ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Microbial Contamination of Multiple-Use Bottles of Fluorescein Ophthalmic Solution

Background: The contamination of ophthalmic solutions in ophthalmic practices remains an important cause of a myriad of secondary eye infections and a source of aggravation of ocular disorders such as corneal ulcers and keratitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible microbial contamination of fluorescein sodium dye solutions used in eye clinics in Ghana. Methods: Fluorescein sodium solutions were collected from various eye clinics in Ghana. Twenty-one samples of multiple-use fluorescein ophthalmic solutions were collected from various regions in Ghana. Eighteen unopened bottles yet to be used were also collected to serve as controls from the same facilities. The solutions were inoculated in different culture plates (blood agar, MacConkey agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar and plate count agar). The resulting microbial growth was identified using standard microbial identification techniques. Susceptibility tests were performed to ascertain the clinical importance of the organisms identified. Results: Positive cultures were recorded for all 21 multiple-use bottles (in-use) collected, but there were no positive cultures for the unopened bottles (yet to be used). Six different genera of bacteria were identified from fluorescein solutions, including resistant strains of Staphylococci spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Haemophilus spp. and Bordetella spp. Pseudomonas spp. were the most common bacterial contaminants. For fungi contaminations, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Cladosporium spp. were isolated. The most common fungal contaminants were Aspergillus spp. Conclusions: Multiple-use bottles of fluorescein solution used in eye clinics in Ghana were contaminated with clinically important strains of bacteria and fungi.

Source: UCC
Microbial load in some selected cut and vended fruits and their implications for food safety in the Tamale Metropolis

Fruits and vegetables have been the major dietary source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and other natural substances. An improved nutrition full of fruits and vegetables reduce risk of some chronic diseases e.g., hypertension. Outbreak of some food borne diseases have been linked to fresh cut fruits available on streets. The study examines the microbial load in some selected cut and vended fruits and their implications for food safety in the Tamale Metropolis. Descriptive, crosssectional survey design involving the use of questionnaire and observation checklist were used for the study. The target population involved all street fruits vendors who sell pawpaw and water melon in the Tamale Metropolis with sample size of 113. Total of 30 cut fruit samples of both (15 each watermelon and pawpaw) were taken from ten (10) vendors selected from the 113 participants for laboratory analysis to check the levels of microbial load in them (aerobic mesophiles, E. coli, staphylococcus aureus, salmonella and listeria monocytogen). Convenience sampling was used for both field samples and for the laboratory samples. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 while the microbial load was analysed using five different culture conditions. Identification of all bacteria was accomplished with Nordic Committees for Food Analysis (NKML) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards. The finding shows that less than half of the respondents always washed their hands after coughing or sneezing while more than half of respondents did not wear gloves during cutting of fresh fruits. In the microbial analysis significant variations of bacteria (p<0.05) were observed in the pre-cut fruits sampled among the vendors. Salmonella spp. was not detected whereas Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 70% of the pre-cut fruits sampled. The analyses also revealed that, out of every ten sampled fruits, seven of the fruits had staphylococcus aureus and only one fruit had E. coli. Seven of the ten sampled fruits had Listeria monocyte. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, sampled fruits in the study setting had microbial load hence the consumption could lead to foodborne diseases. The study recommended that; street fruit vendors and handlers should be educated on fruit hygiene practices through engagement by the Health Directorate Unit of the Tamale Metropolis and the Ministry of health

Source: UCC
Microbial Load of Bed Linens: The Case Of University of Cape Coast Students

The study assessed the microbial load of bed linens used by students at the University of Cape Coast. The quantitative research approach was employed and was in two phases. The first phase of the study used survey design to describe the hygienic practices of the population that can bring about microbial existence and served as an exploratory study to assist with the design for phase two. The second phase of the study employed the experimental study with the use of laboratory testing for the assessment of microbial load of bed linens used by students. 32 pieces of 100% cotton and 32 pieces of 35% cotton and 65% polyester blend were used for the study. The statistical software that was used in the analysis of the data collected was the Statistical Package and Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows version 26. The results showed that new bed linens can contain microorganisms, student‘s bed linens can serve as a reservoir for microorganisms and female students washed their bed linens often more than male students. The study found no difference in microbial load in terms of duration and gender of the user. The results also showed more bacteria load on 100% cotton bed linen than on cotton and polyester blend. It is recommended that new bedlinens should be washed before usage and household linens such as beddings should be washed at least every week in order to help curb the spread of microbes through beddings.

Source: UCC
Microbial profile of smoked sardine (Sardilella aurita) AT smoking sites and market centres of Tema, Ghana-1

This research was conducted at three fish smoking sites and three marketing centres in the Tema municipality, to compare the microbial load of smoked sardine (Sardinella aurita). Microbial load of smoked sardine were determined using aerobic plate count, yeast and moulds, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus counts, Salmonella typhi detections, with pH and water activity. The results indicated that the aerobic plate counts within the smoking sites ranged from 6.2 x 10 4 to 3.3 x 10 5 cfu/g; yeast and moulds from 1.1 x 10 2 to 9.3 x10 4 cfu/g; and coliform bacteria from 0.0 to 2.1 x 10 4 cfu/g. For marketing centres, the values ranged from 7.2 x 10 4 to 4.1 x 107cfu/g, 5.0 x102 to 8.0 x 104 cfu/g, and 4.7 to 2.0 x 102 cfu/g for aerobic plate count, yeast and moulds and coliform bacteria respectively . E. coli was poorly represented in samples obtained from Manhean (3.1 x 102 cfu/g) and Newtown (1.8 x104cfu/g). Staphylococcus aureus was completely absent from all samples analysed. An isolated case of Salmonella typhi detection was made from Community 1 market samples. pH values were between 5.84 and 6.42 for all samples. Microbial counts of smoked sardine samples from smoking sites and marketing centres were significantly different (P < 0.05), with the latter recording higher values. Generally microbial counts for samples from the smoking sites were within acceptable limits of GSB, while those from marketing centres were not

Source: UCC
Microbial purification in well-water using uv-vis leds and monitoring using laser-induced fluorescence

Well-water contaminated by microbial bacteria has been purified using LEDs radiating in the ultra-violet and visible spectral regions. The contaminated water sample was exposed to the LEDs in specially constructed chambers and the purification process carried on for 3 days. The efficiency of the process was determined using a 445 nm diode laser to induce fluorescence (LIF) and the monitoring of coliform bacteria count (Total coliform, Fecal coliform and Escherichia coli) as well as Total Heterotrophic Bacteria (THB). The LIF peak fluorescence intensities at 526 nm (Raman water peak) and dissolved organic matter fluorescence intensity at 550 nm were determined. Using the fluorescence intensity of purified drinking water as reference, a fluorescence intensity ratio was calculated. A decrease in this ratio with time, at the two wavelengths indicated a proof of purification. Using the values of the slopes, the red and green LEDs proved most efficient while the UV was the least. From the counts of coliform bacteria and THB, the light sources registered zero after the first day of purification, but counts were recorded thereafter for some of the bacterial for some light sources. This may be attributable to bio-films formation on internal surfaces of the purification chamber due to excessive temperatures. A reduction in fluorescence intensity observed in the sample stored in dark environment could be attributed to the stationary and logarithmic decline phases of the growth curve of bacterial population. This purification technique is inexpensive and can easily be adapted for domestic water purification for reducing waterborne bacteria

Source: UCC
Microbial Safety Implications of in-Use Topical Diagnostic Ophthalmic Medications in Eye Clinics in Ghana

Purpose: To determine the microbial contaminants and its clinical importance in topical diagnostic ophthalmic medications (cycloplegics/mydriatics and miotics) in eye clinics in Ghana. Method: A cross-section of eye clinics was sampled for the diagnostic agents (Atropine, Phenyle- phrine, Tropicamide and Cyclopentolate, Pilocarpine). Standard laboratory procedures and protocols were observed in culturing the samples on different Agars. Microscopy and various biochemical tests were performed to identify microbial species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also performed to ascertain the clinical importance of the isolated microbes. Results: A total of 113 samples were obtained, from which 334 bacteria were isolated which included Bacilli spp. 91(27.25%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococci spp. 59(17.66%), Moraxella spp. 47(14.07%), Staphylococcus aureus 41(12.27%), Streptococcus spp. 21(6.29%), Klebsiella spp. 20(5.99%), Pseudomonas spp. 13(3.89%), Proteus spp. 12(3.59%), Escherichia coli. 12 (3.59%), Serratia spp. 10(2.99%), Shigella spp. 7(2.09%), Salmonella spp. 1(0.3%). There were 96 isolated fungal contaminants mainly Penicillium spp. 41(42.71%), Cephalosporium spp. 19(19.79%), Cladosporium spp. 15(15.63%), Aspergillus spp. 13(13.54%), Cercospora spp. 8(8.33%). The diagnostic agent with the most bacteria contamination was Phenylephrine 90 (26.95%) and the least being Pilocarpine 49 (14.67%). Also, the diagnostic agent with the most fungal contamination was Cyclopentolate 29 (30.2%) and the least was Tropicamide and Pilo- carpine with 15 (15.63%) each. Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin were the only antibiotics that showed 100% activity against all the bacterial isolates. Fungal contaminants were more susceptible to Ketoconazole as compared to Fluconazole.

Source: UCC
Microbiological and Chemical Contaminants in Commercial “Mashed Kenkey”: A Case of New Juaben Municipality

The study explored the microbiological and chemical contaminants in “mashed kenkey” from selected milling plants in the New Juaben Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used for the first phase to obtain baseline data on the incidence of chemical and microbiological contaminants in the “mashed kenkey”. Ten milling plant operators and 5 “mashed kenkey” vendors were purposively sampled for the study. Millers hygienic practices were obtained through observation using a checklist. The second phase of the study employed experimental research design to enumerate and identify microbes of interest. Swabs taken from unmilled, milled and mashed kenkey were analysed at the laboratory as well as water used in mashing the kenkey. Most of the millers used grinding plates that were 2-3months old. Millers were observed using their bare hands in handling the kenkey. Also, the population of aerobic mesophylls found in the packed “mashed kenkey” ranged from 105 – 106 cfu/g. There was a statistically significant difference in the microbial contaminants found in “mashed kenkey” collected from the milling plants. The microbial levels increased from the beginning of the process through to the packaging with the final packaging having the highest. From the findings it can be concluded that the aerobic mesophylls were found in the “mashed kenkey” but at levels that may not necessarily cause harm to consumers. Faecal and other common contaminants were within acceptable levels thus could explain why the risk of the final product affecting the health of consumers is minimal. The study recommended that “mashed kenkey” millers and vendors must adopt safe and hygienic practices in “mashed kenkey” production for consumers to prevent contamination.

Source: UCC
Microbiological contamination of some fresh leafy vegetables sold in Cape Coast, Ghana

This study evaluated the microbiological contamination of cabbage, lettuce, and scallions sold in Abura and Kotokuraba markets in Cape Coast, Ghana. These vegetables were analyzed for the presence and levels of microorganisms using standard microbiological procedures. Results revealed bacterial and fungal contaminations of the vegetables from Abura and Kotokuraba markets. Mean bacterial counts recorded in Nutrient Agar, for example, from Kotokuraba market were 1.93x108, 1.23x108, and 1.17x108 cfu/ml for cabbage, lettuce and scallion, respectively, higher than mean bacterial counts recorded from Abura market at 9.9x107 , 2.8x107, and 6.60x10 cfu/ml for cabbage, lettuce and scallion, respectively. Conversely, the mean fungal counts for cabbage, lettuce and scallion were higher at Abura market than Kotokuraba market. Bacteria isolated from the vegetables include Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus, whereas fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Rhodotorula were isolated. These results indicate that the vegetables are significantly contaminated, and have poor microbiological quality that could potentially result in outbreak of foodborne illnesses. Contaminations of the vegetables were due to poor pre- and post-harvest handling practices. The implications of findings of this study on tourism and hospitality industries in Cape Coast are discussed

Source: UCC
Microbiological Quality of Fast Foods in the Cape Coast Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana

The microbiological quality of fast foods, some vegetables, water and vegetable milling machines in Cape Coast Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana was studied between July 2005 and April 2006 using survey and laboratory studies. Temperature, pH and moisture content, which affect microbial load of dishes, were also assessed. Twentyfour and 21 fast food sites were used for survey and laboratory studies respectively. Dishes examined were jollof, plain and fried rice and chicken, spring rolls, coleslaw and pepper sauce. The vendors consisted of 50% males and 50% females, mainly between the ages of 15 and 30 years (79.2%) and acquired their training mostly through apprenticeship. significantly (P<0.05) different from that at the end (22.5-62.8°C). The least percentage moisture content range for test food at start was 49.3-66.5% and end 49.1-67.4%, and highest at start was 69.9-89.2% and end 72.9-89.9%. The least and highest pH range for the test foods at start and end were 4.0-5.7 and 4.0-6.8 respectively. The least and highest microbial load for test foods at start and end were 0.0-27.8 and 16.8-578.9 xlO5 cfu/g respectively. Microbial load of coleslaw was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of fried rice, chicken, and pepper sauce. The least fungal microbial load range of test foods was 0.0-17 xlO3 cfu/g and the highest was 8-115xl03 cfu/g. Yeast was the predominant fungal isolate. Poor sanitation significantly (P<0.05) encouraged high microbial load (163xl05 cfu/g) of the fast food. Washing of fresh cabbage in 0.004M salt solution reduced the microbial load from 153 xlO5 cfu/g of water-treated to 31x105 cfu/g of salttreated cabbage. Salmonella, Shigella spp., Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. were isolated unhygienic handling. Most of the test foods had high microbial load, well above the world Health Organisation recommendation. These findings indicate that consumers of these foods are at high risk of falling sick.

Source: UCC
Microct imaging and in vivo temperature elevations in implanted prostatic tumors in laser photothermal therapy using gold nanorods

In this study, in vivo animal experiments are performed on implanted enograph rostatic tumors in nude mice to investigate enhanced laser energy absorption in the tumors by an intratumoral injection of old nanorod solutions. in vivo temperature mapping of the tumors during laser hotothermal therapy has shown the feasibility of elevating tumor temperatures higher than 0 C using only 0.1 ml nanorod solution and a low laser irradiance of 1.6 W/cm2 incident on the tumor surface. The temperature rofile suggests that normal tumor tissue still absorbs some amount of the laser energy without nanorodm presence; however, the injected nanorods ensure that almost all the laser energy is absorbed and confined to the targeted tumors. The inverse relationship between the temperature elevations and the tumor size implies a relatively uniform spreading of the nanorods to the entire tumor, which is also shown by microcomputed tomography (microCT) imaging analyses. The feasibility of detecting 50 OD old nanorod solution injected to the tumors is demonstrated via a high resolution microCT imaging system. ompared to other nanostructures, the old nanorods used in this study do not accumulate surrounding the injection site. The relatively uniform deposition of the nanorods in the tumors observed by the microCT scans can be helpful in uture study in simplifying theoretical simulation of temperature elevations in tumors during laser hotothermal therapy

Source: UCC
Microfinance Services of Sinapi Aba Trust and Human Capital Development of Beneficiaries in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The study set out to examine Sinapi Aba Trust (SAT) microfinance services contribution towards building human capital asset of beneficiaries in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. A cross-sectional approach was adopted to gather data from 361 beneficiaries using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Interview schedule and interview guide were used to elicit data from programme beneficiaries and staff of SAT. The descriptive analysis was used to describe and measure relationships of socio-demographic characteristics of beneficiaries. The non-parametric Mann Whitney U test was used to test the differences between incomes before and after obtaining microfinance services. The 5-point Likert scale was used to measure the respondents’ opinions on statements on changes in human capital development. Findings from the study indicated that the features of SAT services comprised financial and non-financial programmes. The microfinance services enabled beneficiaries to increase their incomes to assist in human capital development. Through the provision of microfinance services beneficiaries’ outlook and investment in human capital development was enhanced. Beneficiaries’ background characteristics influenced the dependent variable, their human capital development, in various levels. The study among others recommended that studies on microfinance should go beyond the conventional role of credit provision to incorporate non-financial services. The government and sponsors of microfinance should collaborate with the microfinance sector to pull resources for human capital development of beneficiaries.

Source: UCC
Microfinance services of Sinapi Aba trust and human capital development of beneficiaries in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

The study set out to examine Sinapi Aba Trust (SAT) microfinance services contribution towards building human capital asset of beneficiaries in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. A cross-sectional approach was adopted to gather data from 361 beneficiaries using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Interview schedule and interview guide were used to elicit data from programme beneficiaries and staff of SAT. The descriptive analysis was used to describe and measure relationships of socio-demographic characteristics of beneficiaries. The non-parametric Mann Whitney U test was used to test the differences between incomes before and after obtaining microfinance services. The 5-point Likert scale was used to measure the respondents’ opinions on statements on changes in human capital development. Findings from the study indicated that the features of SAT services comprised financial and non-financial programmes. The microfinance services enabled beneficiaries to increase their incomes to assist in human capital development. Through the provision of microfinance services beneficiaries’ outlook and investment in human capital development was enhanced. Beneficiaries’ background characteristics influenced the dependent variable, their human capital development, in various levels. The study among others recommended that studies on microfinance should go beyond the conventional role of credit provision to incorporate non-financial services. The government and sponsors of microfinance should collaborate with the microfinance sector to pull resources for human capital development of beneficiaries.

Source: UCC
Microhaematuria as a diagnostic marker of Schistosoma haematobium in an outpatient clinical setting: results from a cross-sectional study in rural Ghana

The utility of microhaematuria (as measured by urine reagent strips) as a surrogate marker for Schistosoma haematobium infection is not established in patients with urogenital symptoms presenting to clinical settings, although previous studies have demonstrated its utility in screening asymptomatic individuals in large community or school-based settings. In this cross-sectional study of 201 patients, multivariate analysis demonstrated microhaematuria as an independent predictor of S. haematobium infection (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.6–11.9) in individuals presenting with urogenital symptoms to an outpatient medical department (OPD) at a rural Ghanaian medical center. Microhaematuria is predictive of S. haematobium infections in clinical settings in endemic regions.

Source: UCC
Microorganisms associated with rot of minisetts of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

Two cultivars of white yam (Pona and Dente) minisetts were used in a study to identibr microorganisms causing rot in white yam. Laboratory analysis showed presence of Aspergillusflavus, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Aspergillus sp., A. tamari, C/adosporium sp. Corynebacterium sp. Fusarium sp. Penicillium sp. Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma sp. Pona minisetts were more heavily infected and so suffered more severe rot than Dente minisetts. Among the pathogenic isolates, Sclerotium. rolfsii caused the most severe rot in both Pona and Dente, followed by A. niger and Fusarium sp. while the least were R. stolontfer, Trichoderma sp. and Corynebacterium sp. Use of disinfectants were suggested as pre-planting treatment to control the pathogens

Source: UCC