R. Banda, J. Nduko , J. Matofari ,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (September 2020)
Abstract
Background: Some microorganisms can adhere to food handling surfaces forming biofilms that pose a safety challenge. This study was done to evaluate bacterial biofilm formation in milking equipments in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Methods: Pooled milk (n=54) and water (n=60) samples were collected from households and milk bulking groups in Lilongwe, Malawi. Swabbing (n=46) and rinsing (n=16) were done on milk handling containers after cleaning. Biofilm determination on the containers was done by detecting biofilm indicator bacteria, including Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The strength of biofilm was determined by the tube method. Data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.1.3.
Results: Prevalence rates of Gram-negative rods were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the Gram-positive rods and the Gram-positive cocci. Of the 176 cases, contamination rates were 36 (20.4%), 32 (18.2%), and 18 (10.2%) for Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp., respectively. The biofilm indicator organisms were significantly (p<0.05) more prevalent in dairy farmer households compared with the milk bulking centers. Fourteen out of 86 (16.3%) microbial isolates formed strong/high biofilms, whereas 18 out of 86 (20.93%) of isolates did not form any biofilm. The rate of isolates forming strong/high biofilms in households (17.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of milk bulking centers (11.1%).
Conclusion: Biofilm formation on milk handling container surfaces in Lilongwe, Malawi could serve as a source of microbial pathogens and spoilage organisms.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.7.3.4146
S.s. Nyirenda , K.m. Bukowa , W.r. Banda , J. Mbewe , F. Hamankolo , F. Banda, G. Kwenda , M. Mumba , E. Zulu ,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (September 2021)
Abstract
Background: Consumption of raw or unhygienically prepared vegetables is a potential source of parasitic infection. This study aimed to establish the prevalence and types of intestinal parasites on the freshly sold vegetables at the market.
Methods: Totally, 95 vegetable samples were randomly procured from vendors at Lusaka City market (Zambia). The samples were examined for parasitic contamination using floatation and sedimentation methods. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.4.0.
Results: The overall parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables was 35.8% (34 out of 95). The highest parasitic contamination rate was found in Chinese cabbage with 7.4% (7 out of 95), followed by rape with 6.3% (6 out of 95), chilli with 5.3% (5 out of 95), pigweed with 5.3% (5 out of 95), pumpkin leaves with 5.3% (5 out of 95), tomatoes with 4.2% (4 out of 95), and cabbage with 2.1% (2 out of 95). There was a significant (p=0.001) statistically difference between the type of vegetables and the presence of the parasites. The identified helminths had different prevalence rates, including Taenia spp. with 9.5%, Trichuris trichuria with 5.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides with 3.2%, Clonorchis sinensis with 2.1%, Diphyllobothrium latum with 2.1%, Paragonimus westermani with 2.1%, and Strongyloides stercoralis with 2.1%. Also, Giardia lamblia with 24.2% and Balantidium coli with 4.2% were the protozoan parasites identified.
Conclusion: This study showed that some vegetables sold at the Lusaka City market (Zambia) were a potential source of parasitic infections for local consumers. G. lamblia was the most prevalent parasite found in the vegetable samples.
DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.8.3.7197
