ABSTRACT
Aflatoxrn M1 [AFM1] is a major metabolite of aflatoxin B1 detected in the milk of mammals that their foods have been contaminated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic metabolites produced by the common fungi Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus. They are among the most potent carcinogens found in foods. Considering its risk to the human health and high consumption of milk and diary products, this study was undertaken to determine the level of AFM1 in pasteurized milk in Kerman province for the first time. From 19 Dec. 2007 to 19 March 2008, a total of 76 pasteurized milk samples produced by eight factories were collected and checked for the level of AFM1 using immunoaffinity column and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorimetric detector. The minimum detected level was 0.002 ppb and the amount of AFM1 in milk samples ranged from 0.002 to 0.14 ppb. No sample had greater AFM1 levels than the maximum allowed levels in milk accepted by FDA [o.5ppb], however, in 34 [44.7%] samples AFM1 level was over the maximum allowed limit in milk accepted by the European Union [0.05ppb]. Mean AFM1 level in milk samples obtained from Jiroft factory was the least [0.019 +/- 0.01ppb] compared to that for other factories. Although the amount of AFM1 in samples selected from commonly consumed milks in Kerman province, does not appear to create a serious public health problem at present, because of high consumption of milk and diary products especially in children it is necessary to consider it as a serious health problem
Subject(s)
Milk , Chromatography, High Pressure LiquidABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality rate. Traditionally, methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus has been considered a major nosocomial pathogen in healthcare facilities, but in the past decade, it has been observed emerging in the community as well. Informations regarding hospital microbial colonization could be an important step for prevention of nosocomial infections. Our objective was clarifying the prevalence of methicillin resistant and vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus colonization in nasopharynx. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried on 106 patients and nursing staff of surgery and hemodialysis wards in Amir-Alam hospital from April 2005 to July 2005. The samples were collected from nasal region of cases using cotton swab by two experienced technician and were sent to laboratory for culture and antibiogram. Twenty six [29.5%] out of 106 cases were nasopharyngeal carriers of staphylococcus aureus. Eight cases [7.5%] had methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. The most frequent colonization rate was seen in hemodialysis nursing staff and in all of them methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus was reported. Carrier rates in hemodialysis patients were twice compared to surgery ward patients. The interesting point was that no sample of vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Prevalence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus colonization seems to be increased; therefore proper management for controlling this problem is mandatory. The results of the present study suggest that the prevalence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infections is higher than was expected in Iran and vigorous preventive strategies should therefore be taken to stop the growth of this major health problem