Microbiological quality assessment of Clarias gariepinus, Bagrus bajad, and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fillets.

In this study, 80 catfish fillets were randomly collected from Egyptian local markets and retailers. The samples included 20 African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), 20 bayad (Bagrus bajad), and 40 pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillets. Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fillet samples were divided into 20 white basa and 20 red basa fillets. We conducted a microbiological analysis of catfish fillet samples, evaluating mesophilic aerobic bacteria, psychrophilic aerobic bacteria, H2S-producing bacteria, Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms, and fecal Coliform counts. Additionally, we identified the existence of Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Yersinia spp., Escherichia spp., Aeromonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp. in the catfish fillet samples. In our study, the psychrophilic bacterial counts in Bagrus bajad (5.21 log CFU/g) were found to be higher compared to the counts in Clarias gariepinus (4.31 log CFU/g) and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (3.89-4.7 log CFU/g). The fecal Coliform in Clarias gariepinus fillets was significantly higher than in other catfish fillets. We isolated Escherichia coli, Escherichia fergusonii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas luteola from the catfish fillets, while no Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., or Yersinia spp. were detected. These isolates were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, ten Escherichia spp. were serologically identified, revealing that O26 and O78 were the most commonly occurring serotypes. This study highlights the microbiological analysis conducted on catfish fillets and concludes that the fillet samples from these catfish were of superior quality and deemed acceptable for human consumption.

Diagnostic reliability of pediatric appendicitis score, ultrasound and low-dose computed tomography scan in children with suspected acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of appendicitis in children is clinically challenging. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosis; however, radiation exposure early in life is a concern with this technique. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of low-dose CT, pediatric appendicitis score (PAS), and abdominal ultrasound (US) in children with acute appendicitis, to reach a safe diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 140 children who were admitted with clinically suspected acute appendicitis (45 with positive appendicitis and 95 children with negative appendicitis). Low-dose CT was performed, and PAS was retrospectively calculated for all subjects. US was initially performed for 38 subjects. All results were compared with the final diagnosis reached by an operative, histopathological analysis and follow-up. RESULTS: Low-dose CT showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 97.8%, 100%, and 99.3%, respectively. At a cutoff value ≥5, PAS showed a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 95%, 84%, and 89%, respectively. Abdominal US examination showed sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 55.6%, 85%, and 71%, respectively. Implementing Poortman's model resulted in higher accuracy (92%) of US. There was a significant difference in accuracy between a low-dose CT and PAS on one side and between Poortman's model and US examination on the other side. A diagnostic scheme was suggested using PAS as the excluding tool (PAS ≤2 send home and ≥7 send directly to operation) followed by US examination and reserving low-dose CT for inconclusive cases. This scheme would eliminate the use of CT for at least 33.7% and in 7 cases who had initial US examination. CONCLUSION: Although CT remains the most accurate and less operator-dependent diagnostic tool for pediatric appendicitis, the radiation hazards could however be minimized using PAS as an excluding tool and US as the primary imaging modality followed by low-dose CT for inconclusive cases only.