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Abstract Background and objectives: A Nosocomial infection is one of the Leading problems causing high mortality among hospitalized patients. This study aimed at confirming the concurrence of Nosocomial infections with microorganisms spreading in the air of hospital wards. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in 2009 at ValieAsr Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The Samples were taken from the air of different sections of the hospital both actively (with Quick-Tak, 30) and passively. After that, the samples were investigated for bacerial and fungal contamination and the results were compared with the results of Laboratory Studies of patients in different wards. Results: The Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) ward shows the least fungal and microbial contamination whiles the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the highest. The fungi are essentially Cladosporium and penicillium while the most well-Known organisms are Micrococcus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Stenotrophomonas is seen in both blood and air culture in thorax surgery ward. Also, the concurrence of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the samples of the air and patients is considerable. Conclusion: There isn’t concurrence between the Nosocomial caused organism, apart from Stenotrophomonas and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and microorganisms isolated from patients. Because the bacterial and fungal organisms are in the air of Hospital, it is a necessity to install proper ventilation system. Keywords: Air Bacterial Contamination, Hospital, Nosocomial Infection

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Abstract Background and objectives: Water-born diseases are typically caused by pathogens transmitted by orofecal way. Because it is no practical and no economical and also it is time-consuming to find water-born pathogens in water reservoirs, the laboratory studies are performed on the basis of indicator microorganism. Escherichia coli is considered as the most important indicator bacterium for water monitoring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the three methods of Pour Plate (PP), Most Probable Number (MPN) and Membrane Filter (MF) in isolation of Escherichia coli in well water of Parks. Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty five samples of well water, from five geographical zones of north, south, east, west and center of Tehran, were taken in a sterile condition and sent to microbiology department of health faculty to assess with three methods of PP, MPN and MF. The results were analyzed by chi-square. Results: The results indicate that 90 water samples (54.5%) aren’t health. The samples taken from south of Tehran are most contaminant than other zones. The highest contaminated Samples (54.5%) are related to membrane filtration method in comparison with MPN (34.5%) and PP (27.3%). Conclusion: Since the MF method can recognize the contaminants quickly and effectively, we recommend it more. Based on these results, it is essential to educate children not to drink well water in parks. Keywords: well water contamination, Escherichia coli, Tehran's parks

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Abstract Background and objectives: Pathogens can be transferred via the hands of the personnel not only to themselves but also to their families or to the patient causing infection especially nosocomial infections. Microbial contamination of hand is caused by contact with patients and their environments or usual devices in the workplace. It seems that contamination of computer devices and handsets are more in hospital than official buildings. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the microbial contamination of computer keyboards, mouse and telephone receivers in a hospital department and an official building. Material and Methods: the sterile swab samples obtained from 32 keyboards, 31 computer mouse and 30 telephone receivers in the official building of Mashhad medical university and central laboratory of Imam Reza hospital were cultured on Blood agar and MacConkey agar plates. Results: Out of 64 samples from the official building, we identify 83 microbial germs. The most common ones are gram-positive Bacilli (n =34, 40.95%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n = 32, 32.53%). Of 29 samples of central laboratory, there are 33 microbial germs .The most common of them are grampositive Bacilli (n = 19, 57.57%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (n = 7, 21.21%). Overall, microbial contamination of the computer equipment and handsets is not statistically meaningful (P< 0.05). Some germs like diphtheroid are not existed in laboratory, but two cases of Aspergillus are found. Conclusion: The presence of most of the germs on these devices is due to dusting or normal flora transferred via staffs’ hands. Only two of them, coagulase-positive Staphylococci and Aspergillus, should be considered carefully because they may cause serious infections in staff, their families or patients. Key words: contamination , workers’ desk, microorganism, computer keyboard and mouse

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Abstract Background and Objective: Laboratory personnel have always accidental exposure to clinical samples, which can cause the transmission of infection. This threat can be prevented and controlled by education for the use of safety instruments. The purpose was to determine the frequency of accidental exposure to laboratory samples among Yazd laboratory personnel in 2011. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 of Yazd clinical laboratory personnel. The data was collected, using a valid and reliable questioner, via interview and analyzed by means of SPSS software. Results: Eighty-six percent of the subjects reported an experience of accidental exposure to clinical samples, such as blood, serum and urine. The causes were carelessness (41%) and work overload (29%). Needle- stick was the most prevalent injury (52%) particularly in sampler workers (51%) and in their hands (69%). There wasn’t significant relationship between accidental exposure to laboratory samples and the variables such as private and governmental laboratories (p=0.517), kind of employment (p=0.411), record of services (p=0.439) and academic degree (p=0.454). The subjects aged 20-29 (p=0.034) and worked in sampling unit had the highest accidental exposure. Conclusion: Based on the results, inexperience of the personnel especially in sampling room, overload at work and ignorance of applying safety instruments are known as the most important reasons for accidental exposure to clinical samples. Keywords: Contamination Accidental Exposure Infectious Agents Laboratory Personnel

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Abstract Background and Objective: This study was aimed to determine the extent of bacterial contamination and drug resistance patterns of isolates colonized in colonoscope and endoscope and in relevant personnel. Material and Methods: A total of 107 samples were obtained from staff of endoscopy and colonoscopy units (SEU and SCU) and gastroenterological imaging equipment. For isolation and identification of the bacteria, swab culture method and biochemical identification test were used, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance profiles, multi-drug resistance (MDR) patterns and phenetic relatedness of these isolates were also analyzed according to standard methods. Results: Most frequent pathogenic bacteria among the SEU and gastroenterological imaging related equipments were included S. aureus (20.8 % and 0 %) Enterococcus spp. (0 % and 5.4%) Pseudomonas spp. (0% and 13.5 %), and Clostridium difficile (0% and 12.5%). Analysis of resistance phenotypes showed a high frequency of MDR phenotypes among the SEU (82.1%), and also in endoscopes, colonoscopes, and other equipments (20%, 50% and 100%, respectively). Phylotyping of S. epidermidis isolates showed the role of staff in transmission of resistance strains to medical equipments and also circulation of strains with identical resistance phenotype among the studied samples. Conclusion: High frequency of pathogenic bacteria in colonoscopes, endoscopes and in the staff of endoscopy & colonoscopy units, and also contamination of these instruments with MDR pathogens emphasize the need for proper disinfection of endoscopes and colonoscopes and also instruction of staff in these units. Key words: Bacterial Contamination Endoscope Colonoscope Antimicrobial Resistance Gastrointestinal Disease.

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Abstract Background and Objective: This study was aimed to determine the extent of bacterial contamination and drug resistance patterns of isolates colonized in colonoscope and endoscope and in relevant personnel. Material and Methods: A total of 107 samples were obtained from staff of endoscopy and colonoscopy units (SEU and SCU) and gastroenterological imaging equipment. For isolation and identification of the bacteria, swab culture method and biochemical identification test were used, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance profiles, multi-drug resistance (MDR) patterns and phenetic relatedness of these isolates were also analyzed according to standard methods. Results: Most frequent pathogenic bacteria among the SEU and gastroenterological imaging related equipments were included S. aureus (20.8 % and 0 %) Enterococcus spp. (0 % and 5.4%) Pseudomonas spp. (0% and 13.5 %), and Clostridium difficile (0% and 12.5%). Analysis of resistance phenotypes showed a high frequency of MDR phenotypes among the SEU (82.1%), and also in endoscopes, colonoscopes, and other equipments (20%, 50% and 100%, respectively). Phylotyping of S. epidermidis isolates showed the role of staff in transmission of resistance strains to medical equipments and also circulation of strains with identical resistance phenotype among the studied samples. Conclusion: High frequency of pathogenic bacteria in colonoscopes, endoscopes and in the staff of endoscopy & colonoscopy units, and also contamination of these instruments with MDR pathogens emphasize the need for proper disinfection of endoscopes and colonoscopes and also instruction of staff in these units. Key words: Bacterial Contamination Endoscope Colonoscope Antimicrobial Resistance Gastrointestinal Disease.

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Abstract Background and Objective: Transmission of pathogens by cosmetics is one of the major health complications. Direct contact with contaminated non-standard cosmetics can have irreparable side effects for the consumers. Thus, the evaluation of microbial contamination in cosmetic products is important. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological contamination of one of frequently used cream. Material and Methods: In the present study, 135 samples of a special moisturizing cream were randomly selected from pharmacies in Tehran. The microbial contamination assessment, sampling and culturing method were based on the protocol (No.3978) of Iranian Institute of Standard and Industrial Research. Results: sixty-two (46%) out of 135 samples were contaminated. The highest and lowest contaminations observed were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high contamination rate of cosmetic creams, we recommend extremely monitoring and controlling these products by health centers. Keywords: Cosmetics, Microbial Contamination, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

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Abstract Background and Objective: Ice cream is a suitable environment for microbial growth due to its chemical structure, ingredients, and its increased supply and demand. In the absence of hygienic considerations, it can cause poisoning. This study aimed to determine bacterial contamination in traditional ice cream produced in Arak city in 2011. Material and Methods: The samples (n= 30) were randomly obtained from different parts of Arak in, 2011. The Samples were shipped in cold conditions and total count of microorganisms test was performed according to Iranian national standards. Results: In 16.66%, the microbial contamination was below the limit of microbial load (5×104), and in 83.3% the contamination was more than allowed level. Conclusion: This study highlights the dire situation for bacterial contamination of traditional ice cream in Arak city. Keywords: Arak, Ice Cream, Microbial Contamination

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Abstract Background and Objective: Automated Teller Machine (ATMs) is likely to be contaminated with various microorganisms specially pathogen germs. This may be due to their exposure to dust and their vast dermal contact with multiple users. This study investigated the bacterial contamination on the keyboard of ATMs and drug resistance of the bacteria isolated from them. Material and Methods: the keyboards of 50 ATMs in Shahrekord city, Iran, were examined from October 2012 to February 2013. The sterile swab sticks moistened with Triptose soy broth were used for sampling. The bacteriological tests used were culture, biochemical test and agar disk diffusion method for antibiogram. Results: All the samples were found to be contaminated with Coagulase negative staphylococci (57.54%), Bacillus species (21.92%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.18%) and coliform bacteria (1.36%). The resistance of Staphylococcus aureus was 92.8% to penicillin, 85.7% to amoxicilin، 71.4% to ampicillin, 57.1% to nytrofuran, 50% to tetracycline, 42.8% to erythromycin, 42.8% to gentamycin, 14.2 % to ciprofloxacin, 7.1% to trimethoprim and sulfamtuksazul. All species were susceptible to, ofloxacine, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, tobramycin, vancomycin and cefotaxime. Conclusion: given the presence of pathogens on ATMs and their role in transferring the contamination, we recommend considering personal hygiene and periodically disinfecting the keyboards to reduce contamination. Keywords: ATMs, Bacterial Contamination, Antibiogram

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Background and objectives: Dried Black Curd (DBC), also known as Gharahghorut (Persian), is a dairy product produced from curd of yogurt or doogh. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial contamination of industrially and traditionally produced DBC in Iran.
 
Methods: Four DBC brands holding certification of the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (IMHME) and ISO were purchased from a market in Tehran, Iran. Microbial monitoring for presence of coliform, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, mold and yeast was performed using different basic, enriched, selective and differential media including peptone water agar, MacCankey agar, blood agar and brain heart infusion agar, etc. according to the ISIRI standards (No.13299).
 
Results: None of the tested samples had microbial contamination. However, in one traditional DBC sample, the population of mold and yeast was higher than the acceptable level defined by the ISIRI standard.
 
Conclusion: We found no contamination with coagulase-positive S. aureus, E. coli and coliforms in four brands of traditionally and industrially produced DBC in Iran. This indicates that the hygienic practices designated by the IMHME are well-implemented in the industrial sector. However, the mold and yeast contamination in traditionally produced DBC should be prevented by applying hygienic practices during the process of manufacturing and distribution.