Quantitative Assessment of First Nations Drinking Water Distribution Systems for Detection and Prevalence of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species

Water is considered a major route for transmitting human-associated pathogens. Although microbial water quality indicators are used to test for the presence of waterborne pathogens in drinking water, the two are poorly correlated. The current study investigates the prevalence of thermophilic DNA markers specific for Campylobacter spp. (C. jejuni and C. coli) in source water and throughout the water distribution systems of two First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. A total of 220 water samples were collected from various points of the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) between 2016 and 2018. Target Campylobacter spp. were always (100%) detected in a home with a fiberglass (CF) cistern, as well as the community standpipe (SP). The target bacteria were also frequently detected in treated water at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (78%), homes with polyethylene (CP) (60%) and concrete (CC) (58%) cisterns, homes with piped (P) water (43%) and water truck (T) samples (20%), with a maximum concentration of 1.9 × 10³ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. jejuni) and 5.6 × 10⁵ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. coli). Similarly, target bacteria were detected in 68% of the source water samples with a maximum concentration of 4.9 × 10³ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. jejuni) and 8.4 × 10⁵ cells 100 mL^-1 (C. coli). Neither target Campylobacter spp. was significantly associated with free and total chlorine concentrations in water. The study results indicate that there is an immediate need to monitor Campylobacter spp. in small communities of Canada and, particularly, to improve the DWDS in First Nations communities to minimize the risk of Campylobacter infection from drinking water sources. Further research is warranted in improving/developing processes and technologies to eliminate microbial contaminants from water.

Performance and recovery of nitrifying biofilm after exposure to prolonged starvation

Achieving consistent ammonia removal in post-lagoon processes faces two major challenges impacting nitrifiers due to the unique seasonal variation of lagoon-based systems: summer to winter temperature drop and summer to fall ammonia starvation period while lagoon is removing ammonia. The objective of this study was to follow microbial diversity and define conditions that could overcome these challenges in a post-lagoon moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) operated at an initial surface area loading rate (SALR) of 0.3 g-NH4-N m^-2d^-1 from mesophilic (20 °C) to psychrophilic (4 °C). Initially the temperature was maintained at 20 °C and decreased to 10 °C until steady state was achieved. During starvation conditions (i.e., continuous, intermittent and no aeration without inflow; decanted media; and intermittent and continuous ammonia supplement) the temperature was decreased by 2 °C per week until 4 °C. The results indicated that operational procedures, such as intermittent ammonia supplement with SALR of 0.15 g-NH₄-N m^-2d^-1 could improve performance with 80% ammonia removal achieved immediately after starvation period. Intermittent ammonia supplement had produced the greatest biofilm preservation comparable to the initial load with the highest specific and surface area removal rates. In the recovery phase (initial load restoration) 10 days were required to reestablish performance above 95% ammonia removal. When temperature was decreased from mesophilic to psychrophilic, the microbial diversity was found higher when starving biofilm compared to the control operated at the initial load while it converged to a similar population over recovery. The main actors associated to nitrification enriched at psychrophilic conditions were Proteobacteria and Bacteriodotes at phyla level. Ammonia oxidation to nitrite was mainly driven by the order Burkholderiales and nitrite oxidation to nitrate by Pseudomonadales. This procedure should be considered in the implementation of full-scale post-lagoon MBBR technologies to ensure reliable, robust, and consistent performance despite the inherent seasonal variability of lagoon-based processes.

Anemia prevalence in mothers with children under five years of age in Dodi Papase, Volta region of Ghana and preventive practices

Introduction/Objective

Sociodemographic factors influence the prevalence of anemia in endemic areas. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence and causes of anemia and to determine anemia preventive practices carried out by mothers with children under five years of age in the Kadjebi District of the Volta region of Ghana.

Methods/Case Report

This homogenous sampling study involved women of reproductive age with children less than five years of age from Saint Mary Theresa Hospital. Interview guides were administered, and the data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

A total of 150 participants were studied. 52.7% of the mothers indicated that their children had never been diagnosed with anemia; however, Hb levels recorded for these children showed that 73.3% were anemic, even though 93.8% of the mothers had been given iron supplements during their pregnancy. Furthermore, anemia prevention practices comprised of whether the child had been given any anti-malaria prophylaxis (98.4% denied / 1.6% confirmed) if the child had been dewormed in the last three months (89.9% denied / 10.1% confirmed), whether the child was given iron supplements in the last three months (59.7% denied / 40.3% confirmed), if the child had been given vitamin supplements in the last three months (24.0% denied / 76.0% confirmed).

Conclusion

Nutritional deficiencies, worm infestation, and malaria were identified as the major causes of anemia among the children. Mothers were educated about the possible causes and prevention methods of anemia.

A response regulator protein with antar domain, AvnR, in Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978 impacts its virulence and amino acid metabolism

Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative coccobacillus, is notorious for its involvement in opportunistic infections around the world. Its resistance to antibiotics makes treatment of infections challenging. In this study, we describe a novel response regulator protein, AvnR (A1S_2006) that regulates virulence-related traits in A. baumannii ATCC17978. Sequence analysis suggests that AvnR is a CheY-like response regulator and contains the RNA-binding ANTAR (AmiR and NasR transcription anti-termination regulators) domain. We show that AvnR plays a role in regulating biofilm formation (on glass and plastic surfaces), surface motility, adhesion to A549 cells as well as in nitrogen metabolism in A. baumannii. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that avnR deletion results in altered expression of more than 150 genes (116 upregulated and 42 downregulated). RNA-Seq data suggest that altered biofilm formation and surface motility observed in the avnR deletion mutant is likely mediated by previously unknown pathways. Of note, was the altered expression of genes predicted to be involved in amino acid transport and metabolism in avnR deletion mutant. Biolog phenotypic array showed that deletion of avnR hampered A. baumannii ATCC17978's ability to metabolize various nitrogen sources, particularly that of glutamic acid, serine, histidine, aspartic acid, isoleucine and arginine. Taken together our data show that AvnR, the first ANTAR protein described in A. baumannii, affects virulence phenotypes as well as its ability to metabolize nitrogen sources.

Effect of mesophilic anaerobic digestion on the resistome profile of dairy manure

The effect of mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) on the resistome profile of manures from two different dairy farms was evaluated using a metagenomic approach. A total of 187 unique Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) for 17 different classes of antibiotics were detected in raw (undigested) manures. The results indicate that regardless of the origin of the dairy manure, mesophilic AD was capable of reducing or enriching the relative abundance of some ARGs. The main driver of these changes was strongly correlated with the evolution of the microbial community during the AD process. Putative ARG hosts were suggested by analyses of the co-occurrence of microbial groups and ARGs. Finally, network analyses revealed that mesophilic AD could also reduce the co-occurrence of different groups of ARGs potentially located in the same genetic elements. Our results provide valuable insights into the microbial mechanisms driving the diversity and abundance of ARGs during mesophilic AD.

A mathematical model formulation to design a traditional Indian agri-fresh food supply chain: a case study problem

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study and develop supply chain structure of traditional Indian agri-fresh food supply chain (AFSC). This paper proposes a mathematical model to design a traditional Indian AFSC to minimize total distribution cost and post-harvest losses in the chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper formulates two mathematical models to structure and represent the flow of products in the existing chain. First, a three-echelon, multi-period, multi-product, mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to minimize the total distribution cost incurred in the chain. Further, the developed formulation is extended by considering the perishability of products in the second model.

Findings

A real case study problem of Mandsaur district (India) is solved in LINGO 17.0 package to check the validity of the formulated models. The perishable (second) model of AFSC reports better results in terms of costs and post-harvest losses minimization. The results revealed that 92% of the total distribution cost incurred in the transportation of products from farmers to the hubs.

Research limitations/implications

This paper includes implications for redesigning an existing supply chain network by incorporating an appropriate transportation strategy from farmers to hubs to minimize transportation inefficiency and enhance the profitability of farmers.

Practical implications

The formulated AFSC model would help managers and policymakers to identify optimal locations for hubs where required infrastructure would be developed.

Originality/value

According to the author's best knowledge, this paper is the first to design traditional Indian AFSC by considering the perishability of products.

Effect of ceftiofur on mesophilic anaerobic digestion of dairy manure and the reduction of the cephalosporin-resistance gene cmy-2

The effect of ceftiofur (CEF), a commonly used antibiotics on dairy farms, on the performance and stability of mesophilic batch anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy manure was evaluated in terms of methane production, organic matter removal (COD, dCOD, TS, and VS), and synthesis of end-products (VFAs, CO₂, and H₂). The results indicated that only CEF concentrations of 10 mg/L or higher significantly affected the performance of the AD process, although the overall stability was not compromised. Biochemical analyses suggested that hydrolytic microorganisms were the most affected by the presence of CEF leading to lower COD removal, whereas acetogens were only temporarily slowed down. Methanogens, on the other hand, were not directly affected by any of the CEF concentrations tested (0.2-250 mg/L). Additionally, the presence of CEF was shown to alter the incidence of the cephalosporin-resistance marker, cmy-2, although an overall reduction was achieved in 15-day batch anaerobic digestion trials.

Detection of fecal bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in drinking water collected from three First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada

This study analyzed the microbiological quality of drinking and source water from three First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada that vary with respect to the source, storage and distribution of drinking water. Community A relies on an aquifer and Community B on a lake as source water to their water treatment plants. Community C does not have a water treatment plant and uses well water. Quantification of free residual chlorine and fecal bacterial (E. coli and coliforms), as well as detection of antibiotic resistance genes (sul, ampC, tet(A), mecA, vanA, blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaOXA-1, blaCYM-2, blaKPC, blaOXA-48, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaGES and blaIMP) was carried out. While water treatment plants were found to be working properly, as post-treatment water did not contain E. coli or coliforms, once water entered the distribution system, a decline in the chlorine concentration with a concomitant increase in bacterial counts was observed. In particular, water samples from cisterns not only contained high number of E. coli and coliforms, but were also found to contain antibiotic resistance genes. This work shows that proper maintenance of the distribution and storage systems in First Nations communities is essential in order to provide access to clean and safe drinking water.

Two Component Regulatory Systems and Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Pathogens

Gram-negative pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading cause of nosocomial infections throughout the world. One commonality shared among these pathogens is their ubiquitous presence, robust host-colonization and most importantly, resistance to antibiotics. A significant number of two-component systems (TCSs) exist in these pathogens, which are involved in regulation of gene expression in response to environmental signals such as antibiotic exposure. While the development of antimicrobial resistance is a complex phenomenon, it has been shown that TCSs are involved in sensing antibiotics and regulating genes associated with antibiotic resistance. In this review, we aim to interpret current knowledge about the signaling mechanisms of TCSs in these three pathogenic bacteria. We further attempt to answer questions about the role of TCSs in antimicrobial resistance. We will also briefly discuss how specific two-component systems present in K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa may serve as potential therapeutic targets.

Rate of contamination of hospital privacy curtains in a burns/plastic ward: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Since hospital patient privacy curtains can harbor bacteria, are high-touch surfaces, and are cleaned infrequently, they may be involved in pathogen transmission. The aim of this longitudinal prospective study was to understand curtain contamination to inform curtain hygiene protocols, thereby minimizing the role of curtains in pathogen transmission.

METHODS

Over 21 days, cultures of 10 freshly laundered curtains (8 test curtains surrounding patient beds and 2 controls in an unoccupied staff room) were taken in the Regional Burns/Plastics Unit. Contact plates were used to sample the curtains near the edge hem where they are most frequently touched. Microbial contamination and the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were determined.

RESULTS

By day 3, test curtains showed increased microbial contamination (mean colony-forming units [CFU]/cm² = 1.17) compared to control curtains (mean CFU/cm² = 0.19). Test curtains became increasingly contaminated over time, with mean CFU/cm² for days 17 and 21 of 1.86 and 5.11, respectively. By day 10, 1/8 test curtains tested positive for MRSA, and 5/8 were positive by day 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient privacy curtains became progressively contaminated with bacteria, including MRSA. Between days 10 and 14 after being hung, curtains showed increased MRSA positivity. This may represent an opportune time to intervene, either by cleaning or replacing the curtains.

Whey valorization: current options and future scenario – a critical review

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the advanced technologies and approaches for utilization of waste generated in dairy industry. Whey is highly contaminated, with a high organic load around 100,000 mg O2/L COD (chemical oxygen demand), and is not used for further processing. The waste generated in different food industries can be utilized in different value addition product with the help of advanced technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Major well-known bibliometric information sources are the Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar. Several keywords like nutrition value of whey, whey utilization, whey valorization, whey technologies, whey beverages, fruit-based whey beverage, carbonated beverage, probiotic or alcoholic beverages, herbal beverage, fermented beverage and current scenarios were chosen to obtain a large range of papers to be analyzed. A final inventory of 126 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic, academic field country of origin and year of publication.

Findings

The comprehensive review of different literature, data sources and research papers seeks to find and discuss various sustainable solutions to this huge waste generated from milk industry. The sustainable use of whey for production and conversion in different types of products can uplift the bio-based economy of industries and thereof national/international economy. The recent upsurge in consumer interest for health-promoting products has opened up new vistas for whey beverages and other whey products research and development.

Originality/value

The paper draws out different sustainable characteristics and technology of whey products available in market, as well as potential products to be launched in the market. Interestingly, over the past few years, dairy industries have applied various technologies to process cheese whey and are in search of new products which can be prepared from the by-product. This review discusses on the recent research development of whey valorization with particular reference to technologies used in the addition to their commercial availability and a way forward.

Rate of contamination of hospital privacy curtains on a burns and plastic surgery ward: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Surfaces in the patient environment may play a role in microbial transmission if they become colonized by bacteria. Patient privacy curtains are one such surface that may pose a high risk for transmission because they are high-contact surfaces, are infrequently cleaned, and healthcare workers are less likely to wash their hands after contacting inanimate objects such as curtains.

AIM

To determine the amount and type of bacterial colonization of patient privacy curtains at a regional burns/plastic surgery unit.

METHODS

Privacy curtain contamination on the burns/plastic surgery ward was determined for two separate occasions six months apart: 23 curtains on August 2015 and 26 curtains on January 2016. Dey-Engley neutralizing agar (DENA) replicate organism detection and counting (RODAC) contact plates were used daily to sample curtains near the edge hem where they are most frequently touched. Microbial contamination was reported as cfu/cm² and the presence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined. Swabs were also taken of any open wounds and from tracheostomy sites on the ward.

FINDINGS

Curtain contamination in August 2015 was 0.7-4.7 cfu/cm² with 22% testing positive for MRSA, whereas contamination on January 2016 was 0.6-13.3 cfu/cm² with 31% of curtains testing positive for MRSA.

CONCLUSION

Curtains on the burns/plastic surgery ward become colonized with significant quantities of bacteria. Future studies will need to address the rate of colonization and the clinical impact of this colonization to better inform cleaning protocols.

Isolation and Characterization of Acinetobacter baumannii Recovered from Campylobacter Selective Medium

Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, is known to cause multidrug resistant infections. This organism has primarily been isolated from clinical environments and its environmental reservoirs remain largely unknown. In the present study, we recovered seven isolates of A. baumannii growing under conditions selective for Campylobacter spp. (microaerophilic at 42°C and in the presence of antibiotics) from dairy cattle manure storage tank or surface water impacted by livestock effluents. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that all of these isolates were less susceptible to at least two different clinically relevant antibiotics, compared to the type strain A. baumannii ATCC17978. Expression of resistance-nodulation-division efflux pumps, an important mechanism of intrinsic resistance in these organisms, was analyzed, and adeB was found to be overexpressed in one and adeJ was overexpressed in three isolates. Comparison of these isolates using genomic DNA Macro-Restriction Fragment Pattern Analysis (MRFPA) revealed relatively low relatedness among themselves or with some of the clinical isolates from previous studies. This study suggests that A. baumannii isolates are capable of growing under selective conditions for Campylobacter spp. and that this organism can be present in manure and water.