Bacterial quality and safety of raw beef: A comparison between Finland and Nigeria.

Beef can easily be contaminated with bacteria during the meat production chain. In this work, we studied the contamination levels of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and thermotolerant coliform bacteria (TCB) on raw beef surfaces from small shops in Helsinki, Finland and meat markets in Benin City, Nigeria. We also investigated the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria, and cephalosporin-resistant E. coli (CREC). In total, one hundred unpacked raw beef samples from Finland and Nigeria were collected in 2019. The median MAB and TCB counts were significantly (P < 0.001) higher on beef from Nigeria than from Finland. The median MAB and TCB counts in Nigeria were 7.5 and 4.0 log10 cfu/cm2, respectively, and 6.5 and 2.8 log10 cfu/cm2 in Finland, respectively. Most (94%) Nigerian samples were unacceptable according to limits set by the EU. Beef samples from meat markets in Benin City were significantly (P < 0.05) more frequently contaminated with Salmonella, STEC, and CREC than beef samples from small shops in Helsinki. Salmonella, STEC, and CREC were isolated from 30, 36, and 96% of Nigerian samples, respectively, and from <2, 12, and 2% of Finnish samples, respectively. Our study demonstrates a significant difference between the bacterial contaminations of raw beef in Nigeria and Finland, along with a possible misuse of cephalosporins in animal husbandry in Nigeria.

Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819) / Presença de genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes de sururu Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819) comercializado

Abstract The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumer's health.

Resumo O isolamento de Escherichia coli a partir de alimentos é uma grande preocupação, pois cepas patogênicas desta bactéria podem causar desde diarreia até síndrome hemolítico-urêmica. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes do sururu Mytella guyanensis comercializado na cidade de Cachoeira, Bahia, Brasil. As amostras foram adquiridas de quatro comerciantes, sendo duas de mercados e duas em pontos de venda na feira livre da cidade de Cachoeira, acondicionadas em caixas isotérmicas com gelo reutilizável e transportadas até o laboratório para a análise. Após a análise microbiológica, as cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas em ágar Eosina Azul de Metileno e preservadas em caldo Brian Heart Infusion e glicerol a 15% e mantidas a - 20° C. A identificação dos genes de virulência nas cepas isoladas foi realizada utilizando primers específicos, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase. Foram obtidos 24 isolados de Escherichia coli, destes a prevalência do gene elt , característico de Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica, foi de 75% dos isolados. Não houve a detecção dos genes stx e bfpA nos isolados, os quais são prevalentes nas cepas de Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica e Escherichia coli enteropatogênica, respectivamente. A presença do gene elt relacionado à virulência de Escherichia coli nos isolados de Mytella guyanensis revela a necessidade da melhoria no processamento, incluindo boas práticas de manipulação, armazenamento adequado e cocção previa ao consumo, visando a garantia da saúde do consumidor.

Surveillance of Enteric Viruses and Thermotolerant Coliforms in Surface Water and Bivalves from a Mangrove Estuary in Southeastern Brazil.

This study was conducted to evaluate the microbiological quality of a mangrove estuary in the Vitória Bay region, Espírito Santo, Brazil. We analyzed the presence and concentration of enteric viruses and thermotolerant coliforms in water, mussels (Mytella charruana and Mytella guyanensis), and oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae), collected over a 13-month period. Human adenovirus, rotavirus A (RVA), and norovirus genogroup II were analyzed by quantitative PCR. The highest viral load was found in RVA-positive samples with a concentration of 3.0 × 104 genome copies (GC) L-1 in water samples and 1.3 × 105 GC g-1 in bivalves. RVA was the most prevalent virus in all matrices. Thermotolerant coliforms were quantified as colony-forming units (CFU) by the membrane filtration method. The concentration of these bacteria in water was in accordance with the Brazilian standard for recreational waters (< 250 CFU 100 mL-1) during most of the monitoring period (12 out of 13 months). However, thermotolerant coliform concentrations of 3.0, 3.1, and 2.6 log CFU 100 g-1 were detected in M. charruana, M. guyanensis, and C. rhizophorae, respectively. The presence of human-specific viruses in water and bivalves reflects the strong anthropogenic impact on the mangrove and serves as an early warning of waterborne and foodborne disease outbreaks resulting from the consumption of shellfish and the practice of water recreational activities in the region.

Good hygienic practices and identification of contamination sources in Hotel Food and Beverage sector

This study aimed to evaluate the application of good practices in hotel restaurants in Southern Brazil, relate these practices to the microbiological quality of the food offered, in addition to identifying contamination sources. The food and beverage sector of four hotels was evaluated by means of a checklist based on the Resolution 216/2014 of Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and microbiological analyzes. Surface, utensil, equipment and handlers' hand samples were collected for coagulase positive Staphylococcus and thermotolerant coliform count. Isolates obtained from these culture counts were compared by band profiles obtained by rep-PCR. According to non-conformities observed, only one hotel was rated as excellent in good practices avaliation. Some microbiological analysis exceeded the allowed limit for the analyzed microorganism count, revealing failure in the hygiene-sanitary process. Genetic similarities between some food samples and handlers' hands and utensils were identified. These results showed inadequacies in the process of food care and handling which may compromise the quality of food offered to custumers.(AU)

Antimicrobial resistance and integrons of ESBL-producing thermotolerant coliforms from a water reservoir in Tai'an, China.

INTRODUCTION: The contamination of water environments by extended-spectrum ß-lactamases-producing thermotolerant coliforms (ESBL-TC) has aroused public concern. However, little epidemiological data on ESBL-TC isolates from water reservoirs is available in China. METHODOLOGY: This study was designed to investigate antibiotic resistance, bla gene types, and the presence of integrons (class 1, 2, and 3) and gene cassettes in ESBL-TC isolated from the Huangqian Reservoir of Tai'an, China. RESULTS: A total of 96 non-duplicate ESBL-TC were obtained in this study and the ESBL genes included blaCTX-M-14 (n = 47), blaCTX-M-15 (n = 27), blaCTX-M-55 (n = 18), blaSHV-12 (n = 4), blaCTX-M-3 (n = 3), and blaCTX-M-123 (n = 1). Eighty-three of the ninety-six ESBL-TC contained class 1 integrons (86.5%), and 2 isolates harbored class 2 integrons. The sizes of gene cassette regions within integrons were ranged from 0.2 kb to 3.2 kb. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated the widespread presence of ESBL-TC strains in the Huangqian Reservoir and spotlighted the potential role of water bodies as reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes.

Virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from commercialized saltwater mussels Mytella guyanensis (Lamarck, 1819)

Abstract The isolation of Escherichia coli from food is a major concern. Pathogenic strains of these bacteria cause diseases which range from diarrhea to hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Therefore the virulence genes in E. coli isolates from the mussel ( Mytella guyanensis) commercialized in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil were investigated. Samples were purchased from four vendors: two from supermarkets and two from fair outlets. They were conditioned into isothermal boxes with reusable ice and transported to the laboratory for analysis. E. coli strains were isolated in eosin methylene blue agar, preserved in brain-heart infusion medium with 15% glycerol and stored at -20 °C, after microbiological analysis. Virulence genes in the isolated strains were identified by specific primers, with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Twenty-four isolates were obtained, with a prevalence of elt gene, typical from enterotoxigenic infection, in 75% of the isolates. The stx and bfpA genes, prevalent in enterohemorragic and enteropathogenic E. coli, respectively, were not detected. The occurrence of elt virulence-related gene in the E. coli isolates of Mytella guyanensis reveals urgent improvement in food processing, including good handling practices, adequate storage and cooking before consumption, to ensure consumers health.

Resumo O isolamento de Escherichia coli a partir de alimentos é uma grande preocupação, pois cepas patogênicas desta bactéria podem causar desde diarreia até síndrome hemolítico-urêmica. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do trabalho foi pesquisar genes de virulência em isolados de Escherichia coli provenientes do sururu Mytella guyanensis comercializado na cidade de Cachoeira, Bahia, Brasil. As amostras foram adquiridas de quatro comerciantes, sendo duas de mercados e duas em pontos de venda na feira livre da cidade de Cachoeira, acondicionadas em caixas isotérmicas com gelo reutilizável e transportadas até o laboratório para a análise. Após a análise microbiológica, as cepas de Escherichia coli foram isoladas em ágar Eosina Azul de Metileno e preservadas em caldo Brian Heart Infusion e glicerol a 15% e mantidas a - 20° C. A identificação dos genes de virulência nas cepas isoladas foi realizada utilizando primers específicos, por meio da Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase. Foram obtidos 24 isolados de Escherichia coli, destes a prevalência do gene elt , característico de Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica, foi de 75% dos isolados. Não houve a detecção dos genes stx e bfpA nos isolados, os quais são prevalentes nas cepas de Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica e Escherichia coli enteropatogênica, respectivamente. A presença do gene elt relacionado à virulência de Escherichia coli nos isolados de Mytella guyanensis revela a necessidade da melhoria no processamento, incluindo boas práticas de manipulação, armazenamento adequado e cocção previa ao consumo, visando a garantia da saúde do consumidor.

Qualidade higiênico-sanitária de saladas de frutas vendidas em quiosques de praias em Florianópolis - SC durante a temporada de verão de 2015 / Hygienic and sanitary qualities of fruit salads sold at beachkiosks in Florianopolis - SC during the 2015 summer season

Nos últimos anos, o estilo de vida tem trazido mudanças na alimentação da população, com o aumento de refeições feitas fora do domicílio, da procura pela praticidade de alimentos prontos e também da busca por uma alimentação mais saudável. O controle da produção e comercialização desses produtos deve ser rigoroso para proteger a saúde da população. Nas praias, observa-se que a estrutura dos quiosques não é adequada para a manipulação de certos alimentos, por isso a venda de salada de frutas não é permitida nas praias de Florianópolis - SC, apesar de ser amplamente comercializada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar a qualidade higiênico-sanitária, quanto à presença de Salmonella e à enumeração de coliformes termotolerantes, em 40 amostras de saladas de frutas comercializadas em quiosques de quatro praias de Florianópolis. Os resultados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pela RDC nº 12/01. Somente 5 % das amostras estavam impróprias para o consumo humano por extrapolarem o limite de coliformes termotolerantes. Todas as amostras apresentaram ausência de Salmonella em 25 g. O resultado microbiológico satisfatório da maioria das amostras pode estar associado às condições intrínsecas da salada de frutas, que possui pH baixo o suficiente para inibir o crescimento dos micro-organismos pesquisados.

Recently, changes in lifestyle have modified the eating habits, with an increase in having mealsoutside of home and demanding for the convenience of ready-to-eat foods, and also risingthe search for healthier diet. Controls on this kind of food production and commercializationshould be strict for protecting the population health. Beach kiosks do not offer the suitableconditions for handling certain foods due to their lack of structure. Therefore, it is prohibited to sellfruit salads on the beaches of Florianopolis-SC, although they have been amply commercialized.Hygiene and sanitation conditions were evaluated in 40 fruit salad samples sold in kiosks on thefour beaches in Florianopolis, by analyzing the occurrence of Salmonella and thermotolerantcoliforms counting. These results were compared to the standards established by the localregulation (RDC 12/01). Only 5 % of the samples were considered unsuitable for humanconsumption, as they exceeded the limits established for thermotolerant coliform. All of the samplesshowed negative results for Salmonella in 25 g of food. The satisfactory microbiological resultsfound in this study might be associated with the intrinsic characteristics of fruit salads, which possessa low pH value and being enough to inhibit the growth of these two microorganisms.

Qualidade higiênico-sanitária de saladas de frutas vendidas em quiosques de praias em Florianópolis - SC durante a temporada de verão de 2015 / Hygienic and sanitary qualities of fruit salads sold at beach kiosks in Florianopolis - SC during the 2015 summer season

Nos últimos anos, o estilo de vida tem trazido mudanças na alimentação da população, com o aumento de refeições feitas fora do domicílio, da procura pela praticidade de alimentos prontos e também da busca por uma alimentação mais saudável. O controle da produção e comercialização desses produtos deve ser rigoroso para proteger a saúde da população. Nas praias, observa-se que a estrutura dos quiosques não é adequada para a manipulação de certos alimentos, por isso a venda de salada de frutas não é permitida nas praias de Florianópolis - SC, apesar de ser amplamente comercializada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar a qualidade higiênico-sanitária, quanto à presença de Salmonella e à enumeração de coliformes termotolerantes, em 40 amostras de saladas de frutas comercializadas em quiosques de quatro praias de Florianópolis. Os resultados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pela RDC nº 12/01. Somente 5 % das amostras estavam impróprias para o consumo humano por extrapolarem o limite de coliformes termotolerantes. Todas as amostras apresentaram ausência de Salmonella em 25 g. O resultado microbiológico satisfatório da maioria das amostras pode estar associado às condições intrínsecas da salada de frutas, que possui pH baixo o suficiente para inibir o crescimento dos micro-organismos pesquisados.

Recently, changes in lifestyle have modified the eating habits, with an increase in having meals outside of home and demanding for the convenience of ready-to-eat foods, and also rising the search for healthier diet. Controls on this kind of food production and commercialization should be strict for protecting the population health. Beach kiosks do not offer the suitable conditions for handling certain foods due to their lack of structure. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell fruit salads on the beaches of Florianopolis-SC, although they have been amply commercialized. Hygiene and sanitation conditions were evaluated in 40 fruit salad samples sold in kiosks on the four beaches in Florianopolis, by analyzing the occurrence of Salmonella and thermotolerant coliforms counting. These results were compared to the standards established by the local regulation (RDC 12/01). Only 5 % of the samples were considered unsuitable for human consumption, as they exceeded the limits established for thermotolerant coliform. All of the samples showed negative results for Salmonella in 25 g of food. The satisfactory microbiological results found in this study might be associated with the intrinsic characteristics of fruit salads, which possess a low pH value and being enough to inhibit the growth of these two microorganisms.

Seasonal variation of fecal contamination in drinking water sources in developing countries: a systematic review.

Accounting for fecal contamination of drinking water sources is an important step in improving monitoring of global access to safe drinking water. Fecal contamination varies with time while its monitoring is often infrequent. We sought to understand seasonal trends in fecal contamination to guide best practices to capture seasonal variation and ascertain the extent to which the results of a single sample may overestimate compliance with health guidelines. The findings from 22 studies from developing countries written in English and identified through a systematic review were analyzed. Fecal contamination in improved drinking water sources was shown to follow a statistically significant seasonal trend of greater contamination during the wet season (p<0.001). This trend was consistent across fecal indicator bacteria, five source types, twelve Köppen-Geiger climate zones, and across both rural and urban areas. Guidance on seasonally representative water quality monitoring by the World Health Organization and national water quality agencies could lead to improved assessments of access to safe drinking water.

Qualidade higiênico-sanitária e prevalência de sorovares de Salmonella em linguiças frescais produzidas artesanalmente e inspecionadas, comercializadas no oeste do Paraná, Brasil / Sanitary quality and prevalence of serovars of Salmonella in handmade and inspected fresh pork sausages sold in western Paraná, Brazil

A fabricação de linguiça do tipo frescal requer uma série de etapas de manipulação, o que eleva as possibilidades de contaminação por diversas espécies de micro-organismos patogênicos ou deterioradores. Isso pode comprometer a qualidade microbiológica do produto final e veicular enfermidades a partir de seu consumo. No período de abril a setembro de 2009, foi avaliada a qualidade microbiológica de 40 amostras de linguiça tipo frescal produzidas artesanalmente e inspecionadas pelo Serviço de Inspeção Estadual e Federal nos municípios de Cascavel e Toledo (PR), através da quantificação de coliformes termotolerantes, contagem de Staphylococcus spp., bactérias mesófilas aeróbias estritas e facultativas viáveis, pesquisa de Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium sulfito-redutores e bolores e leveduras. Os resultados revelaram que 55% das amostras analisadas de linguiça tipo frescal inspecionadas e artesanais apresentaram-se fora dos parâmetros estabelecidos pela Resolução RDC nº 12, de 2 de janeiro de 2001, da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), em pelo menos um dos grupos de micro-organismos estudados. Portanto, pode-se dizer que a linguiça tipo frescal comercializada no oeste do Paraná pode oferecer riscos à saúde da população.(AU)

The manufacture of fresh pork sausage requires a series of manipulation steps, which increases the chances of contamination by several species of micro-organisms, be them pathogenic or deteriorating. This may compromise the microbiological quality of the final product and transmit diseases with consumption. In the period from April to September 2009, the microbiological quality of 40 samples of fresh handmade sausage inspected by the Inspection State and Federal Service in the cities of Cascavel and Toledo (PR) was assessed, through the quantification of thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus spp., viable facultative and strict mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacterspp., Bacillus cereus, Clostridium sulfite reducers, molds and yeasts. The results revealed that 55% of the analyzed samples of fresh handmade and inspected sausages were not in accordance with the parameters established by Resolution RDC Nº 12, of January 2nd, 2001, from ANVISA, in at least one of the studied groups of micro-organisms. Therefore, we can say the sausages sold in western regions, may present a risk to public health.(AU)

Global assessment of exposure to faecal contamination through drinking water based on a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate exposure to faecal contamination through drinking water as indicated by levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or thermotolerant coliform (TTC) in water sources. METHODS: We estimated coverage of different types of drinking water source based on household surveys and censuses using multilevel modelling. Coverage data were combined with water quality studies that assessed E. coli or TTC including those identified by a systematic review (n = 345). Predictive models for the presence and level of contamination of drinking water sources were developed using random effects logistic regression and selected covariates. We assessed sensitivity of estimated exposure to study quality, indicator bacteria and separately considered nationally randomised surveys. RESULTS: We estimate that 1.8 billion people globally use a source of drinking water which suffers from faecal contamination, of these 1.1 billion drink water that is of at least 'moderate' risk (>10 E. coli or TTC per 100 ml). Data from nationally randomised studies suggest that 10% of improved sources may be 'high' risk, containing at least 100 E. coli or TTC per 100 ml. Drinking water is found to be more often contaminated in rural areas (41%, CI: 31%-51%) than in urban areas (12%, CI: 8-18%), and contamination is most prevalent in Africa (53%, CI: 42%-63%) and South-East Asia (35%, CI: 24%-45%). Estimates were not sensitive to the exclusion of low quality studies or restriction to studies reporting E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial contamination is widespread and affects all water source types, including piped supplies. Global burden of disease estimates may have substantially understated the disease burden associated with inadequate water services.

Monitoramento microbiológico de águas subterrâneas em cidades do Extremo Oeste de Santa Catarina / Microbiological monitoring of underground waters in cities of the Extreme West of Santa Catarina State

A degradação dos recursos naturais vem aumentando em números alarmantes, principalmente, as fontes hídricas. Devido a isto, cada vez mais as populações vêm utilizando águas subterrâneas para consumo humano. Contudo, o grande problema é a contaminação destas por microrganismos patogênicos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de águas subterrâneas em municípios do Extremo Oeste de Santa Catarina. Foram analisadas 149 amostras de água de poços em catorze municípios, durante o período de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006. Foram determinados em todas as amostras os números mais prováveis de coliformes totais e termotolerantes. Os resultados apresentaram altos índices de amostras impróprias para consumo, com 54,7 por cento em 2005 e 56,7 por cento em 2006. Os nossos dados evidenciam os riscos para doenças de veiculação hídrica que a população da região está exposta com o consumo desta água, mostrando um grave problema de saúde pública.

The degradation of natural resources is increasing in alarming numbers, especially water sources that is constant changes in its quality. Because of this, more and more people come using groundwater for human consumption, but the big problem is contamination by these pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of groundwater districts in the Extreme West of Santa Catarina, Brazil. We analyzed 149 samples of water from wells in 14 municipalities during the period January 2005 to December 2006. Were determined in all samples the total coliform and thermotolerant. The results showed high rates of samples inappropriate for consumption, with 54.7 percent in 2005 and 56.7 percent in 2006. Our data show the risk of diseases spreading of water that the region's population is exposed to the consumption of water, showing a serious public health problem.