Search Results (64)

Previous studies have linked formaldehyde (FA) fumigation to significant risks to animal health, highlighting, among other effects, its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. Literature includes several studies on the use of FA for fumigating hatching eggs, but studies employing in-depth methodological approaches are scarce. As a result, the effects of practices involving this chemical remain insufficiently characterized. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects and potential toxicity resulting from the fumigation of hatching eggs with FA. The three FA concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 g/m³) exhibit effective antibacterial activity, but this effect does not translate into long-term benefits. FA affected hatchability and demonstrated embryotoxic effects, with repercussions on chicks depending on the concentration used. The overall quality of poultry and the losses from eggs fumigated with FA remain questionable. Despite its efficacy as an egg fumigant, the observed toxicity suggests that its use violates safety standards and should be reconsidered. If its use cannot be avoided, the lowest possible concentrations should be prioritized to minimize toxic effects. Full article

Poultry companies must implement measures to sanitize hatching eggs and reduce the risk of bacterial infections associated with poultry management. Many of them use formaldehyde (FA) fumigation in their egg sanitization protocols, but its toxicity has led to recommendations for reducing its use. However, studies employing this approach with liquid FA solutions in poultry operations, particularly during the hatching egg sanitization stage, remain scarce. Our objective was to evaluate whether sprayable FA reduces bacterial contamination on eggshells and whether it causes changes in their physical properties based on the analysis of microstructure, percentage relative to egg weight, and thickness. FA solutions at 0.5, 1, and 2% inhibited bacterial growth in vitro and reduced the bacterial load on the eggshell surface while also causing severe damage to the shell structure. Our results suggest that companies using FA should be aware of the associated risks, as significant production losses may be linked to the shell damage caused by this compound. Full article

Access to microbiologically safe water in preschool educational settings constitutes a pressing public health challenge, particularly in rural areas with deficient infrastructure. Repeated exposure to enteropathogens present in contaminated water has been associated with acute gastrointestinal infections, environmental enteropathy, and disruptions in the intestinal microbiota of young children. Motivated by this concern, the present study evaluates the microbiological quality of water in 32 public preschool facilities in the municipality of Matehuala, San Luis Potosí—18 urban and 14 rural—by analyzing the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and helminth eggs. The assessment was conducted in accordance with Mexican standards NOM-092-SSA1-1994 and NOM-230-SSA1-2002 and supplemented with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for drinking-water quality. The findings revealed a marked territorial disparity: 100% of rural schools that relied on rooftop water tanks exceeded permissible limits for TC, and 35.7% tested positive for FC. In contrast, all urban schools—supplied through piped water systems—complied with current regulations. Statistical analysis (Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05) confirmed significant differences in microbiological contamination based on geographic location and type of water supply. In all FC-positive cases, a lack of sewage infrastructure and inadequate sanitation practices in storage containers were documented. These results demonstrate that formal access to water does not ensure its microbiological safety, particularly in settings with poor structural conditions. The study underscores the urgent need to implement point-of-use water treatment technologies, establish regular microbiological monitoring protocols, and provide training for educational staff in water hygiene practices. Full article

This study assessed the microbiological quality of free-range eggs produced in Southeastern Brazil, focusing on the effects of collection location. Eggs were collected from either nest boxes (designated laying areas containing clean substrate) or from the bedding substrate (litter-covered floor of the poultry house). Eggs from the bedding had significantly higher counts of thermotolerant coliforms, psychrotrophs, and Staphylococcus compared to nest-collected eggs. Across all evaluated microorganisms, eggshells showed greater contamination than the internal contents. Bedding substrates showed higher counts of mesophilic aerobes, psychrotrophs, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium compared to nest box substrates. Eggs from the bedding showed compromised internal microbiological quality, with coliform values exceeding 2 log10 most probable number (MPN) per mL. Further, 10% of the evaluated pools were suggestive of the presence of Salmonella spp., in the internal components of bedding eggs and on the shells of nest eggs. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that eggs be collected from nest boxes right after laying, while eggs laid on the bedding substrate should be excluded from human consumption. Full article

This study developed and evaluated plant-based mayonnaise formulations in which egg yolk was replaced with aquafaba (15–25%) and stabilized with gum tragacanth (0.3–1.0%). Formulations were prepared using canola oil and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Aquafaba extract was characterized for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), while mayonnaise samples were assessed for physicochemical composition, creaming index, antioxidant activity, viscosity, texture, sensory properties, and microbiological stability. Total phenolic content (TPC) rose from 17.52 mg GAE/g at 10 µg to 135.34 mg GAE/g at 100 µg (p < 0.05), while total flavonoid content (TFC) increased from 76.95 to 192.42 mg TE/g over the same concentration range. These increases demonstrate the high antioxidant potential of aquafaba extract. The 25% aquafaba + 1% gum tragacanth formulation (T₃) showed the highest protein content, viscosity, firmness, and antioxidant capacity, with improved storage stability compared to the control. FTIR analysis identified functional groups such as phenols, esters, and carboxylic acids, suggesting contributions to antioxidant activity and emulsion stability. Sensory evaluation indicated strong acceptance for T₃. These results demonstrate that aquafaba combined with gum tragacanth can effectively replace egg yolk while maintaining desirable quality attributes. Full article

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can have high pollutant removal efficiencies and generate electricity; however, the use of selective membranes represents a considerable expense. In this investigation, the performance of a membraneless MFC was evaluated at different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. The chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies (CODREs) were 93.5, 90.9, 87.3, and 85.4%, and the biochemical oxygen demand (BODRE) values were 94.5, 91.5, 88.9, and 85.5 at HRTs of 48, 36, 24, and 12 h, respectively. Lower concentrations of solids (suspended solids and total dissolved solids), total nitrogen, phosphorus, fats and oils, and microbiological contamination (helminth eggs and fecal coliforms) were detected when operating the system at a 48 h HRT. At an HRT of 12 h, no decrease in electrical conductivity was detected, whereas at 48 h, it decreased by 19.6%. The oxidation–reduction potential and OCV increased at longer HRTs. The microorganisms detected at the anode were Achromobacter denitrificans, Achromobacter anxifer, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The 48 h HRT improved the chemical, physical, and microbiological quality of the municipal wastewater, favoring voltage generation. Full article

Aspects related to the contamination of hatching eggs, sanitary management during pre-incubation, and the performance of the incubation process can compromise productive efficiency in poultry farming. When these factors negatively influence poultry farming, they can destabilize the generation and distribution of financial resources throughout the production chain, as well as limit public access to poultry-derived proteins. Understanding how these aspects are interrelated is essential for making decisions that benefit poultry health and productivity. Therefore, we conducted a multivariate analysis of microbiological and incubation parameters to evaluate whether bacterial contamination of the eggshell and yolk sac negatively affects HI and to compare the effectiveness of different sanitization protocols in reducing bacterial contamination in these regions. To achieve this, we utilized the raw data from our previous research on the sanitization of hatching eggs and conducted a detailed statistical analysis to evaluate the relationships between the studied variables. The correlation analysis revealed that eggshell mesophilic bacterial contamination (EGM) was strongly associated with yolk sac mesophilic bacterial contamination (YSM) (r = 0.76) and yolk sac contamination by Enterobacteriaceae (YSE) (r = 0.73). The principal component analysis indicated a negative association between HI performance and eggshell and yolk sac contamination. Results indicated beneficial associations between the reduction of contamination in hatching eggs and increased hatchability rates when using essential oils. The bacterial load of hatching eggs contributes to reduced productivity, reaffirming the need for proper egg sanitization, especially using essential oils. Full article

Background: The availability of laboratory tests to screen and diagnose migrants and travellers for neglected and tropical parasitic diseases significantly impacts individual and public health. Italian scientific societies for parasitology, tropical diseases, and global health developed a survey to assess number and geographical localisation of laboratories able to carry out adequate diagnostics. Methods: An open-ended and multiple-choice questionnaire was constructed and sent to 752 members working in Italian microbiology laboratories via scientific societies’ mailing lists. Data concerning malaria, cystic echinococcosis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and Chagas disease were included. Results: Members from 96 laboratories replied. At least one laboratory responded from 18 out of 20 Italian regions. Serological tests for Schistosoma spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Echinococcus spp., and Leishmania spp. are performed in <50% of responding laboratories. Only 56.6% of labs provide all three recommended tests for malaria diagnosis in the emergency room. Direct identification methods availability varies for Schistosoma eggs (75–95.8%), S. stercoralis larvae (53.1%), trypomastigotes (59.4%), and Leishmania amastigotes (53.1%). Geographical differences (mainly northern versus southern regions) were evident. Conclusions: The survey underlines the need to improve diagnosis for neglected and tropical diseases, to define a network of reference laboratories for testing less prevalent diseases, and to share information, education, and training for both clinicians and microbiologists/parasitologists. Full article

Quail eggs are foods that can suffer significant losses in internal quality 14 days after laying and onwards. With the aim of minimizing early quality losses, this study investigated the effect of the combined use of corn starch and green propolis extract (CS+GPE) on the internal quality attributes of quail eggs, as well as on the bacterial level of their eggshells during storage at room temperature. The Haugh unit remained above 80.00 in eggs coated with CS+GPE at 21 days of storage, which was significantly greater than that of the eggs from the control treatment. On that same day, the bacterial load in the eggshell of the eggs coated with CS+GPE was 34.74% lower than that in eggs from the control treatment. The synergistic use of CS+GPE represents a strategy for preserving quail eggs using bioactive, green, and biodegradable materials. Full article

This retrospective study investigated the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes in 419 backyard (pet) chickens admitted to the Service for Avian and Reptiles at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna from 1 May 2009 to 30 April 2019. The median age of the chickens was 1.5 years, with 83.8% being female. The majority (80.0%) presented with individual clinical issues, while 20.0% were diagnosed with flock diseases. The most common admission causes included unspecific clinical signs (57.3%), respiratory tract issues (18.4%), and locomotor problems (16.2%). Diagnostic imaging modalities such as ultrasonography, radiography, and CT scans revealed pathologies, including ascites, salpingitis, and skeletal system abnormalities. Parasitological examinations found a high rate of coccidia, Capillaria, and Ascaridia, while microbiological analysis identified Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida as common bacterial pathogens. The most prevalent diseases were upper respiratory tract infections (13.8%), egg peritonitis (9.9%), and soft tissue trauma (9.4%). Treatment outcomes showed that 67.5% survived to discharge, while 32.2% died or were euthanized. Surgical interventions were performed in 25.3% of cases, with the most common surgeries being salpingohysterectomy and wound debridement. This study highlights the wide range of health issues faced by pet chickens and emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in avian veterinary care. It also underscores the role of various diagnostic tools, such as imaging, pathogen detection, and histopathology, in addressing the health challenges of backyard chickens. Full article

Shubat is a traditional fermented camel milk drink that originated in Central Asia, with especially deep cultural roots in Kazakhstan. However, systematic studies on the microbial ecology and functional genes of Shubat remain scarce. As a distinctive fer-mented food, its microbial diversity and functional properties have not been fully ex-plored. This study investigates the microbial diversity and functional potential of Shubat by using advanced metagenomic techniques. Its microbial community is mainly composed of bacteria (96.6%), with Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus being the dominant genera. Functional annotations through EggNOG, KEGG, and CAZy databases highlighted the metabolic versatility of Shubat’s microbiota. Key pathways included amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis, and central carbon metabolism, emphasizing their roles in fermentation and nutritional enhancement. The identification of various enzymes related to chemical synthesis further emphasizes the contribution of the microbiota to Shubat’s unique flavor and texture. This study not only provides an important basis for the scientific understanding of Shubat but also expands the application possibilities of fermented food in the field of health and nutrition and confers modern value and significance to traditional food. This integration of science and tradition has not only facilitated the development of food microbiology but also paved new pathways for the global dissemination of traditional foods and the development of functional foods. Full article

There is a high demand for free-range eggs, although these systems may offer a greater microbiological challenge. Therefore, the aim with this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 30% propolis extract and 1% sodium hypochlorite in reducing the microbiological contamination of free-range eggs. Eighteen eggs were divided into three groups—treated with propolis, hypochlorite and a control—and tested for mesophilic bacterial count. For the eggshells treated by propolis, the average count was 0.6 log CFU·mL⁻¹, for hypochlorite it was 1.3 log CFU·mL⁻¹ and for the control it was 3.26 log CFU·mL⁻¹. It can be concluded that both methods were effective, with propolis being more efficient. Full article

Salmonella spp. are pathogenic microorganisms linked to foodborne outbreaks associated with eggs and egg products. Salmonella can resist sanitation of egg processing equipment and form biofilms on food-contact surfaces. A major challenge for controlling Salmonella is the ability to detect the cells during the early stages of attachment to indicate that interventions are needed to sanitize the surface. This research investigated the use of long-read sequencing to identify Salmonella during the early stages (0–5 h) of cell attachment to three common food-contact surfaces—stainless steel, silicone, and nylon—and compared it with traditional microbiological methods. Results of the conventional plate counts showed that the detection of Salmonella began after three hours of incubation, with less than 1 log CFU/cm² of growth. Silicone had the highest number of Salmonella attached (0.87 log CFU/cm²), followed by stainless steel (0.70 log CFU/cm²). Long-read whole genome sequencing identified attached Salmonella on stainless steel, silicone, and nylon after only one hour of incubation. The results of this study suggest that long-read sequencing could be a very useful method for detecting Salmonella at low concentrations in the processing environment during the early stages of cell attachment to food-contact surfaces, allowing for correct sanitation intervention. Full article

Pasteurization is used to ensure the safety of liquid whole eggs (LWEs) before commercial distribution; however, it is insufficient to inactivate the spore-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus. This study investigated the effect of nisin on the growth kinetics of B. cereus in LWE. Samples supplemented with 0–6.25 ppm of nisin were inoculated with a four-strain cocktail of heat-shocked B. cereus spores and incubated at isothermal temperatures of 15–45 °C. The Baranyi model was fitted to all B. cereus isothermal growth profiles, generating maximum growth rate (µ_max) and lag phase duration (LPD). The extended Ratkowsky square root model described the temperature dependency of µ_max. A second-order polynomial model assessed the combined effects of temperature and nisin on the LPD of B. cereus in LWE. A tertiary model was developed and validated using three dynamic temperature profiles. Nisin significantly extended LPD at lower temperatures, while µ_max remained unaffected. Samples with 6.25 ppm of nisin inhibited growth for 29 days (average) at 15 °C. Although the tertiary model accurately predicted growth rates, it underpredicted LPD. Adjusting h₀ values for each experimental condition improved LPD prediction accuracy. The study’s findings indicate that nisin is effective in inhibiting the growth of B. cereus spores in LWE, lowering the risk of illness. Full article

Eggs are considered a nutritionally complete food and an excellent source of protein. However, they are prone to bacterial contamination, which can affect their internal quality and safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) as natural sanitizers for eggshells to reduce the bacterial load and improve shelf life. Ten EOs—cinnamon, clove, lavender, peppermint, thyme, rosemary, green tea, mustard, basil, and marjoram—were tested for antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) using the well diffusion method. The most effective EOs were assessed in vapor form using a disc volatilization technique. A total of 288 eggs from a local farm in South Lebanon were treated with selected EOs and stored at room temperature for three weeks to evaluate microbial load and quality. The eggs were grouped into six categories: dry control, ultraviolet (UV) treated, and eggs sprayed with EOs, based on the recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. At each time point, 12 eggs from each group were analyzed for microbiological testing and external and internal quality. Results indicated that nine of the ten EOs showed antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zones recorded for cinnamon against S. Enteritidis (14 mm) and E. coli (9 mm), peppermint against P. aeruginosa (10 mm), and rosemary against L. monocytogenes (22 mm), S. aureus (19 mm), and E. faecalis (12 mm). Vapor phase testing showed that rosemary, thyme, clove, and cinnamon EOs had average inhibition zones ranging from 21 to 33 mm against the tested bacteria, and peppermint EO achieved complete inhibition of P. aeruginosa. Clove EO consistently reduced the bacterial load as a sanitizer on eggs, initially achieving complete inhibition. While egg quality parameters such as weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, and yolk color declined over time, EOs helped maintain better quality compared to dry controls. GC-MS analysis of the tested EOs revealed that monoterpene alcohols are the major constituents of most oils. This study concludes that EOs are effective natural sanitizers for eggs, enhancing safety and preserving quality during storage. Full article