A study of female genital swabs in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Objective:To detect some common microbial agents of vaginal discharge and improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge.Methods:A prospective study of female genital swabs collected from obstetrics and gynecology units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,Kano,Nigeria and an analysed of microscopy,culture and sensitivity in the medical microbiology and parasitology laboratory of this hospital were conducted from December 2007 to December 2008.Data on epidemiologic indices were collected from the patients,using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires.Results:Eight hundred and forty Candida species were detected,constituting 60%(n=840) of 1 400 female genital discharge samples of microbial etiology in a total of 2 000 female genital samples received.The distribution of vaginal candidiasis was tbe highest in young adults aged 21 to 30 years with 43%(n=360) of the total 840 cases. Pregnant women that presented with vaginal candidiasis constituted 40%(n=360) of the total 840 cases.Other risk groups included the immuno-suppression with 24%(n=202),group on hormonal therapy with 15%(n=126) and broad spectrum antibiotics users with 16%(n=134).Conclusions: The results show that Candida is the most common cause of vaginitis and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis followed by C.albicans in the young adults aged 21 to 30 years,pregnant mothers, immuno-suppression,contraceptive and broad spectrum antibiotic users.Proper management of vaginal candidiasis and vulvo-vaginal candidiasis is recommended especially among the risk groups in order to avoid complications and reduce HIV transmission.

COVID-19 Pandemic Waves in Italy: An Epidemiological Overview about Infections, Swabs and Death Rates

Introduction: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the entire World was overrun by a pandemic. Science has managed, in a short time, to characterize a new disease, sequence a new viral genome, develop diagnostics, produce treatment protocols and establish the efficacy of drugs and vaccines in randomized controlled trials. In this paper we have dealt with different topics regarding the pandemic linked to COVID-19. Objectives: Aim of this paper is to compare the number of deaths attributable to COVID-19, that occurred in the different Italian macro-areas, in the different pandemic waves;we studied the trend of the curves relating to the proportion of deaths to the number of infected in the Italian macro-areas for the pandemic waves and analysed the mortality data, focusing on the Italian context and comparing it with other foreign countries. We examined the data regarding swabs, hospitalizations, home isolation, admissions to intensive care and deaths registered in pandemic period. Results: Geographically, Italy was differently affected by the pandemic. Northern Italy was the most affected area. In comparison with some foreign countries, Italy is one of the nations that paid the most in terms of deaths, due to: delays in understanding the seriousness of the emergency;the slow management in the tracking systems of contagions;the high number of hospitalizations;a corporate organizational system poorly planned. Conclusion: The years 2020 and 2021 have been dramatic and unprecedented. The year 2021 was the year of redemption, where, despite social, economic and health difficulties, thanks to mass vaccination, we were able to give a real strong response to the pandemic. Trust in science has led to a drastic decrease in mortality throughout the world.

Prevalence and features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in prisons in Tuscany

BACKGROUND Prisons can be a reservoir for infectious diseases,including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),due to the very intimate nature of the living spaces and the large number of people forced to share them.AIM To investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in prisons,this study evaluated the infection incidence rate in prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs.METHODS This is an observational cohort study.Data collection included information on prisoners who underwent nasopharyngeal swab testing for SARS-CoV-2 and the results.Nasopharyngeal swab tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed between 15 February 2021 and 31 May 2021 for prisoners with symptoms and all new arrivals to the facility.Another section included information on the diagnosis of the disease according to the International Classification of Diseases,Ninth Revision,and Clinical Modification.RESULTS Up until the 31 May 2021,79.2%of the prisoner cohort(n=1744)agreed to a nasopharyngeal swab test(n=1381).Of these,1288 were negative(93.3%)and 85 were positive(6.2%).A significant association[relative risk(RR)]was found only for the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among foreigners compared to Italians[RR=2.4,95%confidence interval(CI):1.2-4.8].A positive association with SARS-CoV-2 infection was also found for inmates with at least one nervous system disorder(RR=4,95%CI:1.8-9.1).The SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate among prisoners is significantly lower than in the general population in Tuscany(standardized incidence ratio 0.7,95%CI:0.6-0.9).CONCLUSION In the prisoner cohort,screening and rapid access to health care for the immigrant population were critical to limiting virus transmission and subsequent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.

The sampling efficiencies of commercial nasopharyngeal swabs

Upper respiratory tract samples are the most commonly used samples for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)diagnosis.The samples collected from the nasopharynx are preferred for viral nucleic acids detection.Commercial nasopharyngeal swabs(NPSs)are the major factor that influences the sampling quality.We here evaluated the acceptability and efficiency of NPSs from five manufacturers by examining the concentration of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene(GAPDH)retrieved from the swabs using the RT-PCR method.Significant different concentrations of GAPDH were detected,ranged from 4.36×10^(8) copies/mL to 6.98×10^(10) copies/mL among the five swabs(P<0.05).The designation of the swab head,with or without tip expansion,had limited influence on the collection efficiency.The discrepancy among the NPSs emphasized the improvement of the swab head material.

Absence of human papillomavirus in nasopharyngeal swabs from infants in a population at high risk of human papillomavirus infection

Maternal urogenital human papillomavirus(HPV)infection may place neonates at risk of HPV acquisition and subsequently lower respiratory infections as HPV can influence development of immunity.The respiratory HPV prevalence is not known in remote-dwelling Aboriginal infants,who are at high risk of respiratory infection and where the population prevalence of urogenital HPV in women is high.These data are necessary to inform HPV vaccination regimens.A retrospective analysis using PCR specific for HPV was performed on 64 stored nasopharyngeal swabs from remote-dwelling Aboriginal infants<6 months of age,with and without hospitalised pneumonia.HPV DNA was not detected in any specimen.Despite the negative result,we cannot exclude a role for HPV in respiratory infections affecting infants in this population;however,our data do not support HPV as an important contributor to acute respiratory infection in remote-dwelling Aboriginal children.

Postmortem Nasopharyngeal Swabs Performed during the COVID-19 Infection:Analysis of Preliminary Clinical Records by the Genoa Institute of Legal Medicine(North-West Italy)

COVID-19,the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,is highly contagious.The persistence of the virus after infected individuals die remains unclear.This article reports the findings taken from postmortem nasopharyngeal swabs performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the corpses transferred to the Genoa District Mortuary from the outset of the Italian lockdown(March 9)to the end of the first emergency phase(July 13).One hundred and eighty swabs were carried out:13 corpses resulted positive for the virus,with the diagnosis being reached only after death.Seven were male and 6 female with an average age of 73.5 years old.The most frequent comorbidities recorded were arterial hypertension,diabetes,Alzheimer 5s,and pulmonary disease.In two cases,the swab tested positive at a distance of 125 h and 165 h from actual death.The nasopharyngeal swab results a useful way to screen corpses for COVID-19 and to handle bodies in Legal Medicine Centers where safe autoptic rooms are not available.Swabs are also a means of safeguarding forensic pathologists,identifying the presence of breeding grounds in the community and providing information for the Public Prosecutor's Office in legal cases.They are able to produce reliable results up to at least 7 days following death,provided that the corpse is correctly preserved.

A network meta-analysis on comparison of invasive and non-invasive sampling methods to characterize intestinal microbiota of birds

Birds maintain complex and intimate associations with a diverse community of microbes in their intestine.Multiple invasive and non-invasive sampling methods are used to characterize these communities to answer a multitude of eco-evolutionary questions related to host-gut microbiome symbioses.However,the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods is sparse with contradicting findings.Through performing a network meta-analysis for 13 published bird gut microbiome studies,here we attempt to investigate the comparability of these invasive and non-invasive sampling methods.The two most used non-invasive sampling methods(cloacal swabs and fecal samples)showed significantly different results in alpha diversity and taxonomic relative abundances compared to invasive samples.Overall,non-invasive samples showed decreased alpha diversity compared to intestinal samples,but the alpha diversities of fecal samples were more comparable to the intestinal samples.On the contrary,the cloacal swabs characterized significantly lower alpha diversities than in intestinal samples,but the taxonomic relative abundances acquired from cloacal swabs were similar to the intestinal samples.Phylogenetic status,diet,and domestication degree of host birds also influenced the differences in microbiota characterization between invasive and non-invasive samples.Our results indicate a general pattern in microbiota differences among intestinal mucosal and non-invasive samples across multiple bird taxa,while highlighting the importance of evaluating the appropriateness of the microbiome sampling methods used to answer specific research questions.The overall results also suggest the potential importance of using both fecal and cloacal swab sampling together to properly characterize bird microbiomes.

A Case of Serratia marcescens Conjunctivitis in a Young Male after Exposure to Contaminated Shampoo in a Fitness Club

The contamination of shampoo with bacteria is not very common but can happen and can be a potential cause of conjunctivitis. This case report describes a 24-year-old male who developed conjunctivitis after using a Serratia marcescens contaminated shampoo in a fitness club. The patient had redness, swelling, and discharge in both eyes. Cultures of the shampoo and eye swabs were positive for S. marcescens with indistinguishable DNA fingerprints. The patient was treated with an eye drop antibiotic and his symptoms resolved within a week. This case highlights the possibility of exposure in places where shampoos containers are refilled or shared. The avoidance of refilling them and using replaceable cartridges, single-sealed refill bags, or bringing personal shampoo is highly recommended to prevent such incidents.

Genetic identification and reiterated captures suggest that the Astyanax mexicanus El Pachón cavefish population is closed and declining

The sizes of Astyanax mexicanus blind cavefish populations of North-East Mexico are demographic parameters of great importance for investigating a variety of ecological,evolutionary,and conservation issues.However,few estimates have been obtained.For these mobile animals living in an environment difficult to explore as a whole,methods based on capture-mark-recapture are appropriate,but their feasibility and interpretation of results depend on several assumptions that must be carefully examined.Here,we provide evidence that minimally invasive genetic identification from captures at different time intervals(three days and three years)can give insights into cavefish population size dynamics as well as other important demographic parameters of interest.We also provide tools to calibrate sampling and genotyping efforts necessary to reach a given level of precision.Our results suggest that the El Pachón cave population is currently very small,of an order of magnitude of a few hundreds of individuals,and is distributed in a relatively isolated area.The probable decline in population size in the El Pachón cave since the last census in 1971 raises serious conservation issues.

A Paucity of Detection of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Nucleic Acids in the Vaginal Secretions and the Urine of Some Naturally Infected Dromedary Camels

The dromedary camels play some critical roles in the evolution and transmission cycle of the MERS-CoV. There are no current available vaccines or antiviral medications to do prevention or to treat humans against the virus, respectively. Few studies reported the course of the MERS-CoV infection in dromedary camels under both the experiment and natural infection approaches. The curve of the viral particle, as well as its nucleic acids in nasal secretions of the dromedary camels, was reported in more details. However, MERS-CoV shedding in some other secretions such as vaginal secretions still understudied. The main goal of the current study was to check the possibility of MERS-CoV shedding of the MERS-CoV through the vaginal mucous membranes of some female camels. To achieve these goals, we conducted molecular surveillance on one dromedary camel herd in eastern Saudi Arabia. We collected the following swabs per each animal (nasal, rectal, and vaginal) as well as urine samples during the period from Jan 2020-April 2020. Testing of MERS-CoV nucleic acid (NA) was conducted in these swabs by the real-time PCR kits. Our results are showing that (47%, 21%, 0%, and 0%) of the (nasal, rectal, and vaginal) swabs, as well as the urine, were positive, respectively. All the tested vaginal swabs were negative. This may suggest the absence of MERS-CoV shedding in the female genital tract and urine samples despite the detection of the viral NA in the nasal swabs. This study is showing for the first time the failure of detection of the MERS-CoV in the vaginal secretions of some naturally infected dromedary camels. This result is enriching our understanding of the MERS-CoV shedding in various body secretions and excretions.

Massive Rhinorrhea as a Complication of COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab

The nasopharyngeal swab for COVID-19 testing is generally considered safe;however, it is primarily performed by staff that may not completely understand the anatomy of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. We report the treatment of a 48-year-old man who developed unilateral left rhinorrhea after a nasopharyngeal swab sample. It is aimed to draw attention to this complication that can be prevented with the appropriate technique during nasopharyngeal swab sampling.

A comparative evaluation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses in Italy

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci(MRS)which is a potencial risk factor of transmission between animals and humans in different types of horses(harness racing-horses,breeding mares and riding-horses)and to compare the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates.Methods:A total of 191 healthy horses,housed at different locations of the Campania Region(Italy),were included in the study.Nasal swab samples were collected from each nostril of the horses.The mecA gene was detected by a nested PCR technique.Antibiotic susceptibility was tested for each isolate.Results:MRS was isolated from nasal samples of 68/191(35.6%;95%CI:28.9%-42.9%)healthy horses.All isolates were coagulase-negative with the exception of two coagulase-positive MRS strains,identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.2/83(2.4%;95%,CI:0.4%-9.2%).Interestingly,both coagulase-positive MRS isolates were from harness racing-horses.These horses also presented a significantly higher positivity for MRS(53.3%;95%CI:40.1%-66.1%)than the breeding mares and riding-horses groups.Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed difference between isolates due to different origins except for an almost common high resistance to aminopenicillins,such as ampicillin and amoxicillin.Conclusions:It can be concluded that harness racing-horses may act as a significant reservoir of MRS as compared to breeding mares and riding-horses.

Study of the prevalence and association of ocular chlamydial conjunctivitis in women with genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans attending outpatient clinic

AIMTo determine the association between chlamydial conjunctivitis and genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans, in addition to the possible relationship between cultured bacterial pathogens and oculogenital chlamydial infection.METHODSThis study was performed on 100 (50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic) women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric outpatient clinic of Alzahra hospital, Alazhar University. Simultaneously a conjunctival swab was taken from these patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on DNA extracted from both vaginal and conjunctival swab samples. Culture for both vaginal and conjunctival swabs was also done.RESULTSCandida albicans was the predominant organism isolated by culture in 20% and 40% of conjunctival and vaginal swabs respectively. By the PCR method, ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 60% of symptomatic women, while genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was present in 30% of symptomatic women. The results of this method also indicated that 25/50 (50%) vaginal swabs were positive with PCR for Candida albicans versus 15/50 (30%) were PCR positive in conjunctival swab. Mycoplasma genitalium was present in only 10% of vaginal swabs. Concomitant oculogenital PCR positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans were 30% and 28% respectively.CONCLUSIONOcular Chlamydia trachomatis was associated with genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a high percentage of women followed by Candida albicans. Cultured bacterial organisms do not play a role in enhancement of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Safety management of nasopharyngeal specimen collection from suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019

This article introduces safety management strategies of nasopharyngeal specimen collection from suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in a tertiary designated hospital.The key points include establishing a special sampling room,strict sterilization of the entire environment,training of professional nurses,enhancement of personal protection,standardization of methods and processes for swab collection,and a timely and safety sample submission.More than 11,000 nasopharyngeal specimens were collected by eight nurses,with an average of 1,375 specimen swab collections each nurse,and no one was infected.

Effects of Different Temperature and Time Durations of Virus Inactivation on Results of Real-time Fluorescence PCR Testing of COVID-19 Viruses

Summary:The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 caused an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan,Hubei province of China in January 2020.This study aims to investigate the effects of different temperature and time durations of virus inactivation on the results of PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.Twelve patients at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 were selected on February 13,2020 and throat swabs were taken.The swabs were stored at room tempcrature(20-25℃),then divided into aliquots and subjected to different temperature for different periods in order to inactivate the viruses(56℃for 30,45,60 min;65,70,80℃for 10,15,20 min).Control aliquots were stored at room temperature for 60 min.Then all aliquots were tested in a real-time fluorescence PCR using primers against SARS-CoV-2.Regardless of inactivation temperature and time,7 of 12 cases(58.3%)tested were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR,and cycle threshold values were similar.These results suggest that virus inactivation parameters exert minimal infuence on PCR test results.Inactivation at 65℃for 10 min may be sufficient to ensure safe,reliable testing.

Prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharges and to improve the current syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge.Methods:A prospective study of pathogens of abnormal vaginal discharge was carried out from December 2007 to December 2008.Samples of female genital swabs were collected from Obstetrics and Gynecology Units of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,Kano,Nigeria,and analyzed by microscopy,culture and sensitivity test in Medical Microbiology Laboratory of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.Results:Microorganisms were detected in 70%(1 400) of a total 2 000 female genital swabs studied.Candida species peaked with 42.0%(840),followed by Gardnerella vaginalis,a pathogen of bacteria vaginosis with 26.0%.The distribution of abnormal vaginal discharge was highest in young adults aged from 21 to 30 years.Conclusions:The commonest Microorganisms of infective vaginal discharge were Candida species,followed by Gardnerella vaginalis,a pathogen of bacterial vaginosis.Vaginal discharge was prevalent among young adults. We recommend prevention,early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infected female,especially among the young,sexually active group in order to reduce the menace of HIV transmission.

Antibiotic resistance assessment in bacteria isolated in migratory Passeriformes transiting through the Metaponto territory(Basilicata,Italy)

Background: Wild birds are considered to be reservoirs of human enteric pathogens and vectors of antimicrobial resistance dissemination in the environment.During their annual migration,they play a potential role in the epidemiology of human associated zoonoses.The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of microorganisms found in the cloaca of common European passerines.Methods: One hundred and twenty-one cloacal swabs were collected during a monitoring program of migratory birds in the Forest Reserve for Protection "Metaponto"(Basilicata,Italy).All samples were cultured using standard bacteriological methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing(agar disk diffusion test) of isolated strains was performed.Results: The bacteriological analysis produced 122 strains belonging to 18 different species.The most commonly isolated species were Enterobacter cloacae and Providencia rettgeri(21 strains,17.2%).Potentially pathogenic species including Klebsiella pneumoniae,Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas spp.have also been identified.Isolates showed significant frequencies of antimicrobial resistance.The highest frequency of resistance was observed against amoxicillin(n = 79,64.8%);ampicillin(n = 77,63.1%);rifampicin(n Thirty-one strains(25.4%) showed resistance to imipenem a= 75,61.5%);amoxicillin–clavulanic acid(n nd 8(6.6%) to meropenem.= 66,54.1%).Conclusions: Migratory birds play an important role in the ecology,circulation and dissemination of potentially pathogenic antimicrobial resistant organisms.They can therefore be considered sentinel species and environmental health indicators.Our results suggest that the integration of epidemiological surveillance networks during ringing campaigns of wild species can be an effective tool to study this phenomenon.

Microbiological Contamination of Fresh Chicken Meat in the Retail Stores

The aim of this study was to assess the hygienic properties of swabs taken from the arm and coat of workers, work surfaces, refrigerated display cases, trays and packaging materials. As well as the safe properties of samples of fresh chicken meat (wing, drumstick, chest) and chicken internal organs (heart and liver) from two butcheries. One of the goals was to determine whether education on hygienic conditions was carried out, influenced the hygienic condition of swabs and safety samples of fresh chicken meat offal. The results of the analysis showed that on the first day of sampling, the largest number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria were found in the swabs of the arm (butcher A-8.15 × 102 CFU/ml), butcher (B-17.88 × 102 CFU/ml) and the smallest in the packaging material (0.03 × 102 CFU/ml). Comparing the results of the first and thirtieth sampling day was a visible decrease in the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae for all examined swabs from both butchers. In the samples of fresh chicken meat, the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria during the first sampling was the highest in the drumstick samples (4.75 × 103 CFU/ml) slightly less in the samples of the wing (3.78 × 103 CFU/ml) in the butcher A, in the same time in the butcher B was 3.82 × 103 CFU/ml. Microbiological analyzes samples of the thirtieth day showed that Escherichia coli has been found in both butchers in drumsticks A-0.8 CFU/ml, B butcher 0.4 CFU/ml. and offal butcher A 0.6 CFU/ml, butcher B 0.7 CFU/ml, but less than the first day. It is important to say that education of workers in butcher shops has shown that it can improve good hygiene practices in butcher shops and safety of fresh chicken meat. Education in Good Hygiene Practice has positive impact on safety of fresh chicken meat in examined butcheries.

国外Swabbing Equipment抽汲装置研究

在试油作业中,为求目的层产量等参数时,若地层能量不足以使油井自喷,则采取抽汲等方式进行诱喷或求产。国外试油过程中抽汲作业多采用油管内抽汲,Swabbing Equipment抽汲装置具有结构简单、安全系数和抽汲效率高的优点,值得国内从事试油工作者借鉴和参考。

Characterization, prevalence and antibiogram study of Staphylococcus aureus in poultry

Objective: To reveal the presence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus)(MRSA) in poultry samples and to determine the antibiogram pattern against five antibiotics.Methods: Samples from different poultry farm of Chittagong city, Bangladesh were examined for S. aureus by different biochemical tests and confirmed as MRSA by identifying the presence of mec A gene using PCR. Antibiotic resistance pattern in S. aureus was determined by antibiotic disk diffusion method.Results: In this study, a total of 60 samples(30 from nasal swabs and 30 from cloacal swabs) were used, of which 54 were confirmed as S. aureus by different biochemical tests. Among these, 12 were confirmed as MRSA by detecting mec A gene using PCR.During antibiogram study, both nasal and cloacal samples showed the highest resistance against penicillin-G and the lowest resistance was observed against neomycin.Conclusions: Based on the present study, it can be said that different antibiotics are used extensively in poultry that leads to MRSA and is alarming for human health.