Search Results (235)

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat that undermines treatment in humans and animals. In Zambia, where livestock production underpins food security and livelihoods, AMR challenges are aggravated by limited surveillance, weak diagnostics, and poor regulatory enforcement, facilitating the spread of resistant pathogens across the human–animal–environment interface. This study aims to analyse AMR patterns of bacterial isolates collected from Zambia’s animal health sector between 2020 and 2024, to generate evidence that informs national AMR surveillance, supports antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions, and strengthens One Health strategies to mitigate the spread of resistant pathogens. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of previously collected routine laboratory data from five well-established animal health AMR surveillance sentinel sites between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were analysed by year, sample type, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) profiles using WHONET. Results: A total of 1688 samples were processed, with faecal samples accounting for 87.6%. Animal environmental samples (feed, manure, litter, abattoir/meat processing floor, wall, and equipment surface swabs) (collected from abattoirs, water, and farms) increased significantly over time (p = 0.027). Overall, Escherichia coli (E. coli) (50.4%) and Enterococcus spp. (30%) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. E. coli exhibited high resistance to tetracycline (74%) and ampicillin (72%) but remained susceptible to aztreonam (98%), nitrofurantoin (95%), and imipenem (93%). Enterococcus spp. were susceptible to penicillin (84%) and ampicillin (89%) but showed borderline resistance to vancomycin (53%) and linezolid (50%). Klebsiella spp. demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin (52%) and gentamicin (40%), whereas Salmonella spp. remained highly susceptible. Notably, resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid rose sharply from 22.2% to 81.8% (p = 0.027). Across 1416 isolates, high levels of multidrug resistance (MDR) were observed, particularly in E. coli (48.4%) and K. pneumoniae (18.6%), with notable proportions progressing toward possible Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) and Pan-Drug-Resistant (PDR) states. Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal rising resistance to commonly used antibiotics in the animal health sector. Despite the lack of molecular analysis, our findings underscore the urgent need for AMS programs and integrated AMR surveillance under Zambia’s One Health strategy. Full article

Effective environmental monitoring is critical for preventing microbial and allergenic cross-contamination. However, manual swabbing methods, commonly used to verify hygienic conditions, are prone to inconsistent results because of variability in pressure, coverage, and techniques. Two novel solutions will be explored to address these challenges: a robotic swabbing system with tactile sensing control, and a fluorescence/absorbance spectrometer for non-contact, protein-based residue detection. The robotic system was evaluated against trained and untrained humans, measuring water pickup, surface coverage, and pressure consistency. Concurrently, the fluorescence system analyzed model poultry protein soil to correlate spectral patterns with contamination levels. The robotic system demonstrated statistically superior performance, achieving consistent force application and near-complete surface coverage, overcoming key limitations of manual sampling. The fluorescence system distinguished contamination with high sensitivity, validating its use as a rapid, non-contact assessment tool. Together, the robotic sample acquisition and the spectrometer’s sensitive analysis provide a dual-modality framework for enhancing hygiene monitoring in manufacturing facilities. Full article

Background: Orthodontic auxiliaries can create plaque-retentive niches that inflame adjacent soft tissues. We compared bacterial colonization on molar bands, Nance buttons, and acrylic plates and assessed associated periodontal and palatal tissue responses in adolescents. Methods: In a cross-sectional study (n = 128; 10–17 years), clinical indices (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, bleeding on probing, probing depth) were recorded at device-influenced teeth. Palatal fibromucosa under palate-contacting devices was graded 0–3 (0 = none, 1 = mild/diffuse, 2 = moderate/confluent, 3 = marked with papillary hyperemia). Swabs from device surfaces, adjacent enamel, and palatal mucosa were cultured for total aerobic counts (log₁₀ CFU/cm²); Streptococcus mutans burden was quantified by qPCR (log₁₀ copies/mL). Group differences and adjusted associations were analyzed. Results: Palate-contacting devices harbored greater palatal biofilm and presented higher soft-tissue inflammation than bands. In adjusted models, device type (Nance, acrylic) remained associated with higher Gingival Index independent of measured behaviors and wear duration. Palatal colonization tracked closely with palatal erythema, supporting a local dose–response at the palatal interface. Conclusions: Appliance design is associated with distinct colonization patterns and soft-tissue responses; palate-covering acrylic components warrant device-specific hygiene and routine palatal inspection. Selecting designs with better cleansability and reinforcing plate-specific cleaning may mitigate palatal inflammation during treatment. Full article

Background: Dental offices and clinics utilize a variety of dental materials that are delivered in reusable containers and dispensers. However, many of these materials, including NeoPutty, BC Putty, Flowable, and Diapex, may be subject to bacterial contamination and microbial exposures from the surrounding dental office environment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify and identify microbial contamination, specifically in regard to these reusable dental materials. Methods: Surfaces of new and used reusable and resealable tubes where the material dispenses and the interior surfaces of the cap were swabbed and cultured. DNA was isolated from each sample and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to determine the presence or absence of microbial contamination, as well as the relative abundance. Results: Microbial contamination was observed among all of the “in use” samples from both the dispensing end and the interior surfaces of the cap and was strongly associated with the amount of usage. Conclusions: These data suggest that environmental contamination may be present in measurable and quantifiable amounts on reusable and resealable dental materials, which suggest the need to create protocols for sanitizing the surfaces of reusable materials to reduce the presence of microbial contamination identified in similar clinical settings. Full article

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major zoonotic and foodborne pathogen with substantial One Health implications, yet its prevalence, resistance, and virulence potential within the aquaculture sector in Nigeria remains poorly characterized. Objectives: To supplement existing information, this current study investigated the prevalence, clonal distribution, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence gene profiles of S. aureus isolates from fish, fish water, and occupationally exposed fish handlers in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A total of 607 samples—comprising 465 surface swabs from raw and processed fish, 36 fish water samples, and 106 nasal swabs from fish handlers—were processed using selective culture, biochemical tests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, DNA microarray analysis, spa typing, and SCCmec typing. Results: S. aureus was recovered from 16.5% (100/607) of the samples. Fourteen (14%) isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), harboring mecA and SCCmec types IV and V, with a combined MRSA prevalence of 2.3%. Multidrug resistance was observed in 52.2% of isolates (mean Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance index: 0.23), with 19 resistance genes spanning nine antimicrobial classes—including heavy metal and biocide resistance. Twenty-eight spa types across 13 clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, with CC1, CC5, and CC8 predominating. The detection of shared spa types between fish and handlers indicates potential cross-contamination. Detected virulence genes included those for accessory gene regulators (agrI-IV), Pantone–Valentine leucocidin (lukFS-PV), toxic shock syndrome (tsst-1), hemolysins (hla, hlb, hld/hlIII, hlgA), biofilm formation (icaA, icaD), immune evasion (chp, scn, sak), enterotoxins (sea, seb, sec, sed, egc, and others), exfoliative toxins (etA, etB), epidermal cells differentiation (edinA, edinB), and capsular types (cap5, cap8). Conclusions: This study reveals that the aquaculture sector in Southeast Nigeria serves as a significant reservoir of genetically diverse, multidrug-resistant S. aureus strains with robust virulence profiles. These findings highlight the necessity of integrated One Health surveillance and targeted interventions addressing antimicrobial use and hygiene practices within aquatic food systems. Full article

The widespread use of masks in the community was occasioned by the COVID-19 global pandemic. This study examined bacterial contamination on surgical and face masks used in Githurai Market during daily activities, focusing on the sources, accumulation, and antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Sixteen respondents were selected to wear masks, from which bacteria were isolated from the inside and outside surfaces, as well as from swabs of their nose, mouth, and skin. The bacterial load was monitored at intervals of 0 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h using culture-dependent methods. The identified bacteria included Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Stenotrophomonas, Enterococcus, and Bacillus, amongst others sourced from the users’ mouth, skin, nose, and the environment. Bacterial accumulation increased with time, peaking at 6 h of mask use. Most of the bacteria isolates showed multidrug resistance to commonly used antibiotics including cefotaxime, streptomycin, and amoxicillin. This raises concerns about potential role of masks as reservoirs for pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study emphasizes the need for better mask hygiene practices to reduce microbial contamination and the risk of spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It also highlights the importance of developing strategies to address these risks and ensure the continued effectiveness of masks as a part of public health measures Full article

Growing concern for environmental sustainability has resulted in the implementation of sanitization methods that respect ecological principles. This research evaluates a “green” sanitizing protocol that uses CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria)-compliant products against a traditional protocol within two ASL Roma 1 facilities. The study performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) following ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067 standards to measure greenhouse gases emissions. Microbiological sampling was conducted according to established protocols across three different risk zones utilizing contact plates and surface swabs. The Life Cycle Assessment showed that CO₂ emissions reduced by 49.6% to 53.3% at different sites due to reduced energy use together with concentrated detergents and improved washing cycles. Microbiological testing revealed notable decreases in contamination rates across both cleaning systems yet demonstrated the “green” system achieved superior results specifically within high-risk zones. The “green” protocol matched traditional cleaning methods hygienically but delivered significant environmental advantages which positions it as a sustainable hospital cleaning solution. Full article

Periodontal disease is a prevalent condition in companion animals. It is crucial to prevent the plaque and bacteria on tooth surfaces to avoid gingivitis and the more harmful periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of MLS laser treatment on the bacterial load by analyzing the gingival swabs of a total of 16 owned dogs with no history of dental disease that were selected from a cohort of patients admitted for plaque removal and dental hygiene procedures. Following each dental hygiene session, each dog received a single MLS laser therapy treatment (808–905 nm diode laser, frequency 36 Hz, and fluence 0.16 J/cm²). Swabs were collected from the two upper premolars before and after the laser treatment. These were submitted for mesophilic bacteria counts, and microbiological analysis was conducted on 10 positive cultures to evaluate the changes in the oral bacterial microbiota. MLS laser therapy statistically significantly reduced the mesophilic bacteria count by 1 log, with higher pre-laser treatment counts (n = 0.44; 5.77 ± 0.21 95%CI) in comparison to post-laser treatment counts (n = 0.73; 4.80 ± 0.346 95%CI). The MLS laser therapy was found to reduce the bacterial load in 80% of the subjects (p < 0.05). No significant differences pre- and post-laser treatment were observed in the bacteria species isolated from the microbiological cultures. MLS laser therapy appears to be a useful, non-invasive method for reducing the bacterial load in the treatment and prophylaxis of periodontal disease in dogs. Full article

Glass curators often question how their treatments affect the long-term stability of historical glass. While damp cotton swabs are commonly used to remove surface salts and dust, the use of water remains controversial, particularly for heavily altered glass, due to concerns about worsening hydration. This study investigates the effect of water rinsing on an unstable soda-lime glass altered for six months (monoliths) and fifteen months (powders) at 35 °C and 85% relative humidity. Samples were then rinsed with Milli-Q water at 20 °C or 50 °C, and the monolithic glass was subsequently subjected to an additional 15 months of alteration under the same conditions. The glass surface was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as Raman spectroscopy to identify the nature of the salts. The evolution of the hydrated layer was assessed using transmission FTIR, Raman and solid-state NMR spectroscopies, ToF-SIMS, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that rinsing effectively removes surface salts—primarily sodium carbonate—and induces structural changes in the hydrated layer, promoting silicate network polymerization. Upon resuming alteration, rinsed monolithic samples exhibit no further degradation after the additional 15 months of alteration. These findings offer promising insights for conservation practices and may help curators refining their treatment strategies for altered glass. Full article

This study assessed the viable and culturable microbial diversity that remained on equipment surfaces after hygiene procedures in Brazilian poultry and fish slaughterhouses. Food-contact surface samples were collected using sterile swabs in poultry (n = 50) and fish (Oreochromis niloticus, n = 50) slaughterhouses. The swab samples were used to prepare culture plates to recover viable and culturable cells. The grown plates were washed, and the total DNA of the cell suspension was extracted with a commercial kit. Sequencing of the total DNA extracted from cultures was targeted at the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA. DNA reads were analyzed by QIIME2 software, with results expressed in relative frequency (%RF). Alpha and beta diversity indexes were analyzed considering the spots of sample collection, type of industry, surfaces (smooth or modular), and materials (polypropylene, stainless steel, or polyurethane). The results showed that in the poultry slaughterhouse, the most abundant genera were Acinetobacter (27.4%), Staphylococcus (7.7%), and Pseudomonas (5.3%), while for the fish slaughterhouse, there was a higher abundance of Staphylococcus (27.7%), Acinetobacter (17.2%), and Bacillus (12.5%). Surface characteristics influenced the microbial diversity, with Acinetobacter spp. dominating modular surfaces and Staphylococcus spp. prevailing on smooth surfaces. The results obtained indicate there is an important resident microbiota that persists even after hygiene processes, and surface-specific cleaning strategies should be developed. Full article

Food contact surfaces can be a source of food contamination. Bacteria of the genus Proteus are known as opportunistic pathogens, often associated with faecal contamination and decomposition of organic matter. This study aimed to isolate Proteus spp. from surface samples (of dimensions 5 cm² × 5 cm²). Three levels of artificially soiled aluminium foil were prepared using bacterial suspensions of Proteus hauseri ATCC 13315. Afterwards, the surface swabbing method for the detection of Proteus spp. was applied. The swab was homogenised with Eugon LT 100 broth, and 1 mL was transferred to the enrichment broth. After the incubation of the enrichment broth, streaking on the Brilliant Green Agar and Salmonella Shigella Agar was performed. The characteristic colonies were confirmed by biochemical reactions. The number of positive findings of Proteus hauseri on the applied level of contamination was used for calculation by the PODLOD_ver12.xls ECEL program by Wilrich and Wilrich. This program estimates the probability of detection (POD) function and the limit of detection (LOD) of qualitative microbiological methods. The results of the detection of Proteus hauseri in surface samples showed LOD₅₀ = 24.60 [48.96; 97.45] CFU in 1 mL of swab rinse, and LOD₉₅ = 106.30 [211.59; 421.15] CFU in 1 mL of swab rinse. The applied method for isolation of Proteus spp. from the surface samples can be used for well-contaminated surfaces. Full article

Maintaining a tight RH range for unstable glass is energy- and carbon-intensive. The carbon footprint of several methods for controlling showcases and storerooms, including sorbents, dehumidifiers and sorbents, Miniclima, and RK2, has been measured. Dehumidifiers outperformed Miniclima and RK2 units in control capability, but all three exhibited a higher carbon footprint than passive control methods. However, tailoring the right conditions for the right objects is crucial. The decay of different glass compositions in atmospheric conditions was measured using surface ion swabbing. Conditions below 40% in addition to forced air movement universally slowed deterioration. Formic acid was found to significantly accelerate glass alteration but could be removed using the RK2 unit. Full article

This study examined the prevalence, distribution, and detection methods linked to Treponema species associated with active bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) in dairy cattle. Tissue, surface swabs, interdigital space swabs, and faecal samples were collected from 20 Holstein-Friesian cows from a farm in Eastern Slovakia. Molecular analysis revealed that all cows tested positive for at least one Treponema species. The most prevalent species were Treponema medium (100%), Treponema pedis (95%), and Treponema brennaborense (75%). Distribution analysis demonstrated significant differences in the occurrence of these species across sampling methods, with T. pedis being more prevalent in tissue biopsies and surface swabs (p < 0.001), and T. brennaborense in surface swabs (p < 0.001). A comparison of qualitative real-time PCR and standard PCR revealed that real-time PCR detected T. pedis and T. brennaborense in 70% and 75% of tissue samples, respectively, while standard PCR failed to detect T. brennaborense. Furthermore, real-time PCR showed a significantly higher prevalence of T. brennaborense (p < 0.001). These findings underscore the enhanced sensitivity of real-time PCR in detecting T. brennaborense and highlight the complex distribution of Treponema species in BDD lesions, which may inform the development of more effective control strategies for BDD. Full article

Background: The aim of this study is to determine which types of microorganisms influence the onset and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans. Methods: In patients with CRC, three swabs were taken for microbiological analysis during surgical removal of the cancer: the first swab from the surface of the healthy intestinal mucosa, the second from the surface of the tumor, and the third from the middle of the tumor tissue. Results: In the healthy mucosa of the colon, the most prevalent microorganism was Escherichia coli at 70.5%, followed by Enterococcus spp. (47.7%) and Klebsiella/Enterobacter (20.5%). Microbiological analysis of the swabs from the surface of the tumor tissue showed that E. coli was the most prevalent at 72.7%, followed by Enterococcus spp. at 40.9%, Klebsiella/Enterobacter at 25%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 20%. In the center of tumor tissue, E. coli was the most prevalent at 77.3%, followed by Enterococcus spp. at 47.7%, Klebsiella at 27%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 18.2%. Conclusion: Certain types of bacteria can influence the emergence and development of cancer, while other types can suppress the development of tumor tissue. Microbiological analysis of human stool samples can prevent the development of CRC. Full article

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that can cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals. Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is a rapidly growing Mycobacterium known for its resistance to multiple antibiotics and ability to cause respiratory, skin, and mucosal infections. Understanding the distribution and prevalence of NTM, particularly Mab, in cattle farms and slaughterhouses is crucial for developing effective prevention and control measures. We collected environmental swabs from various surfaces (e.g., feed troughs, sinks, walls, floors, feces, and padding) in cattle farms and slaughterhouses across multiple provinces. High-throughput sequencing technology was utilized to analyze the 16S rDNA V3–V4 region of bacterial DNA extracted from the samples, and qPCR methods were employed to detect and quantify Mycobacterium abscessus in the collected samples. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify and classify the NTM species present in the samples. This study compared the abundance and diversity of NTM in different environments and assessed the potential zoonotic risk. A total of 1648 environmental swabs were collected from cattle farms and slaughterhouses in 12 provinces of China in 2023, of which 12 samples tested positive for Mab qPCR detection, yielding a detection rate of 0.73% (12/1648). Among them, the detection rate of environmental samples from cattle farms and slaughterhouses was 0.42% (3/720) and 0.87% (9/928), respectively. This study provides valuable information on the epidemiology of NTM in cattle farms and slaughterhouses, contributing to developing effective strategies for preventing and controlling NTM infections. It also enhances our understanding of the zoonotic potential of Mycobacterium abscessus and other NTM species. Full article