Microbiological quality of the air in "small gastronomy point"

The aim of this work was the estimation of microbial contamination of the air in "small gastronomy point". The study included three places, which have been separated on the ground of their function: 1. area of subsidiaries, 2. area of distribution (sale and serving meal), 3. area of consumption. The total numbers of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds were determined by sedimentation method. Taxonomy units of fungal aerosol were also estimated. The samples of air were collected in 16 investigation points in the morning (8-8.30) and in the afternoon (14-14.30). Four series of measurements were carried out and in general 128 of air samples were tested. The results showed that numbers of bacteria, yeasts and moulds were variable and received respectively 30-3397, 0-254 and 0-138 cfu x m(-3). Microbial contamination of air changed depending on area character (the highest average count of bacteria occurred in the air of consumption area and fungi in subsidiaries area), time of a day (contamination of the air increased in the afternoon) and determination date. Only in single samples the numbers of bacteria and fungi were higher than recommended level. Pigmentary bacteria had high participation in total count of bacteria and filamentous fungi were represented mostly by Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp.     

The role of open-air inhalatoria in the air quality improvement in spa towns

Objectives

The present study was aimed at evaluating microbiological contamination of air in Ciechocinek and Inowroc?aw — Polish lowland spa towns. Additionally, the impact of open-air inhalatoria on the quality of air was evaluated.

Material and Methods

Air samples were collected seasonally in the urban areas, in the recreation areas and in the vicinity of inhalatoria in both towns using impaction. The numbers of mesophilic bacteria, staphylococci, hemolytic bacteria and actinomycetes were determined on media according to the Polish Standard PN-86/Z-04111/02. The number of moulds was determined on media according to the Polish Standard PN-86/Z-04111/03.

Results

While the highest numbers of microorganisms were noted at the sites located in the urban areas, the lowest numbers were noted in the vicinity of the open-air inhalatoria. In all the investigated air samples the values of bioaerosol concentrations were below the recommended TLVs (≤ 5000 CFU×m^?3 for both bacteria and fungi in outdoor environments). Location of the sampling site was invariably a decisive factor in determining the number of microorganisms in the air.

Conclusions

The aerosol which is formed in the open-air inhalatoria has a positive influence on microbiological air quality. Owing to a unique microclimate and low air contamination, Ciechocinek and Inowroc?aw comply with all necessary requirements set for health resorts specializing in treating upper respiratory tract infections.     

Establishing site specific reference levels for fungi in outdoor air for building evaluation

Culturable airborne fungal spore sampling at five building sites during 2002-2003 provided a bank of outdoor data (102 samples total) to evaluate differences in levels of individual species of airborne fungi during the morning and afternoon hours. A minimum of 15 (outdoor) air samples was collected at each site, and data were segregated into morning (before noon) and afternoon subsets. Significant differences in airborne levels for all detected fungal types between the morning and afternoon subsets were determined for each site, using a direct calculation of probability. Significance was defined by differences in frequency of detection above the combined median (p=0.90 or greater) for the respective fungal type. The levels of various species of fungi in the outdoor air varied significantly between morning and afternoon data sets at all five sites, with no pattern by species, time of day, or location. Levels of Penicillium, Aspergillus, or other fungal species associated with problematic buildings if detected outdoors, can be significantly greater in the morning or afternoon (or exhibit no significant difference) on any given day. The data does not indicate laboratory analysis as a major contributor to the variability exhibited in bioaerosols, and underscores the necessity of collecting sufficient number of samples in the outdoor air in both the morning and afternoon to prevent bias when comparing a suspect indoor environment to outdoor conditions.     

Microbiological quality of muesli samples purchased in retail network

The estimation of microbiological quality of muesli samples was the aim of this investigation. The study included 40 samples which represented various consignments of muesli, produced in 2002 year. Total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and moulds, and also occurrence of pathogenic bacteria, coliforms and enterococci were determined. The systematic units of muesli fungal flora have been identified. It was stated that microbiological quality of all tested muesli was good. No pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) was detected and also coliforms and enterococci titre was correct (> 0.1 g). A majority of samples characterized low contamination levels of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and fungi, and their total number did not exceed, suitably 10(3) and 10(2) cfu/g. The mesophilic aerobic bacteria were mainly represented by vegetative forms. The average share of these bacteria spores in total number of bacteria received 30%. The Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. were regular elements of muesli fungal flora.     

A two-year study of microbiological indoor air quality in a new apartment

Concentrations and types of bacteria and fungi in the air and on surfaces were measured in a new, one-bedroom apartment before occupancy and at 3-mo intervals thereafter for 2 y. Air samples were collected with a single-stage impactor at two locations in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and outdoors. Even though damp surfaces supported large populations of bacteria and yeasts, the air concentrations in the kitchen and bathroom were similar to those in other rooms. No changes in concentrations or types of microbiological contamination were observed between the first and second years of occupancy, but elevated outdoor humidity, lower air temperature, and winds from the northeast were associated with higher bacterial and fungal air concentrations. The median air concentrations of bacteria were 98 cfu/m3 (95% confidence interval 26-372 cfu/m3) indoors and 101 cfu/m3 (28-364 cfu/m3) outdoors. The median air concentrations of fungi were 198 cfu/m3 (58-673 cfu/m3) indoors and 362 cfu/m3 (113-1158 cfu/m3) outdoors. This information established useful baseline data against which measurements in neighboring complaint residences could be compared.     

High level of recovery of fungi from water and dialysate in haemodialysis units

The counts of yeasts and filamentous fungi were investigated in the municipal water supplies of haemodialysis centres, in the treated water and the dialysate from all 85 haemodialysis units in Greece, in order to estimate their occurrence, their correlation with contamination indicator bacteria and other influencing factors. Filamentous fungi and yeasts were isolated from 69 (81.2%) and from three (3.5%) feed water samples, from 74 (87.1%) and seven (8.2%) treated water samples and from 66 (77.7%) and 11 (12.9%) dialysate samples respectively. Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp were the most frequent moulds, while Candida spp were the prevailing yeasts. The occurrence of yeasts was significantly higher in dialysate than in tap water samples. Counts of filamentous fungi in all 255 samples were significantly correlated with the counts of total heterotrophic bacteria and enterococci, whereas the counts of yeasts were correlated with faecal coliforms, total heterotrophic bacteria, as well as enterococci, Pseudomonas spp and total coliforms, while no correlation was detected with the age of either haemodialysis units, the age of water treatment system, the number of artificial kidney machines or the components of the water purification system. High recovery of fungi from haemodialysis aqueous environments implies a potential risk for haemodialysis patients and indicates the need for continuous maintenance and monitoring.     

A primary study of the number and type of microorganisms in a Thai textile factory

Personal air samples of different sections inside and outside the factory were collected from July to November of 1981. The number of airborne microorganisms were as follows: blowing section, 337.8; carding section, 247.4; drawing section, 107.8; spinning section, 20.4, and outside the factory, 20.2. The types of bacteria found were classified into three groups: cocci-Gram positive, rod-Gram positive; and rod-Gram negative. The type of fungi were Penicilium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus sp., and Mucor sp.     

Distribution and abundance of microflora in sandy beaches on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea

The abundance of actinomycetes, filamentous fungi and yeasts in the marine epipsammon habitat and their spatial distribution were studied with conventional plating techniques in two marine beaches (Ustka and Czo?pino, southern Baltic Sea) which are characterized by different anthropic pressure levels. Actinomycetes constituted the predominant group of studied microorganisms, while the least numerous were yeasts in the sand of both studied beaches. On both of the beaches researched in this study, the amounts of accumulated actinomycetales, fungi and yeasts were similar. When analyzing the distribution of the microflora along the horizontal beach profiles we found significant differences. In the sand collected along the profile perpendicular to the shoreline in Ustka and Czo?pino beaches, the highest numbers of actinomycetes, filamentous fungi and yeasts were noted in the samples from the dune and the lowest in those from the subtidal zone and waterline. Generally, higher numbers of studied microorganisms were observed in the surface than in the subsurface sand layer. The occurrence of actinomycetes, filamentous fungi and yeasts showed considerable seasonal variation.     

Airborne microbial contaminants in indoor environments. Naturally ventilated and air-conditioned homes

The atmospheric burden of viable particulates in the interiors of condominium homes with central air conditioning was compared with that of the typically more open-type of naturally ventilated Hawaiian homes. Andersen microbial air samplers were used to enumerate the numbers and kinds of respirable fungi and bacteria inside the residences. The results were compared with that obtained outside the homes to evaluate the impact of the air conditioning systems on indoor air quality. There were no significant differences in microbial air contaminants between the outdoors and the air inside naturally ventilated residences. The air inside air conditioned homes were found to have fewer fungi, including a significantly smaller number of Cladosporium sp., but had a significantly greater number of Aspergillus sp. when compared to the outdoors. The total number of bacteria and the number of Gram positive (+) cocci were significantly larger inside air-conditioned residences than outside. A preliminary health status survey revealed occupants of centrally air-conditioned homes had more complaints of eye irritation, sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough.     

Airborne microbial contents in two types of swine confinement buildings in Quebec

Airborne microorganisms were isolated with a sampler in two types of swine confinement buildings (farrowing units and fattening units). Respirable (particles less than 5 microns) and total dust fractions were obtained. Samplings were repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 6 samplings per unit between January and April. The predominant microorganisms isolated were bacteria (up to 1.25 x 10(6) CFU/m3) with an important fraction in the respirable size range (up to 0.5 x 10(6) CFU/m3). Only small quantities of gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds were found. Identification of the colonies isolated revealed a great diversity of microorganisms present in the air of the different buildings. Enterobacter agglomerans, Moraxella, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Pseudomonas were the most frequently identified bacteria. Scopulariopsis, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida were the most numerous fungi. Faenia rectivirgula, the causative agent of farmer's lung, was not a major contaminant. The results show some differences in airborne microbial contamination between farrowing and fattening units; the distinction, however, is not clear-cut and was observed only for the total bacteria. The level of airborne microbial contamination in swine units does not significantly vary as a function of the outside temperature. Some species of bacteria and fungi isolated in this study are known to induce extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Other fungi are known to be potentially pathogenic for man. The air of swine confinement buildings is highly contaminated with bacteria, yeasts, and molds at a level up to 1200 time higher than so-called "normal air."     

What is the source of mycelial fungi in expressed human milk?

The authors characterized the genera of mycelial fungi found in samples of expressed human milk received through home collection by the Human Milk Bank of the Instituto Fernandes Figueira in Rio de Janeiro. A total of 821 samples of expressed human milk were taken randomly from bottles collected at home by the milk donors themselves and were investigated for molds, yeasts, and mesophilic microorganisms. The analyses showed the occurrence of molds and yeasts in 43 (5.2%) of the samples, with counts reaching 103CFU/ml. Some 48 strains of mycelial fungi were identified by standard laboratory techniques, including: Aspergillus Niger group (6.3%), Aspergillus sp. (4.2%), Paecilomyces sp. (12.6%), Penicillium sp. (60.4%), Rhizopus sp. (2.0%), and Syncephalastrum sp. (14.5%). The authors discuss the importance of donor hands' asepsis prior to collecting human milk.     

Changes in microbiological quality of kefir and yoghurt on the Warsaw market in the years 1995-2001

The microbiological quality of kefir (61 samples) and yoghurt (92 samples) purchased in retail network in Warsaw in the years 1995 and 2001 has been examined. The total number of bacteria in at least 90% of yoghurt and 73% of kefir was in the range 10(7)-10(9) c.f.u. in 1g. The dominating group of bacteria in kefir were mesophilic lactic acid streptococci and in yoghurt (analysed in the year 2001)--S. thermophilus. The number of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in 40% of samples was < 10(7)-in 1 g. The increment of microbiological quality of the examined fermented milks has been observed. More than 86% of kefir and 97% of yoghurt analysed in 2001 were free from coliform bacteria, most of them free from B. cereus, moulds and yoghurt--also from yeasts. About 48% of kefir samples didn't fulfilled the requirements of FAO/WHO requirements concerning the number of yeasts.     

Microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetable salads

The microbiological condition of minimally processed vegetable salads (7-days durability) purchased in the retail network of Szczecin has been assessed. The study included 14 kinds of salads manufactured by two producers. The total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria and their spores, aid-forming bacteria (lactobacilli), titre of coliforms, occurrence of pathogenic bacteria and counts of moulds and yeast were determined. No pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Proteus) was detected in all salads. However contamination by saprophytic microorganisms was high in salads of both producers. Total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria was higher than recommended level (> 10(5) cfu/g) in majority of salads. The high quantities of yeast (> 10(3) jtk/g) and lactobacilli (10(3)-10(5) fu/g) were also stated. The titre of coliforms was reduced (down to 0.01-0.0001 g). The count of moulds did not exceed 100 cfu/g in a most of samples. Moulds occurring in tested samples were represented mainly by Penicillium sp.     

Microbiological Assessment of Indoor Air of Teaching Hospital Wards: A case of Jimma University Specialized Hospital

Background

Hospital environment represents a congenial situation where microorganisms and susceptible patients are indoors together. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide fundamental data related to the microbial quality of indoor air of Jimma University Specialized Hospital wards, to estimate the health hazard and to create standards for indoor air quality control.

Methods

The microbial quality of indoor air of seven wards of Jimma University Specialized Hospital was determined. Passive air sampling technique, using open Petri-dishes containing different culture media, was employed to collect sample twice daily.

Results

The concentrations of bacteria and fungi aerosols in the indoor environment of the wards ranged between 2123 – 9733 CFU/m³. The statistical analysis showed that the concentrations of bacteria that were measured in all studied wards were significantly different from each other (p-value=0.017), whereas the concentrations of fungi that were measured in all sampled wards were not significantly different from each other (p-value=0.850). Moreover, the concentrations of bacteria that were measured at different sampling time (morning and afternoon) were significantly different (p-value =0.001).

conclusion

All wards that were included in the study were heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Thus, immediate interventions are needed to control those environmental factors which favor the growth and multiplication of microbes, and it is vital to control visitors and students in and out the wards. Moreover, it is advisable that strict measures be put in place to check the increasing microbial load in the hospital environment.     

重庆市城区空气微生物污染及评价

目的：了解重庆市城区空气微生物污染状况，方法：1999年11月13日－12月13日在重庆市城区某采样点距地面1．5m高度采空气样，每天3次，连续30d，采用中国科学院生态中心推荐使用的空气微生物评价标准评价空气微生物污染状况，结果：空气细菌和霉菌计数分别为76－21758cfu/m^3和1538－4179cfu/m^3，分别占空气微生物总数的63．8％和36．2％，霉菌包括马丁霉菌（20．4％）和耐高渗透压霉菌（15．8％），细菌、马丁霉菌和耐高压霉菌的优势菌株分别为芽孢杆菌（52．4％），曲霉菌（19．0％），和青霉菌（32．6％），细菌中97．1％和G＋，空气样本中细菌、马丁霉菌和耐高渗透压霉菌含量达污染级别及以上的分别为45．6％，72．1％和63．3％，结论：重庆市城区空气微生物污染较重，尤其是空气霉菌的污染应引起重视。     

地铁站公共区室内空气微生物污染状况评价

目的对某3个地铁站站厅站台层公共区室内空气微生物污染状况进行监测评价,以提出预防控制措施。方法现场调查分析地铁站公共区空调通风排气设施;对3个地铁站站厅站台层公共区均采用梅花布点,每天上下午各1次,连续3天,对空气菌落总数、β-溶血性链球菌进行卫生监测评价。结果 3个地铁站公共区均采用集中空调通风系统,通风工况设计新风量>30m3/人.h,有机械排气措施。3个地铁站站厅站台公共区空气菌落总数3天检测结果均值均未超标,检测点的合格率均为100.0%,站厅与站台菌落总数污染程度和分布差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但有2个车站站厅公共区检出β-溶血性链球菌。结论 3个地铁站公共区集中空调系统基本符合卫生要求;但2个车站站厅公共区检出致病微生物,不容忽视。     

Daily Energy Intake from Meals and Afternoon Snacks: Findings from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS)

Meal and snack patterns are associated with energy and nutrient intakes and consequently health and nutritional status. The aim of this paper is to describe the percentage of daily energy intake from meals and afternoon snack among Malaysian adults. The study included a representative sample of adults aged 18-59 years (n=7349) from a nationwide Food Consumption Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health. Information on dietary intake was obtained using a one day 24-hour diet recall (24-HDR). Dietary data on 6886 adults were analysed using Nutritionist ProTM and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 13.0. The median percentage of daily energy intake is reported only for adults consuming meals and afternoon tea and by socio-demographic characteristics as well as body mass index (BMI) status. More than 80% of Malaysian adults consumed morning meals, lunch and dinner and 54% reported having afternoon tea. The median percentage of energy intake from morning meals, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea was 29.9%, 30.5%, 32.4% and 17%, respectively. There were variations in the median percentage of energy from meals and snacks according to the socio-demographic variables and BMI status. It is important to understand the eating patterns of Malaysians as the information can assist in efforts to address obesity and diet-related chronic diseases among adults.     

市售蜂蜜中污染微生物的调查分析

[目的]对市售54批次蜂蜜中的微生物污染情况进行调查分析.[方法]依据食品安全国家标准对蜂蜜中菌落总数、霉菌计数和嗜渗酵母计数进行检测和判定,通过形态学、基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱、大亚基单元核糖体RNA基因序列对不合格样品中的细菌和真菌进行鉴定和分析.[结果]共3批次蜂蜜微生物超标,其中菌落总数超标1批次,检出...     

我国市售婴幼儿乳粉和米粉微生物污染水平研究

目的：了解目前市售婴幼儿乳粉和米粉的卫生状况，为预防和控制食源性疾病提供依据。方法：采集全国10省超市中销售的婴幼儿乳粉和米粉共346件进行微生物检测。结果：346件乳粉和米粉均未检出沙门氏菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、志贺氏菌和溶血性链球菌，5件乳粉和1件米粉样品细菌总数超标，分别占2．53％和0．68％；6件乳粉和17件米粉霉菌超标，分别占3．03％和11．49％。结论：霉菌污染较细菌严重；南方地区霉菌检出率高于北方；进口和合资企业产品的各项指标均优于国内企业产品。     

医院空调通风系统清洗周期探讨

目的对医院使用中的空调清洗后以及清洗后一年的卫生情况进行调研,为制定医院空调通风系统清洗周期提供参考。方法筛选专业空调清洗公司,对医院使用中的空调通风系统进行清洗,对清洗前、清洗后、清洗后一年的风管内的积尘量、空调风轮、过滤网、冷凝水盘表面细菌和真菌总数进行检验,对病室内空气中细菌总数及致病菌进行检测。结果空调部件表面细菌和真菌阳性检出率为100.0%,冷凝水盘污染最严重,细菌和真菌总数分别为645 CFU/cm2和493 CFU/cm2;清洗后空调部件表面细菌和真菌清除率分别>97.7%和91.6%,清洗和清洗一年后的清除率的差异无统计学意义;清洗后病房内的空气质量亦有明显改善,空气中细菌总数清除率>74.1%。结论对医院空调通风系统进行清洗消毒可以一年一次,重视日常的清洗和维护,避免由于空气污染导致的疾病传播。