scholarly journals The potential of lipopolysaccharide as a real-time biomarker of bacterial contamination in marine bathing water

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas A. Sattar ◽  
Simon K. Jackson ◽  
Graham Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Indicator Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Pollution ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Bathing Waters ◽  
European Regulations ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Lal Assay

The use of total lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a rapid biomarker for bacterial pollution was investigated at a bathing and surfing beach during the UK bathing season. The levels of faecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), the Gram-positive enterococci, and organisms commonly associated with faecal material, such as total coliforms and Bacteroides, were culturally monitored over four months to include a period of heavy rainfall and concomitant pollution. Endotoxin measurement was performed using a kinetic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and found to correlate well with all indicators. Levels of LPS in excess of 50 Endotoxin Units (EU) mL−1 were found to correlate with water that was unsuitable for bathing under the current European regulations. Increases in total LPS, mainly from Gram-negative indicator bacteria, are thus a potential real-time, qualitative method for testing bacterial quality of bathing waters.

Sand, soil, and pigeon droppings: sources of indicator bacteria in the waters of Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 251-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Oshiro ◽  
Roger Fujioka
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Indicator Bacteria ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Beach Sand ◽  
Sand Soil ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Pigeon Droppings ◽  
Sand Land ◽  
Land Runoff

To investigate the deteriorating bacteriological water quality of Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, samples of shoreline water, sand, land runoff, and mongoose and pigeon droppings were analysed for fecal coliforms, E. coli and enterococci. The results indicate that the major sources contributing to periodic high levels of bacteria in the waters of the Bay are contaminants of the beach sand, such as pigeon feces.

scholarly journals Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Boreholes and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Action of Disinfectants Used for the Microbiological Water Treatment

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-16
Author(s):  
Henry Jacques Matita Bomoi ◽  
Gédéon Ngiala Bongo ◽  
Pius Tshimankinda Mpiana ◽  
Kola Nsimba ◽  
Nzau Matiaba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Indicator Bacteria ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Bacteriological Quality ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Pollution Indicator ◽  
The University

Water pollution is currently at the top of the environmental agenda. In this study, the main objectives were (i) to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of well and borehole water found in the vicinity of the University of Kinshasa and (ii) to assess the sensitivity of Escherichia coli and Enterococci strains isolated from various selected water points to disinfectants used at the industrial scale (Chlorine and chlorine dioxide) or in the household (Aquatabs) for the microbiological treatment of water. Three sites having wells or boreholes were chosen for sample collection, namely: The University of Kinshasa and its vicinity (Kindele and Kemi districts). The Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ and then in the laboratory; and concerned the following indicators: pH, conductivity and turbidity. Moreover, the bacteriological quality was assessed by detecting the presence of faecal pollution indicator bacteria (E. coli and Enterococcus sp). The susceptibility of E. coli and Enterococcus sp strains to antimicrobials generally used for the microbiological treatment of drinking water was assessed by the dilution method on agar medium. The physico-chemical analyses showed that: (i) acid pH values in the different water points under study ranging from 6.3-6.5, (ii) conductivity and turbidity values range between 28.5 and 146 NTU. The bacteriological analyses showed that the Kemi district was the only water point which exhibited contamination with fecal pollution indicator bacteria. The strains of Enterococci and E. coli isolated from that well were highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs and less sensitive to chlorine while the strains of E. coli are highly sensitive to chlorine dioxide and Aquatabs compared to the strains of Enterococci. In conclusion, we can recommend to these populations, the use of these compounds for water treatment precisely Aquatabs for household.

An operational method for the real-time monitoring of E. coli numbers in bathing waters

2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 652-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe Lebaron ◽  
A. Henry ◽  
A.-S. Lepeuple ◽  
G. Pena ◽  
P. Servais
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Operational Method ◽  
Real Time Monitoring ◽  
The Real ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Bathing Waters

Assessment of Microbiological Safety and Quality of Marinades Used To Treat Beef and That Were Collected over a 12-Month Period from Specialty Retailers Near Raleigh, North Carolina

2018 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yangjin Jung ◽  
Christopher L. Rupert ◽  
Benjamin Chapman ◽  
Anna C. S. Porto Fett ◽  
John B. Luchansky
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
North Carolina ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Shiga Toxin ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Aerobic Plate Count

ABSTRACT In total, 115 marinade samples (58 fresh marinades and 57 spent marinades) were collected over 12 months from specialty retailers (four individual stores) near Raleigh, NC. These marinades were screened for total mesophilic aerobic plate count (M-APC), total psychrotrophic aerobic plate count (P-APC), and Enterobacteriaceae. These marinades were also screened for the seven regulated serogroups of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli. Stores A and B used immersion to marinade raw beef cuts, whereas stores C-1 and C-2 used vacuum tumbling. In general, marinade temperatures at the stores ranged from 1.8 to 6.6°C, and beef cuts were marinated from a few minutes to up to 3 days. Regardless of the process used to marinade meat, levels of M-APC and P-APC in fresh marinades ranged from 3.4 to 4.7 and 1.4 to 1.8 log CFU/mL, respectively, whereas Enterobacteriaceae were not detected in any fresh marinades, even after enrichment. However, levels of M-APC, P-APC, and Enterobacteriaceae in spent marinades collected from stores C-1 and C-2 (ca. 3.6 to 7.1 log CFU/mL) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with levels of these same types of bacteria enumerated from spent marinades collected at stores A and B (ca. ≤0.7 to 4.9 log CFU/mL). None of the 115 marinade samples tested positive for Shiga toxin–producing E. coli by using a BAX system real-time PCR assay. No significant (P > 0.05) association was observed between microbial levels (i.e., M-APC, P-APC, and Enterobacteriaceae) and the temperature or duration of the marination process. Levels of M-APC, P-APC, and Enterobacteriaceae in spent marinades were significantly affected by the marination method (P < 0.05), with levels, in general, being higher in marinades used for tumbling. Thus, retailers must continue to keep marinade solutions and meat at a safe temperature (i.e., ≤4°C) and to properly and frequently sanitize the equipment and environment in both the processing area and deli case.

Modeling and evaluation of compliance to water quality regulations in bathing areas on the Daoulas catchment and estuary (France)

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 2521-2530 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bougeard ◽  
J. C. Le Saux ◽  
M. Jouan ◽  
G. Durand ◽  
M. Pommepuy
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Point Source Pollution ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Quality Of Waters ◽  
Water Quality Regulations ◽  
European Regulations

The microbiological quality of waters in estuaries determines their acceptability for recreational uses. Microbiological contamination often results from urban wastewater discharges or non-point source pollution (manure spreading), and can cause bathing zones to be closed. European regulations (EC/7/2006) have proposed standards (500 E. coli/100 ml) for the acceptability areas for bathing. In this study, two models were associated to simulate contamination: SWAT on a catchment and MARS 2D in the downstream estuary. After river flow calibration and validation, two scenarios were simulated in SWAT, and E. coli fluxes obtained at the main outlet of the catchment were then introduced into MARS 2D to follow E. coli concentrations in the estuary. An annual evaluation of compliance to bathing area water quality standards was then calculated, linked with daily rainfall classes. Water quality in the estuary was below the standard on 13 days, including 5 days with rainfall superior to 10 mm, due to faecal contamination from soil leaching by rain, and 5 days with rainfall ranging from 0.1 to 5 mm/day, due to the high frequency of this level of rainfall. To conclude, this study allowed us to demonstrate the efficiency of models to gain a better understanding on water quality degradation factors.

scholarly journals Implications of faecal indicator bacteria for the microbiological assessment of roof-harvested rainwater quality in southeast Queensland, Australia

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 471-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ahmed ◽  
A. Goonetilleke ◽  
T. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Indicator Bacteria ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Faecal Indicator Bacteria ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Faecal Indicators

The study aimed to evaluate the suitability of Escherichia coli , enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens for assessing the microbiological quality of roof-harvested rainwater and assessing whether the concentrations of these faecal indicators can be used to predict the presence or absence of specific zoonotic bacterial or protozoan pathogens. From a total of 100 samples tested, 58%, 83%, and 46% of samples were found to be positive for, respectively, E. coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens spores, as determined by traditional culture-based methods. Additionally, in the samples tested, 7%, 19%, 1%, 8%, 17%, and 15% were PCR positive for Aeromonas hydrophila lip, Campylobacter coli ceuE, Campylobacter jejuni mapA, Legionella pneumophila mip, Salmonella invA, and Giardia lamblia β-giardin genes, respectively. However, none of the samples was positive for E. coli O157 lipopolysaccharide, verocytotoxin 1, and verocytotoxin 2 and Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst wall protein genes. The presence or absence of these potential pathogens did not correlate with any of the faecal indicator bacterial concentrations as determined by a binary logistic regression model. The roof-harvested rainwater samples tested in this study appeared to be of poor microbiological quality, and no significant correlation was found between the concentration of faecal indicators and pathogenic microorganisms. The use of faecal indicator bacteria raises questions regarding their reliability in assessing the microbiological quality of water and particularly their poor correlation with pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of one or more zoonotic pathogens suggests that the microbiological analysis of water should be performed and that appropriate treatment measures should be undertaken, especially in tanks where the water is used for drinking.

scholarly journals Monitoring Approaches for Faecal Indicator Bacteria in Water: Visioning a Remote Real-Time Sensor for E. coli and Enterococci

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2591
Author(s):  
Kane L. Offenbaume ◽  
Edoardo Bertone ◽  
Rodney A. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
In Situ Monitoring ◽  
Indicator Bacteria ◽  
Fluorescence Sensing ◽  
Faecal Indicator Bacteria ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Current State ◽  
Field Deployment ◽  
Fluorescent Tags ◽  
Contamination Events

A comprehensive review was conducted to assess the current state of monitoring approaches for primary faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) E. coli and enterococci. Approaches were identified and examined in relation to their accuracy, ability to provide continuous data and instantaneous detection results, cost, environmental awareness regarding necessary reagent release or other pollution sources, in situ monitoring capability, and portability. Findings showed that several methods are precise and sophisticated but cannot be performed in real-time or remotely. This is mainly due to their laboratory testing requirements, such as lengthy sample preparations, the requirement for expensive reagents, and fluorescent tags. This study determined that portable fluorescence sensing, combined with advanced modelling methods to compensate readings for environmental interferences and false positives, can lay the foundations for a hybrid FIB sensing approach, allowing remote field deployment of a fleet of networked FIB sensors that can collect high-frequency data in near real-time. Such sensors will support proactive responses to sudden harmful faecal contamination events. A method is proposed to enable the development of the visioned FIB monitoring tool.

The Microbiological Quality of Ice Used to Cool Drinks and Ready-to-Eat Food from Retail and Catering Premises in the United Kingdom

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
GORDON NICHOLS ◽  
IAIN GILLESPIE ◽  
JOHN de LOUVOIS
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
E Coli ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Melt Water ◽  
Aerobic Plate Count ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Quality Evidence

A survey of 4,346 samples of ice from retail and catering premises examined 3,528 samples (81%) used to cool drinks and 144 samples (3%) from food displays. For 674 samples (15%), the origin was not recorded. Most samples of ice used to cool drinks or ready-to-eat food on displays did not contain coliforms, Escherichia coli, or enterococci. Of the ice used to cool drinks, 9% contained coliforms, 1% E. coli, and 1% enterococci in excess of 102 CFU/100 ml, and 11% had an aerobic plate count at 37°C in excess of 103 CFU/ml. The microbiological quality of ice used to cool drinks was poorer when melt water was present in the ice buckets. Ice used in food displays was more contaminated than ice used to cool drinks, with 23% containing coliforms, 5% E. coli, and 8% enterococci at 102 CFU/100 ml or more. Twenty-nine percent of samples had an aerobic plate count greater than 103 CFU/ml. Ice that had been used to cool shellfish was of a lower microbiological quality than samples used to cool ready-to-eat fish, salads, or dairy produce. Samples of ice produced in commercial production facilities were of higher microbiological quality than samples of ice that were not. The microbiological quality of ice was dependent on the type of use, the type of premises, and the type and place of production. Although most ice samples were of acceptable microbiological quality, evidence from this study suggests that the microbiological quality of ice prepared and used at certain premises in the UK is a cause for concern.

The Microbiological Quality of Cooked Rice from Restaurants and Take-Away Premises in the United Kingdom

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (8) ◽  
pp. 877-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. L. NICHOLS ◽  
C. L. LITTLE ◽  
V. MITHANI ◽  
J. de LOUVOIS
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Cooked Rice ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
Rice Samples ◽  
The Uk

The microbiological quality of 4,162 samples of cooked rice from restaurants and take-away premises in the United Kingdom was examined, including ready-to-eat rice purchased at point-of-sale and rice that was stored precooked for reheating on demand. The majority of point-of-sale cooked rice samples (1,855 of 1,972; 94%) were of acceptable microbiological quality, but 15 (1%) samples were of unacceptable quality (Bacillus spp. and B. cereus, ≥105 CFU/g; Escherichia coli, ≥104 CFU/g), indicating a potential risk to health. The prevalence of Bacillus spp., B. cereus, and E. coli was significantly greater in precooked stored rice than in point-of-sale cooked rice (P < 0.005 to 0.0005). Bacillus spp. (≥104 CFU/g), B. cereus (≥104 CFU/g), and E. coli (≥102 CFU/g) were present in 7%, 2%, and 9% of precooked stored samples, respectively, compared to 2%, 0.5%, and 1%, respectively in point-of-sale samples. Although final heating at the point of sale reduces the levels of microorganisms present in rice it will not inactivate the B. cereus emetic toxin if present. Rice from Indian premises was of poorer microbiological quality than that from Chinese and other premises. Although most point-of-sale cooked rice samples (94%) were of an acceptable microbiological quality, evidence from this study indicates that the microbiological quality of cooked rice sold from certain outlets in the UK is of concern.

‘The NCEPOD Method’ – How the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death designs and delivers national clinical outcome review programmes

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marisa Mason
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcome ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Surgical Mortality ◽  
Confidential Enquiry ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Reference Document

Introduction This publication describes the method used by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) to run confidential enquiries. With its history based around the review of surgical mortality, NCEPOD has now grown into a medical as well as surgical review and expanded its remit to review overall quality of care of all patients. Methods and analysis The work will describe the qualitative method used by NCEPOD to conduct a national confidential enquiry, starting with how a topic is selected through to report production. Covering all hospitals in the UK and using a network of local contacts, NCEPOD reviews a sample of cases from each hospital and provides in-depth multidisciplinary peer review to give a national picture on the quality of care provided. The peer review data collected is underpinned by quantitative data collected using questionnaires, and all analyses are undertaken using pivot tables in Excel. The paper will highlight the strengths, limitations and challenges of this qualitative method. Ethics and dissemination NCEPOD does not interact directly with patients and therefore does not require ethics approval. NCEPOD does, however, gain approvals through the relevant regulations in all UK countries to collect identifiable or anonymised data without consent. Conclusion The paper will be useful for those who need a reference document for the general approach to enquiries that NCEPOD now uses. It could also be read by those who would like to undertake their own local enquiry and would like a method to base it on.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document