A Comparison of Four Molecular Methods for Detection of Aflatoxin-Producing Aspergillus in Peanut and Dried Shrimp Samples Collected from Local Markets around Pathum Thani Province, Thailand

Microbial Contamination in the Coffee Industry: An Occupational Menace besides a Food Safety Concern?

Respiratory abnormalities among workers at coffee roasting and packaging facilities have already been reported; however, little is known about microbiological contamination inside coffee production facilities. This study intends to assess the microbial contamination (fungi and bacteria) in two coffee industries from Brazil with a multi-approach protocol for sampling and for subsequent analyses using four main sources of samples: filtering respiratory protection devices (FRPD) used by workers, settled dust, electrostatic dust cloths (EDC) and coffee beans. The fungal contamination in the assessed industries was also characterized through the molecular detection of toxigenic species and antifungal resistance. Total bacteria contamination presented the highest values in FRPD collected from both industries (7.45 × 104 CFU·m^-2; 1.09 × 104 CFU·m^-2). Aspergillus genera was widespread in all the environmental samples collected and sections with clinical relevance (Fumigati) and with toxigenic potential (Nigri and Circumdati) were recovered from FRPD. Circumdati section was observed in 4 mg/mL itraconazole. Sections Circumdati (EDC, coffee beans and settled dust) and Nidulantes (EDC, coffee beans and FRPD) were detected by qPCR. Some of the targeted Aspergillus sections that have been identified microscopically were not detected by qPCR and vice-versa. Overall, this study revealed that microbial contamination is a potential occupational risk in the milling stage and should be tackled when assessing exposure and performing risk assessment. In addition, a multi-sampling campaign should be the approach to follow when assessing microbial contamination and FRPD should be included in this campaign. Occupational exposure to mycotoxins should be considered due to high fungal diversity and contamination. A One Health approach should address these issues in order to prevent consumption of coffee crops and beans infected by fungi and, more specifically, to avoid widespread azole resistance.

Comparison of Time Course Detection of Human Male DNA from Blood Stains on Various Objects on Surface in a Natural Environment and in a Laboratory Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)

In forensic study, the biological evidence can easily degrade, especially DNA. Degraded and environmentally challenged samples can produce numerous problems in forensic DNA analysis including loss of band product. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification or LAMP is one of the DNA analysis techniques used in forensic study. This study explores the limitations of the efficiency of the LAMP technique on abandoned DNA. For the DNA template, 8 male and 2 female blood-stained samples were taken from the surfaces, namely, brick, cloth, and tile from inside, and buried outside the laboratory. The LAMP reaction was used to amplify the SRY gene for detecting male DNA. All the blood-stained samples were stored for 1, 7, 15, 30, and 45 day (s). The LAMP product from the blood-stained samples on all the surfaces that were kept in a laboratory was detected using the gel electrophoresis technique from day 1 until day 45. However, the LAMP product on day 30 and 45 was smear and dim. The LAMP product from the blood-stained samples buried outside the laboratory was observed using the gel electrophoresis technique within day 30 (smear and dim). To increase the efficiency of detection, the qLAMP technique detected product on all the male samples from all the surfaces buried outside the laboratory for 45 days. The results indicate that this LAMP condition was possible detecting male DNA and the environmental factors are the main influence on the sensitivity of the LAMP technique. In addition, the qLAMP technique can increase the capacity and sensitivity of the detection.