role of house fly [musca domestica] in the transmission of microorganisms in hospital environment [Damanhour hospital]

The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, fungi and parasites from the house-flies [Musca domestica] collected from Damanhour Hospital and from remote residential area having good sanitary conditions. From this study it can be concluded that, the house-flies, may act as vectors of potentially pathogenic bacteria in a hospital environment. Microbial studies of randomly collected flies from a hospital environment may provide an epidemiological tool for monitoring existing sanitary conditions

Conventional air conditioning system versus cooling towers: an environmental health assay

The role played by Freon air conditioning systems versus cooling towers on the health of their users was studied. The maximum and minimum temperatures with the relative humidity were measured inside 30 Freon air conditioned houses and 28 houses ventilated with cooling towers in Majma'ah city of Saudi Arabia. The main indoor difference between the two groups of houses was the very low relative humidity, during summer, in the first group [15%] in contrast with 65.3% in the second one. Sick building syndrome was evident among adults in the first group while allergic manifestations were abundant among children living in houses equipped with cooling towers. Proper design and construction of housing environment could relieve most of these effects. In addition, cooling towers cleaning and disinfection would prove effective in decreasing the growth of microorganisms inside these appliances

Effect of sludge treatment processes on removal of parasites

Sewage sludge was treated by lime, digestion [aerobic and anaerobic], drying [on conventional beds and solar heated beds], and composting. The parasitic cysts, eggs, and larvae were isolated from raw and treated sewage sludge samples by centrifugation. It was found that Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs were the most resistant stages, while the Entamoeba coli cysts, Schistosoma mansoni eggs, and Taenia eggs were the most sensitive ones. Composting and lime treatment proved to be most effective methods of sewage sludge treatment

Comparison between different methods of some biologically important agents in compost

Three different extraction methods were performed to recover some selected microorganisms from compost. These microorganisms include pollution indicators as fecal coliforms, Clostridium welchii, and parasitic ova. 10 g compost samples were mixed with 100 ml of distilled water, normal saline, or petroleum ether. The extracted solutions were examined for the previous pollution indicators in addition to the total viable bacterial count and Staphylococcus aureus to determine the best detection method for each one. The distilled water was found to be efficient for counting the total viable bacteria and fecal coliforms. The isolation of parasitic ova was superior by normal saline or petroleum ether. The extracted solutions were examined for the previous pollution indicators in addition to the total viable bacterial count and staphylococcus to determine the best detection method for each one. The distilled water was found to be efficient for counting the total viable bacteria and fecal coliforms. The isolation of parasitic ova was superior by normal saline. The best suitable method for detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium welchii is by using organic solvent. These results point out also to the importance of health education of compost workers, periodical medical check up of these workers, and the need for safe handling procedures of the final compost. In addition, application of the compost should be restricted to those crops which are not eaten raw

Developing a scoring system for sanitary conditions-evaluation of water roof tanks

This study was carried out to determine the role played by the roof tanks as regards the stored water quality, to develop a suitable scoring system for these tanks, to recommend the optimum tank type, and to suggest a tank maintenance schedule. The structural condition of a tank sample [concrete, steel, and barrel] was examined together with the surrounding pollution sources. In addition, water samples were analyzed for bacteriological, biological, and chemical characteristics. It was found that the barrel tanks were the worst type. To name just a few examples, the clear space was absent underneath all barrel tanks which were provided with neither surplus pipe nor drain. The bacteriological, biological, and chemical analysis of outlet water were unsatisfactory for barrels. The most vital structural factors having direct percussion on the outlet water quality were the cover, inside condition, and the adjacent pollution sources. The defective innate and design characteristics of barrels were attributed to their faulty cover, organic paints/coatings, and small size. These factors enhanced the reduction of RC and thriving of bacterial and biological parameters. A scoring system was developed to detect the sanitary condition of these tanks, and hence their grading. It was found that intrinsic scoring system was far more appropriate than the total crude scoring system. Lastly, a schedule for selecting and maintaining roof tanks was introduced

Factors affecting the allergic reaction to cockroaches antigen in two different environments

A sample of 281 pupils were randomly chosen from two schools of different sectors: El-Shatby school representing humid area and King Maryout school representing dry area. They were tested intradermally with crude cockroaches antigen [German and American cockroaches]. Using logistic analysis, it has been proved that environmental factors and the history of atopy are the most effective causes of positive reaction. Age, sex, socioeconomic status and consanguinity are of no relevant effect on the cockroach antigen antibody reaction