Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Resumo O presente estudo envolve a análise química e bacteriológica de água de diferentes fontes, ou seja, furo, poços, garrafa e torneira, dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Swat e Kohat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. De cada distrito, 50 amostras de água (10 amostras de cada fonte), independentemente do status urbano e rural, foram coletadas dessas fontes e analisadas para sulfatos, nitratos, nitritos, cloretos, sólidos solúveis totais e coliformes (E. coli). Os resultados indicaram que a maioria das fontes de água tinha uma contagem inaceitável de E. coli, ou seja, > 34 UFC / 100 mL. As amostras positivas para E. coli foram elevadas no distrito de Mardan, seguido por Kohat, Swat e distrito de Peshawar. Além disso, algumas fontes de água também foram contaminadas quimicamente por diferentes fertilizantes inorgânicos (nitratos/nitritos de sódio, potássio), mas em níveis seguros, enquanto os resíduos agrícolas e industriais (compostos de cloreto e sulfato) estavam em níveis inseguros. Entre todos os distritos, a qualidade da água foi considerada comparativamente mais deteriorada nos distritos de Kohat e Mardan do que nos distritos de Peshawar e Swat. Essas fontes de água química e bacteriologicamente impróprias para beber podem causar problemas à saúde humana.

Drinking water quality of various sources in Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan / Qualidade de água potável de váris fontes dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat e Swat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract The present study involves the chemical and bacteriological analysis of water from different sources i.e., bore, wells, bottle, and tap, from Peshawar, Mardan, Swat and Kohat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. From each district, 50 water samples (10 samples from each source), regardless of urban and rural status, were collected from these sources and analysed for sulphates, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, total soluble solids and coliforms (E. coli). Results indicated that majority of the water sources had unacceptable E. coli count i.e.> 34 CFU/100mL. E. coli positive samples were high in Mardan District, followed by Kohat, Swat and Peshawar district. Besides this, the some water sources were also chemically contaminated by different inorganic fertilizers (nitrates/nitrites of sodium, potassium) but under safe levels whereas agricultural and industrial wastes (chloride and sulphate compounds) were in unsafe range. Among all districts, the water quality was found comparatively more deteriorated in Kohat and Mardan districts than Peshawar and Swat districts. Such chemically and bacteriologically unfit water sources for drinking and can cause human health problems.

Resumo O presente estudo envolve a análise química e bacteriológica de água de diferentes fontes, ou seja, furo, poços, garrafa e torneira, dos distritos de Peshawar, Mardan, Swat e Kohat da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. De cada distrito, 50 amostras de água (10 amostras de cada fonte), independentemente do status urbano e rural, foram coletadas dessas fontes e analisadas para sulfatos, nitratos, nitritos, cloretos, sólidos solúveis totais e coliformes (E. coli). Os resultados indicaram que a maioria das fontes de água tinha uma contagem inaceitável de E. coli, ou seja, > 34 UFC / 100 mL. As amostras positivas para E. coli foram elevadas no distrito de Mardan, seguido por Kohat, Swat e distrito de Peshawar. Além disso, algumas fontes de água também foram contaminadas quimicamente por diferentes fertilizantes inorgânicos (nitratos/nitritos de sódio, potássio), mas em níveis seguros, enquanto os resíduos agrícolas e industriais (compostos de cloreto e sulfato) estavam em níveis inseguros. Entre todos os distritos, a qualidade da água foi considerada comparativamente mais deteriorada nos distritos de Kohat e Mardan do que nos distritos de Peshawar e Swat. Essas fontes de água química e bacteriologicamente impróprias para beber podem causar problemas à saúde humana.

Efecto de la actividad truchícola sobre la concentración de coliformes totales y Escherichia coli en aguas de la cuenca alta del río Savegre, Costa Rica

Introducción: La acuacultura de truchas ha incrementado gradualmente en las tierras altas de Costa Rica. Las aguas residuales de esta actividad son descartadas directamente en los ríos, sin tratamientos previos. Como consecuencia, la actividad truchícola puede contaminar severamente el agua de los ríos con bacterias que pueden afectar la salud humana. Objetivo: Evaluar la contaminación bacteriana por la acuacultura de truchas en el río Savegre, Costa Rica. Métodos: Contamos los coliformes totales y Escherichia coli de muestras mensuales (2015-2018) en tres secciones del proyecto de acuacultura más grande de la cuenca alta del río. Recolectamos las muestras en la entrada de los estanques para las truchas, a la salida, y 200 m hacia abajo. Resultados: Encontramos menos coliformes totales y E. coli en el agua recolectada justo en la salida del agua de los estanques. El número de coliformes totales fue mayor en el 2016 y 2017, y de E. coli en el 2016. Conclusiones: Conteos de coliformes y de E. coli es muy alto en el río, pero inesperadamente, su número disminuye en el agua residual descartada de los estanques. Podría ser que el mucus producido por las truchas o sustancias liberadas del musgo que cubre la pared de los estanques reduzca el crecimiento de bacterias, como se ha sido sugerido en otros estudios. La contaminación del río parece venir de otras fuentes.

Introduction: The trout aquacultural activity has gradually increased in Costa Rican highlands. Residual waters from this activity are discarded directly in the rivers without any previous treatment process. Consequently, this activity could severely contaminate the river with bacteria that can affect human health. Objective: To evaluate bacterial contamination from trout aquaculture on Río Savegre, Costa Rica. Methods: We counted total coliforms and Escherichia coli from monthly samples (2015-2018) at three sections of the largest aquacultural development in the upper drainage of the river. We collected samples at the fish ponds entrance, exit and 200 m downwards. Results: We found fewer total coliforms and E. coli in the water collected just at the exit of the fish ponds. We counted more total coliforms in 2016 and 2017, and more E. coli in 2016. Conclusions: Coliform and E. coli counts are high in the river, but, unexpectedly, low in the water discarded from the fish tanks. Perhaps the mucus produced by the trouts or substances released by mosses on the fish tank walls reduce bacterial growth, as suggested by other studies. River pollution appears to come from other sources.

Environmental and Anthropogenic Influences on Coliform Concentrations in the Octopus insularis Production Chain in the Veracruz Reef System, Gulf of Mexico.

Coliforms are relatively common in aquatic environments, but their concentrations can be increased by environmental changes and anthropogenic activities, thus impacting fisheries resources. To determine the microbiological quality in the octopus production chain (capture, post-capture, processing and commercialization), total (TC) and fecal (FC) coliforms were quantified in sea water, fresh octopus, fresh water, ice and octopus in two presentations: packed in ice and boiled. Samples came from fishing zones Enmedio, Chopa and La Gallega at the Veracruz Reef System (VRS) during dry, rainy and windy seasons. The coliforms were determined using the most probable number technique (MPN). The most relevant results indicated that octopus packed in ice coming from the commercialization stage had FC levels >540 MPN/100 g, which exceeded the permissible limits (230 MPN/100 g). Therefore, these products present a risk for human consumption. Differences in FC were observed in octopuses between the three fishing zones (H = 8.697; p = 0.0129) and among the three climatic seasons, increasing during the rainy season, highlighting La Gallega with 203.33 ± 63 MPN (H = 7.200; p = 0.0273). The results provide evidence of the environmental and anthropogenic influences on coliform concentrations and the urgent need to implement an efficient cold chain throughout octopus production stages with adequate handling practices to reverse this situation.

Determination of pathogens and contamination indicatorsin fresh pork sausages in the state of São Paulo / Determinação de patógenos e indicadores de contaminação em linguiças frescais de origem suína no estado de São Paulo

The highest cost of beef and chicken meat justifies higher consumption of fresh sausage products, especially linguiça, due to their easy preparation and affordability for consumers, making necessary an evaluation of sanitary hygienic conditions of these products. The objective was to investigate the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in artisanal and inspected fresh pork sausages. It was found that 12% (6/50) of the artisanal sausage samples were contaminated with Salmonellaspp., 58% (29/50) presented coagulase-positive Staphylococcus levels above the acceptable limits for consumption and 76% (38/50) presented thermotolerant coliform levels above the acceptable limits. In sausage samples produced under inspected conditions, 6% (3/50) were contaminated with Salmonella spp., 24% (12/50) presented thermotolerant coliform levels above the acceptable limits, 2% (1/50) presented enteropathogenic E. coli. None samples showed coagulase-positive Staphylococcus counts above the limits, or presence of Campylobacter spp. Sensitizing traders and consumers about the importance of inspection service in food of animal origin is urgent for a sanitary acceptable production, since foodborne diseases continue to be a public health problem.

O alto custo das carnes de frango e bovina justifica maior consumo de produtos embutidos frescais, especialmente a linguiça, devido ao preço acessível ao consumidor e fácil preparo, tornando necessário estudos para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias. Os objetivos foram verificar a presença de Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase positiva, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia colipatogênicas e Campylobacter spp. em linguiças suínas tipo frescal artesanais e fiscalizadas. Os resultados obtidos em linguiças artesanais foram de 12% (6/50) contaminadas com Salmonella spp., 58% (29/50) de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva e 76% (38/50) nas quantificações de coliformes termotolerantes, dados que apresentam níveis de contaminação superiores aos da legislação vigente. Nas linguiças produzidas sob fiscalização detectou-se 6% (3/50) de contaminação por Salmonella spp.; 24% (12/50) de quantificação de coliformes termotolerantes acima dos limites aceitáveis, e 2% (1/50) de E. coli enteropatogênica. Nenhuma amostra apresentou contagens de Staphylococcus coagulase positiva fora dos padrões, ou contaminação por Campylobacter spp. Sensibilizar comerciantes e consumidores sobre a importância do serviço de inspeção em alimentos de origem animal é premente para que haja uma produção sanitária aceitável, pois doenças transmitidas por alimentos continuam sendo um problema à saúde pública.

Calidad microbiológica: detección de Aeromonas sp y Pseudomonas sp en garrafones provenientes de pequeñas plantas purificadoras de agua / Microbiological quality: detection of Aeromonas sp and Pseudomonas sp in jugs from small water purification establishments

RESUMEN Las plantas purificadoras de agua que carecen de un adecuado sistema de control de calidad pueden generar problemas de salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la calidad microbiológica del agua proveniente de pequeñas plantas purificadoras de la ciudad de Puebla, así como, determinar la existencia de bacterias Aeromonas sp y Pseudomonas sp, y caracterizar si presentan un fenotipo patógeno oportunista. Se recolectaron 70 muestras de garrafones de agua de 25 establecimientos. La cuantificación bacteriana se realizó mediante el método de goteo en placa. Se comprobaron los géneros microbianos mediante análisis bioquímico. En las cepas que mostraron discrepancia se utilizó la identificación molecular con base a secuencias parciales del gen 16S rRNA para confirmar su especie y se les evaluaron sus características de patogenicidad: multirresistencia a antibióticos, producción de biopelícula y actividad hemolítica. El 40 % de las plantas purificadoras no cumplieron con la calidad microbiológica del agua para consumo humano. El 41.4 % de los garrafones de agua muestreados incumplió la normativa, presentando coliformes totales 35.7 %, Pseudomonas 30 %, Enterococcus faecalis 8.6 % y bacterias coliformes fecales el 5.7 %. Se obtuvieron 56 aislados, provenientes de los 29 garrafones contaminados; 10 de ellos se caracterizaron molecularmente, resultando 7 aislados relacionados con especies diferentes de P. aeruginosa y 3 con especies de Aeromonas. De los aislados de Pseudomonas, 5 presentaron resistencia a 2 familias de antibióticos y 2 mostraron multirresistencia. El 36 % de los 10 aislados produjeron hemólisis y biopelícula. Dos cepas de Aeromonas mostraron resistencia a Cefalosporina 3a generación pero no produjeron hemólisis. Los 10 aislados analizados fueron clasificados como no patógenos. Es necesario un seguimiento sanitario más estricto para lograr el cumplimiento de las normas nacionales e internacionales relacionadas con el consumo de agua purificada, para evitar dañar la salud de los consumidores.

ABSTRACT Water purification establishments that lack an adequate quality control system can cause public health problems. The objective of this study was to examine the microbiological quality of water from small purification establishments in the city of Puebla, as well as to determine the existence of Aeromonas sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria, and to characterize whether they present an opportunistic pathogenic phenotype. 70 water jug samples were collected from 25 establishments. Bacterial quantification was performed using the drop plate method. Microbial genera were determined by biochemical analysis using the standard methodology. In the strains that showed discrepancy, molecular identification based on partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene was used to confirm their species, and their pathogenic characteristics were evaluated: multiresistance to antibiotics, biofilm production, and hemolytic activity. The results showed that 40 % of the purification establishments did not comply with the microbiological quality of water for human consumption. Similarly, 41.4 % of the jugs of water sampled failed to comply with the regulations, presenting total coliforms 35.7 %, Pseudomonas 30 %, Enterococcus faecalis 8.6 % and fecal coliform bacteria 5.7 %. Likewise, 56 isolates were obtained from the 29 contaminated jugs, of which 10 were molecularly characterized, resulting in 4 different species for P. aeruginosa and 3 for Aeromonas. Of the 7 Pseudomonas isolates, 5 presented resistance to 2 families of antibiotics and 2 showed multiresistance. In total, 36 % of the 10 isolates produced hemolysis and biofilm. Two Aeromonas strains showed resistance to 3rd generation Cephalosporin but did not produce hemolysis. The 10 isolates analyzed were classified as non-pathogenic. A stricter sanitary monitoring is necessary to achieve compliance with national and international standards related to the consumption of purified water, to avoid harming the health of consumers.

Land uses in cities and their impacts on the water quality of urban freshwater blue spaces in the Pampean region (Argentina).

Freshwater blue spaces (FBS), such as ponds, are key elements of the urban landscape and are under strong anthropogenic pressure. Land-use types and diversity may exert a negative or positive impact on FBS' water quality depending on their nature and arrangement. The information available in this respect is remarkably scarcer for water bodies in the Global South than for the north. Thus, we aim to identify and quantify the land-use types in a 500-m buffer zone of urban ponds in the Pampean region (Argentina) to assess their impact on water quality. We based our study on 15 FBS located in neighborhoods of Buenos Aires province during cold and warm seasons. We analyzed physical, chemical, and biological variables, and estimated water conditions by means of water quality indexes (WQIs) and quality guidelines. We quantified the dominant land-use type and the diversity of uses in the ponds' buffer zones, and evaluated their relationships with WQIs. Our results showed that WQIs were negatively related to a high proportion of residential areas in the adjacent zone, while positively to recreational ones. The diversity of land uses did not influence the water quality. We propose a new WQIpond with fewer key response variables, and as sensitive as the currently used WQIobjetive. We conclude that water quality from urban ponds in the Pampean region can be affected by dominant land-use type in the adjacent area but also the quality of their water supply sources (superficial and/or underground), clandestine wastewater discharges, and non-point pollution.

Hamburger made with mechanically separated poultry meat and essential oil of oregano or peppermint added as an antioxidant / Hamburguer elaborado com carne mecanicamente separada de aves e adicionado de óleo essencial de orégano ou hortelã-pimenta como antioxidante

The increased production of mechanically separated poultry meat has led to its use in the production of foods of higher commercial value, such as hamburgers. However, hamburgers are more susceptible to oxidation, therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of hamburgers made with mechanically separated meat (MSM) from broilers and broiler breeder hens supplemented with oregano (Origanum vulgare) or peppermint (Mentha piperita). Hamburgers with a synthetic antioxidant and three levels of oregano and peppermint essential oils were evaluated using a sensory acceptance test. An inclusion level of 0.04% for both essentials oils was chosen for this test to evaluate the physical-chemical compositions as well as the microbiological and antioxidant activities because an inclusion level of 0.08% received a lower score from the evaluators. Higher pH values were found in hamburgers made with broiler MSM (control (6.94) and peppermint essential oil (6.93) and in broiler breeder hens MSM supplemented with peppermint essential oil (6.89). When comparing the origin of MSM, lower pH values were found in the broiler hamburgers supplemented with oregano essential oils (6.83). The total coliform counts at day zero were significantly higher for the hamburgers made with broiler breeder hens MSM with oregano essential oil, however, broilers MSM supplemented with a synthetic antioxidant showed the lowest count when compared to that of the others. For Staphylococcus coagulase-negative bacteria, growth was observed only on day zero, with a low count in hamburgers made with broiler breeder hens MSM and broiler MSM supplemented with synthetic antioxidant or peppermint essential oil. Hamburgers made with MSM from broilers and broiler breeder hens supplemented with synthetic antioxidants showed higher antioxidant capacity with an average of 2378.75 and 2265.43 µmols equivalent Trolox/mg, respectively. Our results suggest that the essential oils of oregano or peppermint can be used in the formulation of hamburgers since they presented high sensory acceptability and reduced contamination.(AU)

O aumento da produção de carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de aves levou a indústria a buscar seu uso na produção de produtos de maior valor comercial, como os hambúrgueres. No entanto, os hambúrgueres são mais susceptíveis a oxidação, em vista disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frangos e galinhas pesadas e adicionados de óleos essenciais de orégano (Origanum vulgare) ou hortelã-pimenta (Mentha piperita) como antioxidantes e antibacterianos. Para o teste de aceitação sensorial, foi avaliado um antioxidante sintético e mais três níveis de óleos essenciais de orégano e hortelã-pimenta. A partir desse teste, foi escolhido o nível de inclusão de 0,04% de ambos os óleos essenciais para realizar as análises físico-químicas, microbiológica e capacidade antioxidante, uma vez que o nível de 0,08% recebeu a menor nota pelos avaliadores. Em relação ao pH, maior valor foi encontrado nos hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frango (controle 6,94) e óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta (6,93) e CMS de galinhas pesadas e adicionados de óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta (6,89). Ao comparar individualmente a origem da CMS, menor valor de pH foi encontrado para o hambúrguer de frango adicionado de óleo essencial de orégano (6,83). As contagens de coliformes totais, no dia zero, foi significativamente maior para os hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de galinhas pesadas adicionados de óleo essencial de orégano, porém, a CMS de frangos acrescida de antioxidante sintético apresentou a menor contagem quando comparado aos demais. Já para Staphylococcus coagulase negativa, houve crescimento apenas no dia zero, com baixas contagens nos hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de galinhas pesadas e de frangos adicionados de antioxidante sintético ou óleo essencial de hortelã-pimenta. Hambúrgueres elaborados com CMS de frangos e galinhas pesadas adicionados de antioxidante sintético apresentaram maior capacidade antioxidante, uma vez que apresentaram média de 2378,75 e 2265,43 µmols equivalente Trolox/mg respectivamente para frangos e galinhas pesadas. Conclui-se que os óleos essenciais de orégano ou hortelã-pimenta podem ser utilizados na formulação dos hambúrgueres, uma vez que apresentam boa aceitabilidade e reduzem as contaminações.(AU)

Pasteurized milk quality in Brazil: a cross-sectional study over five years.

This research communication delineates the quality of pasteurized cow milk sold in Brazil from 2015 to 2020. A cross-sectional study was performed gathering 1749 samples, which were evaluated for microbiological and physicochemical parameters, including Salmonella spp., total and thermotolerant coliforms, freezing point, alkaline phosphatase and lactoperoxidase. The proportion of compliant and non-compliant samples was compared through the years and jurisdiction of the inspection services. Interactions between the design and response variables were assessed by log-linear analysis. Overall, a considerable non-conformity rate (12%) was found for at least one microbiological or physicochemical parameter. Post-pasteurization contamination by coliforms was the major challenge for dairy industries. Notably, the non-compliance rate for freezing point increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In addition, the ability to comply was linked to the type of inspection service. Thus, it is suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is affecting the dairy industries in Brazil, and we strengthen the need for more studies monitoring the quality of milk over the years, which could assist industries and regulatory agencies to ensure the compliance of pasteurized milk.

Household-level risk factors for water contamination and antimicrobial resistance in drinking water among households with children under 5 in rural San Marcos, Cajamarca, Peru.

Household water contamination at point of use depends on human, animal and environmental factors embodying all aspects of a One Health approach. This study investigated the association between household factors, the presence of thermotolerant coliform, and the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in drinking water among 314 households with children under 5 in Cajamarca, Peru. This study analysed data from a baseline sampling of a randomized controlled trial, including household surveys covering household water management and factors such as household animals, as well as microbiological data from samples collected from drinking water. Data were analysed using generalized linear models. Drinking water samples collected from narrow-mouthed containers were less likely to be contaminated than samples collected from the faucet (OR = 0.55, p = 0.030) or wide mouthed containers. The presence of thermotolerant coliform was associated with owning farm birds, which increased the proportion of contamination from 42.2% to 59.1% (OR = 1.98, p = 0.017) and with animal waste observed in the kitchen area, which increased the prevalence of contamination from 51.4% to 65.6% (OR = 1.80, p = 0.024). Resistance to any antibiotic was higher among pig owners at 60%, relative to non-pig owners at 36.4% (OR = 1.97, p = 0.012) as well as households with free-roaming animals in the kitchen area at 59.6% compared to households without free-roaming animals at 39.7% (OR = 2.24, p = 0.035). Recent child antibiotic use increased the prevalence of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance among E. coli isolates to 22.3% relative to 16.7% (OR = 3.00, p = 0.037). Overall, these findings suggest that water storage in a secure container to protect from in-home contamination is likely to be important in providing safe drinking water at point of use. In addition, transmission of thermotolerant coliform and AMR between domestic animals and human drinking water supplies is likely. Further research should explore transmission pathways and methods to support safe drinking water access in multi-species households.

Pathogens and microorganisms in the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar cultivated in an estuarine environment in Northeast Brazil / Patógenos e microorganismos presentes na ostra nativa C. gasar cultivada em ambiente estuarino do Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Estuaries are important ecosystems due to the ecological services they provide, acting as nurseries for many species of fish and invertebrates, and are also used as environments for the extraction and cultivation of mollusks. Oysters are animals that filter water to obtain oxygen and nutrients. In this process, they can bioaccumulate microorganisms and chemical substances in their tissues. The growth of mollusk culture in Northeastern Brazil requires the health identification of cultivated oysters through the quantification of the potentially harmful microbiota accumulated in the animals. Therefore, the present work aims to quantify and identify bacteria and possible pathogens found in the tissues of cultivated oysters and their culture waters. The Most Probable Number of Coliforms (MPN) in oysters and water were considered suitable according to the Brazilian current legislation, Vibrio sp. obtained low colonization and Salmonella sp. was not observed. The prevalence of microorganisms potentially pathogenic to oysters was 33.7%, highlighting metazoans and Nematopsis sp., however, the intensity of the infestation of these organisms was moderate. The low contamination of oysters demonstrates that this culture environment is promising for this activity. However, continuous environmental and sanitary monitoring is fundamental to guarantee the safety of the culture waters and the sustainability of aquaculture activities.

Resumo Os estuários são ecossistemas importantes devido a serviços ecológicos que fornecem, os quais conferem a função de berçário para muitas espécies de peixes e invertebrados, e também são utilizados como ambientes de extração e cultivo de moluscos. As ostras são animais que filtram a água para obtenção de oxigênio e nutrientes. Nesse processo podem bioacumular microorganismos e substâncias químicas em seus tecidos. O crescimento da malacocultura no Nordeste do Brasil fomenta a necessidade de identificar a sanidade das ostras cultivadas através da quantificação da microbiota potencialmente nociva acumulada nos animais. Portanto o presente trabalho visa quantificar e identificar bactérias e possíveis patógenos encontrados nos tecidos dos moluscos cultivados e nas suas águas de cultivo. O Número mais Provável de Coliformes (NMP) nas ostras e na água foram considerados próprios segundo as legislações vigentes, Vibrio sp. obteve baixa colonização e Salmonella sp. não foi observada. A prevalência de microorganismos potencialmente patógenos para as ostras foi de 33,7%, destacando como mais prevalentes os metazoários e Nematopsis sp., porém a intensidade da infestação desses organismos foi moderada. A baixa contaminação das ostras demonstra que este ambiente de cultivo é promissor para esta atividade. No entanto, o contínuo monitoramento ambiental e sanitário é fundamental para garantir a inocuidade das águas de cultivo e a sustentabilidade das atividades aquícolas.

Microbiological evaluation of homemade mayonnaise and self-serve acai sold in Araguaína, Tocantins / Avaliação microbiológica de maionese caseira e açaí self-service comercializados em Araguaína, Tocantins

Abstract Foodborne diseases are common illnesses caused by the consumption of food contaminated with microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. Every year, 600 million people become ill and 420,000 people die as a result of consuming contaminated food. Therefore, food safety is an important issue. In this study, samples of homemade spiced mayonnaise and self-serve acai sold in the city of Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil were analyzed for microbiological contaminants. Acai was collected from 10 stores, one sample from each store, and tested for mold, yeast, and coliforms, as well as coliform identification and total and thermotolerant coliform counts. Mayonnaise was collected from 20 snack bars, one sample from each. These samples were inoculated on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar plates, and the plates were analyzed for growth. Salmonella spp. were detected in some Mayonnaise samples, and coliforms were detected in all acai samples; 60% of samples had thermotolerant coliforms, and only 40% were within the limits established by ANVISA. The collected samples of mayonnaise and acai were contaminated with molds and yeasts above the established limit of 103 CFU/g. Thus, the analyzed mayonnaise and acai samples were contaminated and unfit for consumption, demonstrating the importance of hygienic-sanitary measures in food handling.

Resumo As doenças transmitidas por alimentos são doenças comuns causadas pelo consumo de alimentos contaminados com microrganismos, como vírus, fungos, bactérias e protozoários. Todos os anos, 600 milhões de pessoas ficam doentes e 420.000 pessoas morrem como resultado do consumo de alimentos contaminados. Portanto, a segurança alimentar é uma questão importante. Neste estudo, amostras de maionese temperada caseira e açaí self-service vendidas na cidade de Araguaína, Tocantins, Brasil foram analisadas quanto a contaminantes microbiológicos. O açaí foi coletado em 10 lojas, uma amostra de cada loja, e testado para mofo, levedura e coliformes, bem como identificação de coliformes e contagem de coliformes totais e termotolerantes. A maionese foi coletada de 20 lanchonetes, sendo uma amostra de cada. Essas amostras foram inoculadas em placas de ágar MacConkey e Salmonella Shigella, e as placas foram analisadas quanto ao crescimento. Salmonela spp. foram detectados em algumas amostras de maionese e coliformes foram detectados em todas as amostras de açaí; 60% das amostras apresentaram coliformes termotolerantes, e apenas 40% estavam dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela ANVISA. As amostras coletadas de maionese e açaí estavam contaminadas com bolores e leveduras acima do limite estabelecido de 103 UFC/g. Assim, as amostras de maionese e açaí analisadas estavam contaminadas e impróprias para o consumo, demonstrando a importância das medidas higiênico-sanitárias na manipulação de alimentos.

Calidad microbiológica del agua procedente de tanques y pozos artesianos de establecimientos sanitarios

Introducción: Las aguas procedentes de establecimientos de salud, son comúnmente utilizadas por funcionarios y pacientes. Para que sean aceptables para uso humano, las aguas de los establecimientos deben cumplir con criterios microbiológicos establecidos en normas nacionales. Objetivo: Determinar la calidad microbiológica de muestras de agua de establecimientos sanitarios del departamento de Caaguazú. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional, de corte transversal. Se analizaron 104 muestras de agua potable y tratada de hospitales, unidades de salud familiar y puestos de salud, de los 22 distritos de Caaguazú. Para evaluar la calidad microbiológica del agua se analizaron heterotróficos totales, coliformes totales, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Las muestras se procesaron mediante filtración de membrana, placas rehidratables, medios convencionales y sistemas miniaturizados consistentes en una interfaz de programación de aplicaciones. Las muestras se catalogaron como aceptables o inaceptables acorde la norma NP Nº 24-001-80. Resultados: De las 104 muestras, 58 (56 %) fueron aceptables y 46 (44 %) fueron inaceptables. Las causas de esta última condición fueron presencia de coliformes totales (42 %), alto recuento de heterótrofas (13 %), presencia de coliformes termotolerantes (11,5 %), presencia de Escherichia coli (9,6 %) y presencia de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2 %). Conclusiones: La mayoría de las muestras de agua fueron de calidad microbiológica aceptable; pero como se detectó un porcentaje considerable de muestras inaceptables y la presencia de especies como Escherichia coli y Pseudomonas aeruginosa, es recomendable corregir las técnicas de tratamiento de agua y enfatizar en los controles de calidad microbiológica, en los centros sanitarios estudiados.

Introduction: The waters from health establishments are commonly used by officials and patients. To be acceptable for human use, water from establishments must meet microbiological criteria established in national standards. Objective: To determine the microbiological quality of water samples from sanitary establishments in the department of Caaguazú. Methods: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 104 samples of drinking and treated water from hospitals, family health units and health posts from the 22 districts of Caaguazú. These samples were studied to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water, total heterotrophs, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analyzed. Samples were processed by membrane filtration, rehydratable plates, conventional media, and miniaturized systems consisting of an application programming interface. They were classified as acceptable or unacceptable according to standard NP Nº 24-001-80. Results: Fifty eight (56%) samples, out of the 104, were acceptable and 46 (44%) were unacceptable. The causes of this last condition were the presence of total coliforms (42%), high count of heterotrophs (13%), presence of thermotolerant coliforms (11.5%), presence of Escherichia coli (9.6%) and presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2%). Conclusions: Most of the water samples were assessed to be acceptable in microbiological quality; however, since a considerable percentage of unacceptable samples and the presence of species such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected, it is recommended to correct the water treatment techniques emphasizing microbiological quality controls in the health centers studied.

Physicochemical and microbiological quality of refrigerated raw bovine milk commercialized in Presidente Médici, Rondônia state, Western Amazon, Brazil / Qualidade físico-química e microbiológica de leite bovino cru refrigerado comercializado em Presidente Médici, estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil

The aimed of the study was to evaluate the quality of raw milk from some suppliers in rural and urban areas and to test the hypothesis that it is unsafe for direct consumption. The study was conducted with suppliers in rural and urban areas in Presidente Médici municipality, Rondônia state. The method of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), was used, which consists of titrating a portion of the sample with a sodium hydroxide solution of known concentration, using phenolphthalein as an indicator. According to Brazilian legislation and literature, stability of Alizarol, foreign substances, Chloride, Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide and Colostrum were analyzed. Microbiological analysis, standard plate count (SPC) and quantification of thermotolerant coliforms were also performed using the most probable number (MPN) technique. Values above the limits established by legislation were found, mainly for temperature and titleable acidity, in addition to stability results against Alizarol and the presence of colostrum. There were high microbial contents with regard to SPC, and, in this case, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms cannot be disregarded. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms may indicate probable contact of milk with feces. Therefore, it is considered that the samples analyzed here are not safe for ingestion in the raw form.(AU)

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade do leite cru de alguns fornecedores da zona rural e urbana e tes-tar a hipótese de que não são seguros para o consumo direto. O estudo foi conduzido em fornecedores da zona rural e urbana do município de Presidente Médici, estado de Rondônia. Empregou-se o método do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), que consiste na titulação de uma porção da amostra por uma solução hidróxido de sódio de concentração conhecida, utilizando como indicador a fenolftaleína. Conforme a legislação brasileira e a lite-ratura, foram analisados estabilidade do Alizarol, substâncias estranhas, Cloreto, Hipoclorito, peróxido de Hidrogênio e Colostro. Foram realizadas também análises microbiológicas, contagem Padrão em Placa (CPP) e quantificação dos coliformes termotolerantes através da técnica do número mais provável (NMP). Foram encontrados valores acima dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação, principalmente para temperatura e acidez titulável, além dos resultados de estabili-dade frente ao Alizarol e da presença de colostro. Houve altos teores microbianos no que se refere à CPP, e, nesse caso, a presença de microrganismos patogênicos não pode ser desconsiderada. A presença de coliformes termotolerantes pode indicar provável contato do leite com fezes. Portanto, considera-se que as amostras aqui analisadas não são seguras para ingestão na forma crua.(AU)

Peligros microbiológicos relacionados con alimentos fermentados de elaboración artesanal comercializados en Tunja, Nariño y Cauca / Microbiological risks related to artisanal fermented foods marketed in Tunja, Nariño and Cauca

RESUMEN Varios factores intervienen en la calidad de los alimentos, como los físicos, químicos, nutricionales, sensoriales y microbiológicos. Este último es importante, ya que, afecta las propiedades organolépticas del producto terminado y, además, puede ocasionar riesgos de salud pública asociados a peligros microbiológicos. Colombia es un país rico en gastronomía, incluyendo alimentos fermentados de elaboración artesanal (AFEA), los cuales son una alternativa actual para sistemas agroalimentarios que buscan alimentos más naturales. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los criterios microbiológicos en AFEA y el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios para sensibilizar a productores de bebidas artesanales y revalorizar los productos. Se tomaron en cuenta 11 productores artesanales de Masato, Champús y Almidón agrio de yuca en zonas rurales del país, que voluntariamente aceptaron participar. Se midieron los parámetros de pH, humedad, sólidos solubles y recuentos microbiológicos. Con estos resultados, se pudo calcular el porcentaje de conformidad de los alimentos, de los cuales el 36 % de productos evaluados fueron aptos para el consumo. Se incumplieron los límites establecidos para Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus y Salmonella sp. Los análisis fisicoquímicos mostraron que el Masato y el Champús aportan condiciones abióticas para el crecimiento microbiano. Además, los productores Almidón agrio de yuca tuvieron mayor valoración en el cumplimiento de requisitos sanitarios y menor cumplimiento que los productores de Champús. Los análisis realizados indican que la mayoría de los alimentos incumplieron los límites permitidos por lo cual se debe capacitar a los productores en buenas prácticas de manufactura.

ABSTRACT Several factors intervene in the quality of the food, such as physical, chemical, nutritional, sensory, and microbiological. The latter is important as it affects the sensory properties of the finished product, and it can also cause public health risks associated with microbiological hazards. Colombia is a country rich in gastronomy, including artisanal fermented foods (AFEA), which are a current alternative for agri-food systems seeking for more natural foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological criteria in AFEA and its compliance with the sanitary requirements to raise the awareness among crafted beverages producers and revalue the products. Eleven artisan producers of masato, champús and sour cassava starch in rural areas of the country, who voluntarily agreed to participate, were considered. The parameters of pH, humidity, soluble solids, and microbiological counts were measured. With these results, it was possible to calculate the compliance rate of the food, from which 36% of the products evaluated were fit for consumption. The limits established for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp were breached. Physicochemical analysis showed that Masato and Champús provide abiotic conditions for microbial growth. In addition, the Sour cassava starch producers had higher compliance ratings regarding sanitary requirements but lower compliance ratings than champús producers. The performed analysis indicates that most of the food did not comply with the permitted limits, which is why producers must be trained in good manufacturing practices.

Decaimiento de coliformes fecales en lagunas aireadas de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en Lima metropolitana / Decay of fecal coliforms in aerated lagoons of wastewater treatment plants in metropolitan Lima

A nivel mundial, el 44% de las aguas residuales domésticas no se tratan de forma segura, la recolección y tratamiento de aguas residuales, se ha convertido en un desafío, particularmente en áreas urbanas de bajos ingresos dentro de los países en desarrollo, donde las aguas residuales pueden fluir sin tratar a transportes de aguas pluviales o canales de drenaje informales. No es raro encontrar efluentes, desechos sólidos, excretas humanas y descargas líquidas de industrias y hospitales en las aguas superficiales de muchas zonas urbanas de los países en desarrollo. El proceso de tratamiento de aguas residuales puede ser llevado en lagunas mediante reacciones tanto oxidativas como reductoras. En la capa superior de la laguna, donde las aguas residuales son aeróbicas, ocurre el mecanismo convencional de la demanda bioquímica de oxígeno aeróbico (DBO) y se produce la oxidación del amoníaco. La capa inferior de la laguna es anaerobia, y en esta zona tiene lugar la digestión de los sólidos del lodo, un intermedio, la zona facultativa permite la respiración con aceptores de electrones terminales distintos del oxígeno, esto permite reacciones como la desnitrificación. Los gases producidos en las zonas inferiores se estabilizan en la zona aeróbica por disolución oxígeno, y esto reduce los problemas de olores. Este estudio tiene como objetivo, estudiar el descenso de coliformes fecales en lagunas aireadas de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en la ciudad de Lima, Perú. Los resultados señalan que la separación diferencial de las aguas tratadas, experimentó un descenso del 13 al 26% de coleiformes fecales en todas las lagunas de tratamiento(AU)

Globally, 44% of domestic wastewater is not treated safely, and wastewater collection and treatment has become a challenge, particularly in low-income urban areas within developing countries, where wastewater may flow untreated into stormwater conveyances or informal drainage channels. It is not uncommon to find effluents, solid wastes, human excreta, and liquid discharges from industries and hospitals in the surface waters of many urban areas in developing countries. The wastewater treatment process can be carried out in lagoons through both oxidative and reductive reactions. In the upper layer of the lagoon, where the wastewater is aerobic, the conventional mechanism of aerobic biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) occurs and ammonia oxidation occurs. The lower layer of the lagoon is anaerobic, and in this zone the digestion of the sludge solids takes place, an intermediate, the facultative zone allows respiration with terminal electron acceptors other than oxygen, and this allows reactions such as denitrification. The gases produced in the lower zones are stabilized in the aerobic zone by dissolving oxygen, and this reduces odor problems. The objective of this study is to study the decrease of fecal coliforms in aerated lagoons of wastewater treatment plants in the city of Lima, Peru. The results indicate that the differential separation of the treated waters experienced a decrease from 13 to 26% of fecal coleiforms in all treatment lagoons(AU)

Identificación de enterobacterias multirresistentes a antibióticos en muestras de heces de lactantes residentes en Talara, Piura, Perú / Identification of multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae in fecal samples from infants residing in Talara, Piura, Peru Arturo

La colonización fecal en lactantes por bacterias resistentes a los antimicrobianos es un potencial riesgo para futuras terapias antibióticas. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia y características sociodemográficas de lactantes portadores fecales de enterobacterias resistentes a ciprofloxacina (PFRC) y sus genes de resistencia asociados. Analizamos muestras fecales de 41 niños lactantes residentes en el distrito de Talara-Piura, Perú, en 2019. Evaluamos la presencia de 3 genes de resistencia a quinolonas: aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrB y oqxA y 2 de betalactamasas: bla CTX-M, bla PER-2.El 68% de lactantes fueron PFRC, Escherichia coli (83,3%) fue el más frecuente. El análisis genotípico detectó: oqxA (41,1%), qnrB (26,7%) y aac(6')-Ib-cr (20%) y al gen bla CTX-M en el 93,3% de los aislados con betalactamasas. La elevada frecuencia de PFRC nos alertan sobre el potencial riesgo en la pérdida de utilidad de esta familia antibiótica en el área de estudio.

Fecal colonization by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in infants is a potential risk for future antibiotic therapy. We aimed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of infants who were fecal carriers of ciprofloxacin-resistant enterobacteriaceae (FCCRE) and their associated resistance genes. We analyzed fecal samples from 41 infants from the district of Talara, Piura, Peru in 2019. The presence of 3 quinolone resistance genes was evaluated: aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrB and oqxA as well as of 2 beta-lactamase genes: bla CTX-M,bla PER-2. We found that 68% of infants were FCCRE, Escherichia coli (83.3%) was the most frequent bacteria. The genotypic analysis detected: oqxA (41.1%), qnrB (26.7%), aac(6')-Ib-cr (20%) and the bla CTX-M gene (93.3%) of the isolates with beta-lactamases. The high frequency of FCCRE alerts us of the potential risk of this antibiotic family becoming less useful over time.

Humans and Hoofed Livestock Are the Main Sources of Fecal Contamination of Rivers Used for Crop Irrigation: A Microbial Source Tracking Approach.

Freshwater bodies receive waste, feces, and fecal microorganisms from agricultural, urban, and natural activities. In this study, the probable sources of fecal contamination were determined. Also, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) were detected in the two main rivers of central Chile. Surface water samples were collected from 12 sampling sites in the Maipo (n = 8) and Maule Rivers (n = 4) every 3 months, from August 2017 until April 2019. To determine the fecal contamination level, fecal coliforms were quantified using the most probable number (MPN) method and the source of fecal contamination was determined by Microbial Source Tracking (MST) using the Cryptosporidium and Giardia genotyping method. Separately, to determine if antimicrobial resistance bacteria (AMB) were present in the rivers, Escherichia coli and environmental bacteria were isolated, and the antibiotic susceptibility profile was determined. Fecal coliform levels in the Maule and Maipo Rivers ranged between 1 and 130 MPN/100-ml, and 2 and 30,000 MPN/100-ml, respectively. Based on the MST results using Cryptosporidium and Giardia host-specific species, human, cattle, birds, and/or dogs hosts were the probable sources of fecal contamination in both rivers, with human and cattle host-specific species being more frequently detected. Conditional tree analysis indicated that coliform levels were significantly associated with the river system (Maipo versus Maule), land use, and season. Fecal coliform levels were significantly (p < 0.006) higher at urban and agricultural sites than at sites immediately downstream of treatment centers, livestock areas, or natural areas. Three out of eight (37.5%) E. coli isolates presented a multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenotype. Similarly, 6.6% (117/1768) and 5.1% (44/863) of environmental isolates, in Maipo and Maule River showed and MDR phenotype. Efforts to reduce fecal discharge into these rivers should thus focus on agriculture and urban land uses as these areas were contributing the most and more frequently to fecal contamination into the rivers, while human and cattle fecal discharges were identified as the most likely source of this fecal contamination by the MST approach. This information can be used to design better mitigation strategies, thereby reducing the burden of waterborne diseases and AMR in Central Chile.

Microbiological quality of the water in collection areas and the tissue of Mytella falcata-Cananéia (SP, Brazil).

Changes in fauna and abiotic factors in estuaries are a consequence of their exploitation; thus, bivalve mollusks, as they filter, are widely used as environmental bioindicators. The aim of this study was to analyze the existence of seasonal variation in the concentration of total coliforms (TC) and thermotolerant coliforms (Ct), in addition to correlating the data obtained with the salinity and temperature in collection areas of Mytella falcata and the soft tissue cultivated in the Estuarine Complex of Cananéia. Two biweekly samples of water and tissue were taken, for 12 consecutive months, in nine cultivation areas of M. falcata. The analysis of the water samples showed that the Fisheries Institute, Mosquiteiro, and Itapitangui have high TC densities, with respective annual averages of 772.22, 592.67, and 563.75 most probable number (MPN).100 ml-1 . The highest concentrations of TC and Ct occurred in the summer, in most areas. There was a decrease in both TC and Ct with increasing salinity. However, there was an increase in Ct with increasing temperature. The soft tissue showed TC densities from 9 to 26 MPN.100 ml-1 and Ct densities from 6 to 14 MPN.100 ml-1 , displaying the highest counts in the summer. Places where coliforms were found in high concentrations could indicate contamination, because Ct do not support higher salinities for a long time. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The general mean was 77.64 (total coliforms) and 39.35 (thermotolerant) MPN.100 ml-1 . Annual average (thermotolerant) exceeded the permitted Brazilian limit in five points. Higher concentrations of total and thermotolerant coliforms occurred in the summer. In mollusk's tissue, concentrations of thermotolerant were 6.30 to 26.16 MPN.100 g-1 . Coliforms' MPN varied with increasing salinity and temperature.

Avaliação microbiológica de sushis comercializados em dois tipos de restaurantes de Pouso Alegre - MG / Microbiological evaluation of sushi marketed in twi types of restaurants in Pouso Alegre - MG

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os padrões microbiológicos de sushis preparados e comercializados em dois tipos de restaurantes no município de Pouso Alegre ­ MG. Foram adquiridas 32 amostras de sushis entre os meses de outubro a novembro de 2019 e realizadas pesquisa de coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes, Escherichia coli e estafilococos coagulase positiva. Para os testes de coliformes, as amostras foram inoculadas pela técnica pour plate utilizando o meio Agar Vermelho Violeta Bile. Para os testes de estafilococos coagulase positiva, foi utilizada a técnica de spread plate utilizando o meio Agar Baird Parker. Neste estudo não foram encontradas bactérias do grupo coliformes termotolerantes, entretanto, houve presença de coliformes totais em 59,37% das amostras. Em relação a estafilococos coagulase positiva, duas amostras foram positivas para este microrganismo, entretanto, apenas uma teve valores fora dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação. Quando comparado os resultados entre os dois restaurantes, não houve diferença estatística entre eles. Neste estudo, com exceção de uma amostra, todas as outras amostras estão de acordo com os padrões de qualidade alimentar.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological patterns of sushi prepared and sold in 2 types of restaurants in the city of Pouso Alegre ­ MG. Thirty-two samples of sushi were acquired between October and November 2019 and a search for total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli and coagulase-positive staphylococci were carried out. For the coliform tests, the samples were inoculated by the pour plate technique using the Red Violet Bile Agar medium. For coagulase positive staphylococci tests, the spread plate technique using Baird Parker Agar medium was used. In this study, bacteria of the thermotolerant coliform group were not found, however, total coliforms were present in 59.37% of the samples. Regarding coagulase-positive staphylococci, two samples were positive for this microorganism, however, only one had values ​​outside the standards established by legislation. When comparing the results between the two restaurants, there was no statistical difference between them. In this study, with the exception of one sample, all other samples meet food quality standards.