reporting formats. The main tools used to evaluate TWH aspects and interventions were surveys, questionnaires, interviews, meetings, focus groups, training activities, and mixed-methods evaluations. No single standardized model for implementing or evaluating TWH approaches emerged from the mapped literature; however, more consistent reporting of implementation processes, assessment tools, study populations, and analytical approaches may improve comparability, reproducibility, and transferability across occupational settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this prospective clinical follow-up study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term periodontal responses over a five-year follow-up period associated with Class II direct posterior restorations placed using two different restorative approaches. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one Class II posterior restorations in 25 patients were included. Eighteen were performed using a bulk-fill approach with Admira Fusion X-tra^® (VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany), whereas thirteen used the proximal wall approach with Admira Fusion^® (VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany). Periodontal parameters, including plaque control record, gingival bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss, were recorded at baseline and five years using standardized periodontal examination procedures. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Given the limited sample size, the statistical analyses were considered exploratory. Results: The plaque control record decreased from baseline to the five-year follow-up, with a significant overall effect of time (F = 4.789, p = 0.037), while the time × restorative approach interaction was not significant (p = 0.694). The gingival bleeding index showed a slight numerical increase over the five-year period (25.52 ± 27.20% at baseline versus 27.00 ± 26.11% at five years); however, neither the effect of time (F = 0.139, p = 0.712) nor the time × restorative approach interaction (F = 0.505, p = 0.483) was statistically significant. Probing depth and clinical attachment loss remained relatively stable throughout the observation period, with no statistically significant time or interaction effects. Overall, no statistically significant time × restorative approach interactions were observed, indicating that longitudinal changes in the evaluated periodontal parameters did not differ significantly between the restorative approaches. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this exploratory clinical study, both ormocer-based restorative protocols were not associated with detectable deterioration in the evaluated periodontal parameters over the five years of follow-up. Full article

Despite the recommendation of purified water, dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) readily form biofilm and suffer persistent microbial contamination, threatening both patients and dental staff. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination and practical effectiveness of chemical disinfection in reverse osmosis (RO) water-supplied DUWLs. A single-center, sequential longitudinal study involving 15 dental chairs and 60 terminal outlets was conducted. Two disinfection strategies were sequentially evaluated: shock disinfection with a chlorine-based agent and continuous disinfection using slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW). Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) were quantified via R2A culture, and microbial communities were characterized by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) on 12 water samples (four terminal outlets and two source-water points, both pre- and post-disinfection). Water quality assessment revealed severe microbial contamination at the terminal outlets, with 73.33% of samples exceeding the threshold (500 CFU/mL) and a median HPC level of 805 CFU/mL. Notably, mNGS identified nucleic acid sequences of Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acanthamoeba in four pre-disinfection terminal-outlet samples. Chlorine-based shock disinfection achieved 100% compliance immediately after treatment; however, by week 5, the percentage above the threshold value had risen to 73.33%, with a median HPC level of 600 CFU/mL. The continuous SAEW disinfection protocol sustained effective microbial control over 55 weeks, with an overall percentage above threshold value of only 3.33%. mNGS analysis further confirmed a reduction in microbial relative abundance following one year of continuous SAEW disinfection. In conclusion, purified RO water alone could not guarantee DUWL microbiological safety, and this study provided practical evidence to support decision-making for DUWL maintenance. Full article

Healthcare cleaning services are essential for infection prevention and control, but they also contribute to the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities through recurrent consumption of detergents, disinfectants, textiles, water, energy, and transport-related resources. This sequential, non-randomized, single-facility evaluation compared a traditional cleaning protocol with a Green protocol oriented to the Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria (Criteri Ambientali Minimi, CAM) for cleaning services at Domus Nova Hospital, a private accredited healthcare facility in Ravenna, Italy. A risk-based microbiological monitoring plan was applied to low-, medium-, and medium-high-risk areas, prioritizing high-touch surfaces and using RODAC contact plates and sterile swabs. In parallel, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment was conducted in accordance with ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067 principles, using Global Warming Potential over 100 years as the main impact indicator and the functional unit of one square meter of cleaned hospital surface maintained for one year. The two protocols were assessed during different monitoring periods of unequal duration; therefore, the study was interpreted as a whole-system operational comparison rather than as a randomized trial or formal equivalence/non-inferiority assessment. After cleaning, all 64 observations obtained under the Green protocol met the adopted surface-hygiene acceptability criteria, compared with 55 of 64 observations under the Traditional protocol. No predefined target pathogenic indicators were recovered from post-cleaning samples under the applied culture conditions. From a climate-impact perspective, the Green protocol reduced the carbon footprint by 39.0%, corresponding to an avoided impact of 450 g CO2e m⁻² year⁻¹ and 2663.5 kg CO2e year⁻¹ at the facility scale. The main climate-related benefits were associated with the combined effect of textile-system redesign, lower energy consumption, optimized product use, and reduced operator transport. These findings support the use of integrated surface-hygiene indicators and life-cycle metrics to inform healthcare cleaning procurement, while highlighting that the results concern culture-based surface contamination indicators from a single facility and do not directly assess infection transmission or patient outcomes. Full article

Patient safety policies in Mexico have evolved through the incorporation and adaptation of the International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) within the broader Essential Actions for Patient Safety (AESP) framework. This narrative policy review aimed to analyze this evolution, compare the main characteristics of both frameworks, and examine the available evidence concerning AESP implementation and current challenges in Mexico. A structured literature search was conducted between March and July 2026 in PubMed and SciELO, supplemented by Google Scholar and official sources from the World Health Organization and Mexican health authorities; the final search update was performed in July 2026. The narrative synthesis included 26 sources: 17 scientific or academic publications and nine official or institutional documents. The evidence indicates that the AESP retained the six principal clinical safety areas of the IPSG while adding incident reporting and analysis and patient safety culture as organizational components. However, available Mexican empirical evidence is limited and does not establish national implementation levels or demonstrate that the AESP have independently reduced adverse events or improved patient outcomes. Further national, multicenter, longitudinal, and comparative evaluations are needed to assess implementation, adherence, reporting performance, safety culture, and patient outcomes. Full article

This study examined the microbial quality of air and surfaces in six elevators at a tertiary hospital in Greece in 2022. The results highlighted hospital elevators as potentially relevant environmental reservoirs of microbial contamination, with contact surfaces (buttons) exhibiting significantly higher microbial loads than the air. Strong seasonality was also documented; the elevated microbial burden observed during the October sampling period likely reflects seasonal fluctuations in occupant traffic and environmental factors, although direct traffic and microclimatic variables were not monitored. Presumptive Staphylococcus spp. strains dominated the air, while Gram-negative bacteria recovered on MacConkey agar prevailed on surfaces. Phenotypically resistant isolates were also detected, including isolates showing reduced susceptibility or resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobial agents, highlighting the potential value of incorporating AMR surveillance into environmental monitoring. The semi-quantitative environmental exposure assessment showed that, while air quality remained within acceptable limits, the surface-contact route via elevator buttons represented the largest estimated exposure component. Healthcare workers showed the highest estimated cumulative exposure because of the greater frequency of elevator use assumed in the exposure scenario. In conclusion, hospital elevators may act as environmental reservoirs of microbial contamination and potential exposure pathways within the hospital environment, highlighting the need for enhanced hygiene measures, systematic monitoring and the integration of antimicrobial resistance into exposure assessment. Full article

Food and beverage contamination by microbial and chemical hazards during product processing and handling has significant risks to quality, public health, and regulatory compliance. Cleaning and sanitation practices are essential components of food safety management systems, with their effectiveness dependent on factors such as product characteristics, residue composition, surface properties, biofilm formation, and environmental conditions during production and processing. A comprehensive analysis of cleaning agents and sanitizers, including alkaline, acidic, enzymatic, surfactants, and oxidizing compounds, as well as emerging and sustainable approaches (e.g., organic acid-based formulations, bio-based surfactants, electrolyzed water, and ozone), and their roles during the processing and handling of products, is key to minimizing risks but also to creating resilience in the entire food chain. This review highlights the importance of understanding food-soil composition when selecting appropriate cleaning solutions and methods, particularly for removing carbohydrate-, protein-, fat-, and mineral-based residues, as well as biofilms from food-contact surfaces. Sector-specific challenges, such as biofilm persistence in seafood processing, fouling in dairy operations, moisture control in low-moisture food facilities, and microbial contamination in fresh produce, meat, poultry, cereal grain, and beverage processing, are also discussed. The overall goal is to support researchers, food industry professionals, and regulatory stakeholders in selecting and optimizing cleaning and sanitizing protocols that ensure food safety and regulatory compliance across diverse food industries. Full article

Healthcare-associated infections remain a major public health challenge, and primary health care (PHC) plays a critical role in preventing and interrupting transmission within communities. This study assessed knowledge and self-reported adherence to Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions among nursing professionals working in PHC. The findings were subsequently interpreted through the conceptual perspective of Infection Containment Readiness (ICR). A cross-sectional census study was conducted in 16 PHC units in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, including 75 eligible nursing professionals. Knowledge was assessed using a validated instrument comprising 47 items distributed across five domains, while adherence was evaluated through 12 self-reported practice indicators. Overall knowledge was satisfactory, with a mean accuracy rate of 78.9%. Higher performance was observed in medication safety and sharps disposal (92.0%), glove use (81.8%), and hand hygiene (77.0%), whereas lower scores were identified in risk recognition (75.6%) and respiratory precautions and cough etiquette (68.2%). Important misconceptions were identified regarding tuberculosis transmission and respiratory infection control. Self-reported adherence was heterogeneous, particularly for respiratory protection measures, tuberculosis-related practices, glove use during capillary blood glucose testing, and participation in continuing education activities. Based on the observed findings and current infection prevention literature, we propose a hypothesis-generating conceptual framework for interpreting ICR in PHC. These findings suggest that strengthening infection prevention in PHC requires strategies that address not only knowledge acquisition but also risk recognition, contextual decision-making, and organizational support for preventive practices. Full article

This scoping review represents the first of 2020–2025, peer-reviewed publications investigating the possible relationships among burnout, nutrition, and nutrition/food literacy during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The main conceptual insight is that these relationships are addressed only incidentally in existing research. Searches on 9 January 2026 were of the keywords (burnout OR job stress) AND (nutrition OR diet OR eating pattern OR food intake) AND (nutrition literacy OR food labeling) AND (food literacy OR health literacy). An eight-database search produced 160 returns. The included reports from these searches were from Google Scholar alone (n = 6). The addition of four relevant reports from a previous search of “burnout AND nutrition AND (nutrition literacy OR food literacy)” increased the included studies to ten. Although 2020 was the lower date limit, publication of the results was between 2023 and 2025. The finding is that research conducted during this period reports co-occurring issues of burnout, nutrition, and nutrition/food literacy in specific populations. The primary discovery is that assessing the relationships among these terms was not the aim of the included studies. This lack of dedicated research on this topic presents an opportunity for burnout and nutrition researchers to investigate these relationships intentionally. Full article

Background: The widespread use of online review platforms has transformed how patients evaluate healthcare providers and has created a valuable source of patient-generated feedback on healthcare quality. Negative online reviews provide valuable insights into patient experiences and sources of dissatisfaction. This narrative review aimed to synthesize the main themes and concerns expressed in negative online patient reviews across healthcare and dentistry and to explore recurring patterns reported in the available literature. Methods: A narrative literature search was conducted between January 2015 and May 2026. Results: Twenty-two studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Negative online reviews reflected multiple dimensions of the patient experience, including interpersonal, communication, organizational, financial, and clinical concerns. Although the relative prominence of these themes varied across healthcare settings and specialties, dental studies more frequently emphasized treatment expectations, professional trust, and perceived value for money. Conclusions: The findings indicate that patient dissatisfaction expressed in negative online reviews is multidimensional and cannot be interpreted solely through clinical outcomes. Rather than establishing the relative importance of different determinants of patient satisfaction, this review characterizes the themes most commonly expressed in negative online reviews. As a complementary source of patient-generated insights, online reviews may inform patient-centered quality improvement initiatives and support improvements in healthcare service delivery. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate medical students’ hand hygiene knowledge at Balqa Applied University. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the World Health Organization Hand Hygiene Knowledge Questionnaire for Health-Care Workers. Knowledge scores were calculated based on correct responses, and independent-samples t-tests were used to examine differences in knowledge scores between groups. A total of 292 medical students participated. The mean knowledge score was 14.5 ± 2.7 out of 25. Most students demonstrated moderate knowledge (70.9%), while 24.0% had poor knowledge and 5.5% had good knowledge. Knowledge scores did not differ significantly by sex, medical year, or routine use of alcohol-based handrub (p > 0.05). However, students who had received formal hand hygiene training or education achieved significantly higher scores (p = 0.023). Overall, medical students demonstrated a moderate level of hand hygiene knowledge, and formal training or education was associated with better knowledge, emphasizing the value of incorporating hand hygiene education and training into medical curricula. Full article

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, with potentially severe consequences for pregnant women, foetuses, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite its public health importance, epidemiological data on T. gondii infection in Kuwait remain limited and restricted to selected population groups. This study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii among community-based adult participants in Kuwait and examined potentially associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2024 in Kuwait City and Jahra governorates. Serum samples from a convenience sample of 200 adults attending governmental polyclinics were screened for T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using VIDAS ELISAassays, with IgG-positive samples further analysed for IgG avidity. Demographic and exposure data were collected using structured questionnaires. Univariable and multivariable associations between demographic and exposure-related factors and IgG seropositivity were statistically evaluated. Results: The overall IgG seroprevalence was 11.5% (23/200), with no significant difference between governorates. All samples were IgM-negative, and all IgG-positive and equivocal samples showed high avidity. Age >40 years was associated with seropositivity in univariable analysis, but this association was not significant after adjustment (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 0.88–5.89; p = 0.092). No significant associations were observed with sex, nationality, educational level, travel history, cat ownership, or contact with stray cats. Conclusions: Among the participating community-based adults in Kuwait, T. gondii seroprevalence was lower than that reported in several regional studies, with serological findings consistent with past rather than recent infection. No demographic or exposure-related factor was independently associated with seropositivity. Larger population-based studies specifically powered to investigate risk factors and incorporating dietary, occupational, environmental, and migration-related exposures are needed to better characterise transmission pathways and inform targeted One Health surveillance and prevention strategies. Full article

This study investigated the microbiological quality of “aguas frescas” (fresh fruit drinks) by using fecal coliform and E. coli as microbiological indicators of food safety culture in three types of markets: those with reputable established quality systems (RMQSs), those of reputable brands governed solely by NOM-251 (RMNs), and popular markets (PMs). Additionally, other hygiene aspects outlined in the Mexican regulation NOM-251 were evaluated. Results showed that 100% of samples from RMQS met the permissible limits for both parameters. In contrast, 53% of RMN samples and 75% of PM samples were non-compliant for fecal coliforms. Similarly, non-compliance with E. coli was observed in 40% of RMN and 51% of PM samples. These findings highlight a clear disparity in “aguas frescas” quality across different market types. Moreover, a lack of food hygiene practices was detected in those RMN and PM establishments. Lower compliance rates were observed for the use of face masks (60%), hairnets (43%), and gloves (30%). Certain aspects of the study demonstrated deficiencies in food handling, encompassing both preparation and preservation methods. The data highlight a need for improved training and enforcement of hygiene practices. Full article

Background: Rickettsioses are emerging diseases worldwide caused by intracellular bacteria of the genus Rickettsia. In recent years, these diseases have caused deaths in northwestern Mexico, particularly cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). While ticks are considered the primary vector for RMSF, other possible vectors of rickettsioses, such as fleas, lice, and mosquitoes, coexist with reservoirs, including dogs, cats, and other domestic animals that may interact with humans. This study aimed to detect the presence of Rickettsia spp., including spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, in arthropod vectors not previously reported in northwestern Mexico using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Methods: Ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitoes were collected from dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and humans. qPCR was used to detect Rickettsia spp. and SFG Rickettsia. Results: Rickettsia spp. were detected in dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), with pooled positivity rates of 13.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Conclusions: These results suggest that ticks and fleas are the main arthropod vectors involved in transmitting Rickettsia spp. in northwestern Mexico. Full article

Self-ear cleaning is widespread in Saudi Arabia, yet public knowledge about proper ear hygiene and associated risks remains variable. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding self-ear cleaning among adults in the Northern Border Region and to situate the findings within the context of previous studies from other Saudi regions. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 534 adults (ages 18–60) residing in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-reported complications related to self-ear cleaning. Knowledge was evaluated using 8 items, with 1 point per correct response (total score 0–8), and good knowledge was defined as ≥5 correct responses. Most participants (89.1%) reported practicing self-ear cleaning, predominantly using cotton buds (73.7%). Although many recognized potential harms (81.4% believed cotton buds could push wax deeper and 78.1% were aware of the risk of eardrum perforation), 64.1% still believed regular self-ear cleaning was necessary, indicating a knowledge–practice gap. Reported complications included otitis externa (50.6%), pain (44.0%), and bleeding (18.9%). In multivariable logistic regression, higher knowledge was independently associated with postgraduate education, healthcare employment, non-smoking status, and a history of hearing problems. Comparative synthesis with previous surveys from other Saudi regions revealed broadly similar prevalence, preferred tools, and complications, suggesting that self-ear cleaning is a common and often risky behavior nationwide. In conclusion, self-ear cleaning is prevalent in the authors’ region despite substantial awareness of its risks, and a persistent knowledge–practice gap was observed. While the cross-sectional, convenience-sample design limits causal inference and generalizability, these region-specific findings may help inform targeted educational messages and future interventional studies aimed at promoting safer ear hygiene and reducing avoidable ear-related morbidity in similar settings. Full article

Transport cages used for live poultry constitute a major source of cross-contamination in slaughterhouses, particularly regarding Salmonella spp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of washing parameters—specifically temperature and detergent conductivity—in reducing Salmonella contamination as well other microbial parameters in turkey transport cages under industrial conditions. Six washing conditions were tested by combining three temperatures (40, 45, and 60 °C) and different detergent conductivities (0–4 mS/cm), using an alkaline chlorinated detergent. Microbiological analyses included Salmonella spp. and indicators such as mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, assessed before and after washing at three time points during the processing day. High initial contamination levels were observed in all cases. Results demonstrated a clear synergistic effect between temperature and detergent conductivity. The treatment at 60 °C and 2 mS/cm provided the most effective balance, achieving total elimination of Salmonella and significant reductions in indicator microorganisms without the need for maximum detergent concentration. Increasing conductivity beyond this level did not lead to substantial improvements. These findings support the optimization of washing parameters as a key prerequisite program within HACCP systems in poultry slaughterhouses. Full article