Novel primer designing and PCR-AFLP approach for an expeditious detection of coliforms in potable waters

Molecular techniques involving 16S rRNA gene have long been proved to be a mainstay of sequence-based bacterial analysis and enhance the competence of bacterial removal in drinking water and food. The main goal of this analysis was to reduce the time of detection of total coliforms by developing 16S rRNA based DNA markers by targeting variable region in the 16S rRNA gene position of V2 and V9. Coliform specific primers (189F and 1447R) were designed to amplify total coliform with an amplicon size of 1300 bp. The PCR product was later digested with Hind III and BseRI (restriction enzymes) to differentiate the type of contamination caused by fecal and non-fecal coliforms respectively. The digested amplicons were run on agarose gel electrophoresis and contamination levels were estimated based on the respective band pattern. This method can be applicable to know the coliform contamination levels of potable waters, in food and beverage industries within a short period of time. To our knowledge, this is the first report on newly designed primers which not only amplify coliform bacteria, followed by various restriction digestions of these amplicons but also provides unique band patterns to identify coliforms at genus level.

Microbiological Evaluation of Milk Beverages Produced From African Breadfruit, Tigernut, Coconut and Date Fruit

This study was carried out to extract milk from African breadfruit, tigernut, coconut and date fruit and to observe the changes in the microbial load of milk during storage. The formulated plant milk beverages were compared to conventional plant milk beverage “Vita milk” which served as the control sample. Microbial counts, characterization and identification were carried out on the beverage samples every 7 days for up to 35 days. The total viable count of the toasted breadfruit-based samples ranged from 3.7 × 102 cfu/ml to 5.1 × 102cfu/ml and the values were lower than those recorded from the cooked breadfruit-based samples which ranged from 3.95 ×102 cfu/ml to 6.10 × 102 cfu/ml. There were no presence of coliform bacteria in the formulated beverage samples and the reference sample from 1 to 21 days of storage. After these periods, coliform bacteria were recorded in 3 samples of the formulated plant milk and in all the formulated beverage samples after 35 days of storage. The percentage occurrence of Staphylococcus species according to the result was low on the 1st day of storage (18.2%), but increases with storage period up to 28.7% after 35 days of storage. The percentage occurrence of Aspergillus species which is another organism of public health concern as recorded from the beverage samples throughout the period of storage were low and below the specified tolerable set by Codex Alimentarius which is < 50ug/ml. The overall microbial qualities of the formulated beverage were safe and stable for the 1st 21 days of storage and up until 28 days for the control sample. The study revealed that milk beverages formulated from these plants gave products that are comparable to the conventional soy bean based vitamilk. The microbiological stability of the formulated plant milk samples were relatively less compared to the vitamilk.

The result of disinfection of pit latrine with “Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Introduction@#Sanitation facility supply and service availability of Mongolia is essential due to the slow process of bacterial decomposition which is getting significant difficulties because of the cold and arid climate. Only 37 percent of Ulaanbaatar’s population is connected to the central sewerage system, and the majority of ger area residents, or 95 percent, use pit latrines in demand of sanitation facility. Numerous studies have shown that the main contaminant of the soil in ger area were pit latrines. It not only pollutes the environment but also affects human health. There is a lack of awareness about the transmission of infectious diseases and options of new sanitation facilities and poor knowledge and bad conditions to introduce new drainage systems. Most pit latrines in ger areas are of poor quality and do not meet relevant standards.@*Goal@#To determine the effect of ”Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution produced by Japanese technology for disinfecting pit latrines@*@#@*Material and Methods@#This study was conducted in December 2019 using a random sampling method. Five households in ger areas were selected and pit latrines were disinfected by ”Gipon” ionized disinfectant solution.@*Results@#The survey covered pit latrines of 5 households in the 21st khoroo of Bayanzurkh district. All owners allowed to participate in the survey. The pit latrines are located approximately 9.8 meters away from the households participated in survey. They have been utilized it for 7.6 years and used by an average of 6 people per day. For inner cover, 60.0 percent are lined with wood, and 40.0 percent are cleaned once a month. Before the use of the disinfectant solution, having taken the swab from door handles, floors and walls of the toilet and were detected Enterobacter spp, E.Coli, and Pseudomonas spp in all samples. </br> However, after one and 24 hours of spreading of the disinfectant solution, the amount of intestinal coliform bacteria and E. coli was reduced dramatically and in some places no bacterial were detected. 72% of the soil near the latrines in the study covered ger areas was contaminated with bacteria. In terms of E.Coli contamination in soil, 60% of them were contaminated in low degree and 32% were medium and 8% were high degree. Anaerobic microorganisms such as Cl.prefrings were accounted for 82% of the total sample, 19% moderate and 81% low contamination.@*Conclusion@#Intestinal coliform bacteria (Enterobacter spp, E.Coli, Pseudomonas spp) and pathogenic bacteria (Serratia spp, Staphylacoccus spp) were not detected and the number of fungi was sharply reduced after 1 and 24 hours using Hypon disinfectant. No intestinal pathogens (Salmonella spp, Citrobacter freundii) were found in the soil near the latrine. The amount of coli titers was reached to the acceptable limits. According to this study, the disinfection activity of “Gipon” solution was ranging from 105 to 104.

Medical institution sewage treatment in Qingpu District of Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the status of medical institution sewage treatment in Qingpu District of Shanghai, and to make corresponding measures in improving sewage management in medical institutions. Methods Questionnaire survey was conducted on selected 95 medical institutions in Qingpu District to investigate sewage treatment status and sewage samples were collected from 30 medical institutions with 20 beds or above to test their sanitary quality. Results Operating rate of sewage handling equipment was 98.9%, the proportion of medical institutions using chlorine disinfectant was 87.4%, the total qualified rate of residual chlorine was 66.7%, the total qualified rate of fecal coliform number was 70.0%, and overall qualified rate was 60.0%. Conclusion The qualified rate of medical institutions sewage in Qingpu District is not optimistic enough.It is necessary to strengthen sewage personnel training and health supervision to ensure the safety of medical institution sewage.

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.

Disinfection effect and its influencing factors of rural drinking water in Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

Objective@#To learn the disinfection effect and its influencing factors of drinking water in rural areas of Zhejiang Province,so as to provide scientific basis for the control of microbial pollution in drinking water and prevention of waterborne diseases. @*Methods@#A total of 5 299 samples from 879 rural water plants Zhejiang Province were collected by stratified sampling method in 2017. The disinfection effect of water samples was assessed quality according to GB 5749-2006 Hygienic Standards for Drinking Water. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors for disinfection effect of rural drinking water. @*Results@#There were 540 rural water plants in Zhejiang Province adopting routine process for water purification,accounting for 61.43%;771 ones using surface water,accounting for 87.72%. About 4 458 samples（84.13%）were disinfected and the qualified rate was 86.05%,22.32% of which were disinfected by chlorine dioxide and the qualified rate was 100.00%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that scale of water plant,disinfectant residue,use frequency of disinfection equipment,disinfection,season and source water turbidity were the influencing factors for the disinfection effect of rural drinking water（P<0.05）;disinfection,disinfectant residue,use frequency of disinfection equipment and source water turbidity were the influencing factors for the disinfection effect of finished water（P<0.05）;disinfection,disinfectant residue,use frequency of disinfection equipment,source water turbidity and scale of water plant were the influencing factors for the disinfection effect of tap water（P<0.05）;disinfectant residue,use frequency of disinfection equipment,source water turbidity and scale of water plant were the influencing factors forthe disinfection effect of surface water（P<0.05）;disinfectant residue,use frequency of disinfection equipment,source water turbidity and pH were the influencing factors for the disinfection effect of groundwater（P<0.05）.@*Conclusion@#The disinfection effect of drinking water in rural areas of Zhejiang Province is associated with source water quality,scale of plants,water purification technique and so on. The disinfection process should be improved,the management of water plants should be strengthened to reduce the risk of microbial contamination.

Influence of packaging on the quality of Brazil nuts / Influência da embalagem na qualidade de castanhas-do-brasil

The Brazil nut is an important commodity that grows in the Amazon rainforest and is notable for its high nutritional value. However, the effect that packaging has on product shelf-life is unclear. This study evaluated the microbiological and nutritional quality of unshelled Brazil nuts packed in (a) nylon and polypropylene under vacuum, and (b) in polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene aluminized films. The nuts were stored for nine months under natural environmental conditions. The most probable number of total and thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, and counting of molds and yeast were determined in the unshelled nuts shortly after collection and every three months during storage. Moisture, lipids, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents were measured by the gravimetric method. Crude protein content was measured using the Kjeldahl method. Coliform levels were within legislated standards in both types of packaging. Mold and yeast growth increased with time in both types of packaging (0.1x10¹ to 9.5x10³ colony forming units g-1), but only nuts packaged in aluminum film showed a significant increase after six months of storage. After nine months of storage, both types of packaged nuts had good nutritional quality. Aluminized packaging resulted in better conservation of the lipid fraction and lower permeability to water vapor, however, vacuum packaging was more effective in controlling fungal growth, possibly due to the lack of oxygen.

As castanhas-do-brasil são um importante produto da floresta amazônica e destacam-se pelo seu alto valor nutricional. Contudo, os efeitos da embalagem sobre a vida de prateleira das castanhas não estão completamente esclarecidos. Sendo assim, neste estudo, avaliou-se a qualidade microbiológica e nutricional de castanhas-do-brasil descascadas, embaladas em (a) nylon mais polipropileno a vácuo e (b) filmes aluminizados de polietileno tereftalato (PET) e polietileno (PE). As castanhas foram armazenadas por um período de nove meses, sob condições ambientais naturais. Logo após a coleta, e a cada três meses, foram determinados nas castanhas o número mais provável de coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes e Escherichia coli, e contagem total de bolores e leveduras. Também foram medidos os teores de umidade, lipídeos, cinzas, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido por métodos gravimétricos, e os teores de proteína bruta por meio do método de Kjeldahl. Os níveis de coliformes termotolerantes estiveram dentro dos padrões da legislação nos dois tipos de embalagem. A incidência de bolores e leveduras aumentou ao longo do tempo nas duas embalagens (de 0,1x10¹ a 9,5x10³ unidades formadoras de colônia; UFC g-1), porém somente a embalagem aluminizada apresentou aumento significativo após seis meses de armazenamento. Após nove meses, as castanhas nas duas embalagens apresentaram boa qualidade nutricional, porém a embalagem aluminizada apresentou melhor conservação da fração lipídica e menor permeabilidade a vapores de água. Contudo, a embalagem a vácuo foi mais eficiente no controle do crescimento de fungos, possivelmente devido à ausência de oxigênio.

Qualidade microbiológica do sururu (Mytella charruana) comercializado por catadoras da Baía de Sepetiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Microbiological quality of sururu (Mytella charruana) marketed by scavengers of the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A preocupação com a qualidade do pescado é de grande importância para todos, pois é um alimento de alto valor nutritivo, mas tem grande susceptibilidade à deterioração e formação de substâncias prejudiciais à saúde, quando as condições de conservação e manipulação não são mantidas. O cultivo de moluscos bivalves além de ser uma fonte alternativa de alimentos, é uma opção para a subsistência das populações ribeirinhas de todo o litoral, à medida que a matriz alimentícia ganha espaço no mercado, principalmente nas regiões nordeste, sul e sudeste. Os sururus são organismos filtradores, capazes de absorver micropartículas em suspensão, as quais podem carrear elevadas concentrações de microrganismos patogênicos, outro fator importante relacionado a este molusco é a má condição de manipulação no beneficiamento, que pode provocar toxinfecções alimentares, ambos provocando danos à saúde. As análises microbiológicas foram realizadas em sururu in natura e após cozimento. Nas amostras analisadas houve ausência de Salmonella spp., com redução na contagem de Staphylococcus coagulase-positiva e de Coliformes Termotolerantes a 45ºC nos produtos cozidos. Os resultados são indicativos de que mesmo havendo redução de contaminação bacteriana, a manipulação das catadoras, após cozimento, é inadequada e que medidas corretivas devem ser adotadas para se obter o produto adequado bacteriologicamente ao consumo.

Fish quality has a great importance concerning to its high nutritional value, due to its great susceptibility to deterioration and occurrence of harmful substances to human health when the storage and handling conditions are not kept properly. The bivalves farming is an alternative source of food and also a source of livelihood for riverside communities, as the product is accepted in the market, mainly in the Northeast, South and Southeast regions. As filter feeders organisms, “sururu” mussels can absorb microparticles which can carry high level of pathogenic micro-organisms. Another important factor is the bad handling conditions both can lead to foodstuff infections. Microbiological analyzes were performed in raw “sururu” mussel and after cooking. The samples analyzed there was no Salmonella sp., a reduction in coagulase-positive Staphylococcus count and thermotolerant coliforms at 45 °C in baked products. Results of the analyzes showed that even with the contamination reduction, the handling of the women staff after cooking is inadequate and corrective measures should be taken to obtain a safe product for the final consumer.

Diseño de un filtro potabilizador ecológico para comunidades rurales, utilizando la Moringa Oleifera / A watermaker ecological filter design for rural communities, using Moringa Oleifera / Um projeto de filtro ecológico watermaker para comunidades rurais, utilizando Moringa Oleifera

Resumen Introducción: El agua en estado natural contiene diferentes partículas, entre ellas, el suelo y microorganismos impiden que sea apta para el consumo humano, el agua en estas condiciones causa diversas enfermedades hídricas. En países de América Latina y el Caribe, estas enfermedades se encuentran entre las diez causas más frecuentes de defunción. El diseño del filtro ecológico (lento ascendente). Objetivo: potabilizar el agua de comunidades rurales sin emplear sustancias químicas, utilizadas por la ingeniería sanitaria de forma tradicional en la potabilización. Metodología: La aplicación de este proyecto de investigación se ejecutará en la comunidad de Pichiyacu de los Cayapas, ubicada en el Ecuador, provincia de Esmeraldas, cantón Eloy Alfaro. Resultado: Investigaciones científicas han demostrado que la semilla de la Moringa oleifera, es una alternativa amigable con el ambiente y el ser humano, debido a que presenta eficiencias sobre el 90% en la eliminación de la turbidez, y hasta el 100% en la remoción de coliformes fecales. Conclusiones: El presente proyecto considera los parámetros de calidad del agua en la confluencia de los ríos Santiago y Ónzole, en la provincia de Esmeraldas, cantón Eloy Alfaro, parroquia San José, comunidad Pichiyacu de Los Cayapas, la cual cuenta con una población estimada de 300 familias.

Abstract Introduction: Water in its natural state contains different particles, including soil and microorganisms that prevent it from being suitable for human consumption, water in these conditions causes various waterborne diseases. In Latin American and Caribbean countries, these diseases are among the ten most frequent causes of death. The design of the ecological filter (slow up). Objective: To make water available in rural communities without using chemical substances, used by sanitary engineering in a traditional manner for purification. Methodology: The application of this research project will be executed in the community of Pichiyacu de los Cayapas, located in Ecuador, province of Esmeraldas, canton Eloy Alfaro. Result: Scientific research has shown that the seed of the Moringa oleifera, is a friendly alternative to the environment and human being, because it has efficiencies over 90% in the elimination of turbidity, and up to 100% in the removal of coliforms Fecal. Conclusions: This project considers the water quality parameters at the confluence of the Santiago and Ónzole rivers, in the province of Esmeraldas, Eloy Alfaro canton, San José parish, Los Cayapas Pichiyacu community, which has an estimated population of 300 families.

Resumo Introdução: A água em seu estado natural contém diferentes partículas, incluindo o solo e microorganismos que impedem que ela seja adequada para consumo humano; a água nessas condições causa várias doenças transmitidas pela água. Nos países da América Latina e Caribe, essas doenças estão entre as dez causas mais freqüentes de morte. O design do filtro ecológico (ascendente lento). Objetivo: Tornar a água disponível em comunidades rurais sem o uso de substâncias químicas, usadas por engenharia sanitária de maneira tradicional para purificação. Metodologia: A aplicação deste projeto de pesquisa será executada na comunidade de Pichiyacu de los Cayapas, localizada no Equador, província de Esmeraldas, cantão Eloy Alfaro. Resultado: A pesquisa mostrou que a semente de Moringa oleifera é uma alternativa amiga do ambiente e os seres humanos, uma vez que apresenta as eficiências mais de 90% na remoção de turvação, e até 100% na remoção de coliform Fecal Conclusões Este projeto considera os parâmetros de qualidade da água na confluência dos rios Santiago e Onzole na província de Esmeraldas, Canton Eloy Alfaro, paróquia San Jose, comunidade Pichiyacu Los Cayapas, que tem uma população estimada de 300 famílias.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessments of Newly Dug Borehole Water Sources in Rafi Local Government, Minna, Niger State

The quality of potable water depends not only on its physical and chemical characteristics but also on its biological characteristics. Potable water is often sourced from surface water, mainly rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater - boreholes and wells; of which boreholes are supposedly superior. In the present study, the physicochemical and microbiological status of six newly drilled boreholes in Rafi Local Government Area, Minna, Niger State was assessed. Twenty-two physicochemical parameters and coliform count were determined. Water samples were collected from newly drilled borehole water sources in Tsofomension 1, TsofoMension 2, Katako, Tunga Bako, Kagara and Kwana. The colour, odour, taste, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH, chloride and copper ions were within acceptable limits. Iron and manganese content of the three regions were highly elevated above the recommended level. It is of concern that the level of hydrogen sulphide (0.2 - 0.27) was far above the permissible level (0.05), being newly drilled sources of water. Only one of the studied boreholes was free of both total and faecal coliforms, other boreholes were contaminated with either total or faecal coliforms or both. The findings in this study necessitate a call for increased hygiene and construction of lined soak-away to eradicate indiscriminate discharge of human and animal wastes. Appropriate water treatment methods such as coagulation, filtration and boiling of water should be encouraged. Most importantly, newly dug water sources should be tested, monitored and elaborately treated before consumption.

Assessment of drinking water in a rural area of Patna (Bihar) with special reference to human health

Water quality of rural area of Patna was studied. The water samples from rural area of Patna were collected to assess the quality of potable water. A laboratory test was conducted for assessment of water quality. The physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters were studied. The results obtained were compared with WHO/ICMR standard. Results showed high TDS, hardness at some locations and coliform counts were high at some sampling sites. Conductivity increases with increase of hardness of water. The pH of drinking water samples were followed by the standards recommended by the ICMR or WHO. TDS of water samples showed wide range of variations. Hard water is responsible for cardiovascular diseases. Such quality of water can cause various diseases like diarrhoea, jaundice, typhoid, dysentery etc.

Succession Law of Intestinal Flora after Death in SD Rats / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To initially explore the sequential changes in the intestinal flora of corpse for the estimation of postmortem interval （PMI）.@*METHODS@#Rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and samples were taken from their intestines using cotton swab to extract the DNA of intestinal flora. The 16S rRNA V3 universal primers were selected for PCR, and the PCR products were used for denatured gradient gel electrophoresis. The diversity and similarity analysis of intestinal flora were analyzed between groups, and the bands were cut from denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. After purification, PCR and sequencing, the percentage of major bacteria in each group was obtained.@*RESULTS@#The flora diversity showed a reduced tendency from 1st to 30th day after death （ P<0.05）, while the intra-group similarity showed a downward trend （ P<0.05）. The number of bands and intra-group similarity coefficient （Cs） on the first day was higher than that of other groups （ P<0.05）. The intra-group Cs of the 25th and 30th day had a significant difference compared with the 5th day （ P<0.05）. At the genus level, the intestinal flora was mainly composed of Enterococcus sp. on the 1th and 5th day after death, Bacillus thuringienssis was the dominant species on the 10th, 15th and 20th day, and Enterococcus faecalis became the dominant species on the 25th and 30th day.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The composition and structure of intestinal flora change significantly in rats with the time after death, which indicates that the succession of intestinal flora is related to the postmortem interval.

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)

Emissários submarinos de esgotos como alternativa à minimização de riscos à saúde humana e ambiental / Ocean outfalls as an alternative to minimizing risks to human and environmental health

Resumo Emissários submarinos são apresentados como uma eficiente alternativa para o destino final de efluentes sanitários em regiões costeiras densamente povoadas em virtude da elevada capacidade de dispersão e depuração da matéria orgânica no ambiente marinho, e por demandar pequenas áreas para sua implementação. A probabilidade de condições improprias de balneabilidade, em áreas costeiras adjacentes aos emissários submarinos de esgotos de Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca e Icaraí, é avaliada com base em metodologia computacional probabilística que contempla em conjunto a modelagem hidrodinâmica, de transporte e decaimento bacteriano. Os resultados mostram que as concentrações de coliformes fecais são influenciadas fortemente pela radiação solar e todos os fatores responsáveis por sua mitigação no ambiente marinho. Os referidos emissários não comprometem a balneabilidade na região costeira, visto que as condições improprias de balneabilidade são restringidas às regiões adjacentes aos pontos de lançamento do efluente. A poluição observada nas praias é indicativa da contaminação que ocorre pelos sistemas lagunares, rios e canais ambientalmente degradados.

Abstract Submarine outfalls are proposed as an efficient alternative for the final destination of wastewater in densely populated coastal areas, due to the high dispersal capacity and the clearance of organic matter in the marine environment, and because they require small areas for implementation. This paper evaluates the probability of unsuitable bathing conditions in coastal areas nearby to the Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca and Icaraí outfalls based on a computational methodology gathering hydrodynamic, pollutant transport, and bacterial decay modelling. The results show a strong influence of solar radiation and all factors that mitigate its levels in the marine environment on coliform concentration. The aforementioned outfalls do not pollute the coastal areas, and unsuitable bathing conditions are restricted to nearby effluent launching points. The pollution observed at the beaches indicates that the contamination occurs due to the polluted estuarine systems, rivers and canals that flow to the coast.

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 da água de abastecimento público do município de Jaboticabal, SP / Quality of public-supply water in Jaboticabal city, Brazil

RESUMO A água de abastecimento público pode ser um veículo de doenças e agravos à saúde humana, portanto, é necessário um tratamento eficiente e constantes avaliações da sua qualidade. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a dinâmica populacional de indicadores microbiológicos e parâmetros físico-químicos da qualidade da água em diferentes pontos de uma estação de tratamento de água do tipo convencional, do sistema de distribuição e dos mananciais de abastecimento do município de Jaboticabal, São Paulo, nas estações chuvosa e de seca. Os resultados demonstraram que, apesar do manancial superficial apresentar qualidade microbiológica inferior (comparado aos demais mananciais estudados), após tratamento convencional foi obtida a potabilidade do mesmo. A estação chuvosa foi crítica para amostras coletadas nas etapas logo após adição de cloro, principalmente no sistema de distribuição do manancial subsuperficial. Dentre os pontos avaliados na rede de distribuição, os reservatórios domiciliares apresentaram o maior número de amostras fora do padrão de potabilidade, principalmente na rede abastecida pelo manancial subsuperficial. São necessárias estratégias para a melhoria do processo de tratamento da água do dreno - voltado para a redução da turbidez - principalmente na estação chuvosa; assim como programas de educação em saúde para a população, a fim de melhorar a qualidade da água no ponto de consumo, a partir da limpeza periódica dos reservatórios domiciliares.

ABSTRACT The public-supply water can be a vehicle of disease and harm to human health, therefore, efficient treatment and constant evaluation of its quality is required. The present study aimed to evaluate the population dynamics of microbiological and physico-chemical indicators of water quality parameters at different points of a water treatment plant of the conventional type, in the distribution system and sources of supply in Jaboticabal city, São Paulo state, Brazil, in the rainy and dry seasons. The results showed that although the present fountain surface presents worse microbiological quality (compared to other sources studied) after the conventional treatment, it became potable. The rainy season was critical for samples collected in steps after adding chlorine, especially in the distribution of sub-surface source system. Among the evaluated points in the distribution network, domestic containers had the highest number of samples outside the potability standards, mainly those fueled by the sub-surface source network. Strategies to improve the treatment process of the drain water (turbidity reduction) are needed, especially during the rainy season; as well as health education programs in order to improve water quality at the point of consumption by periodic cleaning of domestic containers.

Water quality of the reservoirs used for irrigation in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná State, Brazil / Qualidade da água de reservatórios utilizados para irrigação em São José dos Pinhais

ABSTRACT: Land use outside its agricultural potential and low vegetation cover in the watershed impair the quality of water used for irrigation and may contribute to the spread of pathogenic coliform bacteria. The objective of this study was to relate the quality of irrigation water with the intensity and type of land use and the rainfall in a vegetable-producing region of São José dos Pinhais, Paraná. Water samples were collected monthly in 2013 from two reservoirs and one preserved source. After collection, the samples were chilled in Styrofoam boxes and transported to the laboratory for analyses of the total and thermotolerant coliforms. Effect of land use was analyzed by probability estimation trees. High land use and weekly above average rainfall increased the probability of thermo tolerant coliforms exceeding the limit allowed under legislation. In regards to thermo tolerant coliforms in the analyzed period, the water from only one reservoir was in accordance with the legislation for the quality of water to irrigate vegetables that are consumed raw. Results of this study are an alert to the local government for the necessity of environmental preservation to maintain the water quality of the county.

RESUMO: O uso do solo fora da sua aptidão agrícola e a pouca cobertura vegetal na bacia hidrográfica prejudicam a qualidade da água utilizada para irrigação, podendo disseminar bactérias patogênicas do grupo coliformes. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relacionar a qualidade da água de irrigação como uso do solo (intensidade e tipo de uso) e precipitação pluviométrica, em uma região produtora de hortaliças de São José dos Pinhais, Paraná. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente no ano de 2013, em dois reservatórios e uma nascente preservada. Após as coletas, as amostras foram refrigeradas em caixas de isopor e posteriormente procedeu-se às análises de coliformes totais e termotolerantes. Os resultados do efeito do uso do solo foram analisados em árvores de probabilidade. O maior uso do solo e a precipitação pluviométrica semanal acima da média aumentam a probabilidade dos coliformes termotolerantes estarem acima do permitido pela legislação. Para o período analisado e considerando os coliformes termotolerantes, apenas a água de um dos reservatórios estudados está de acordo com a legislação para ser utilizada para irrigação de hortaliças que são consumidas cruas. Os resultados obtidos são um indicativo para o poder público local quanto à necessidade da preservação ambiental e da conservação da qualidade da água na região.

Influência da inspeção sanitária na melhoria da qualidade do queijo minas frescal comercializado no município de Viçosa, MG / Influence of sanitary inspection in improving the quality of cheese sold in Viçosa, MG

Devido às suas características físico-químicas, o queijo Minas Frescal é considerado substrato ideal para o desenvolvimento de micro-organismos, inclusive podendo se tornar veículo de transmissão de patógenos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da inspeção sanitária na qualidade microbiológica de queijos Minas Frescal comercializados sob o âmbito dos Serviços de Inspeção Municipal (SIM) e Federal (SIF), no município de Viçosa, MG. Foram analisadas, por meio da detecção de coliformes a 45oC e análise de fosfatase alcalina, 12 amostras de queijo Minas Frescal, sendo 4 sob a inspeção do SIF e 8 sob a inspeção do SIM. Todas as amostras apresentaram coliformes a 35oC, mas apenas nas amostras sob inspeção do SIM foi detectada a presença de coliformes a 45oC acima do padrão, perfazendo um total de 25% das amostras fora do limite estabelecido pela legislação. Entretanto, tais resultados, quando comparados com trabalhos anteriores, permitem concluir que houve uma melhoria significativa na qualidade microbiológica do queijo Minas Frescal comercializado na cidade de Viçosa, MG. Além disso, todas as amostras apresentaram resultado negativo para fosfatase alcalina, indicando que a matéria-prima utilizada na fabricação dos queijos recebeu tratamento térmico adequado. A melhoria observada na qualidade dos queijos pode estar relacionada à criação e atuação da vigilância sanitária local que exige para a comercialização, no mínimo, o registro do produto no SIM, fator que contribuiu para adequação dos produtores às exigências legais.

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.