• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2024

Background: Despite the rise in the number of domestic indoor climbing gyms, there is a lack of specific hygiene standards and research on the holds installed in them. Holds can act as vectors for microbial transmission through the hands, posing a risk of infectious diseases, especially with damaged skin. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the contamination level and species of microorganisms on holds according to the management methods practiced in indoor climbing gyms and identify effective strategies for reducing microbial contamination. Methods: We investigated factors that may influence microbial contamination of holds, including hold management methods, user information, and hygiene management at three climbing gyms in Seoul. A total of 72 holds were sampled, 18 for each management method of brushing, high-pressure washing, and ethanol disinfection. Samples were cultured on LB and blood agar at 37℃ for 48 hours to calculate CFUs. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA was carried out to identify microorganisms. Dunn-Bonferroni was employed to see the microbial reduction effect of the management method and the difference in microbial contamination by management method and climbing gym. Results: As a result of microbial identification, microorganisms such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcus, which were derived from various environments such as skin and soil, were discovered on the surface of the climbing hold. Among the discovered microorganisms, some species had potential pathogenic properties that could cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal disease, bacteremia, and sepsis. All hold management methods were effective in reducing microorganisms (p<0.05), with ethanol disinfection being the most effective (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are potential pathogens on holds that demand thorough management for microbial prevention. Proposed methods include regular brushing and ethanol disinfection in addition to high-pressure washing with long cycles, which are the existing forms of hold management. Further studies on shoe management are advised to curb soil-derived microorganisms.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.26-30
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• 1991

Continuous epidural analgesia is widely used in pain management. We investigates the incidence of contamination of epidural catheters used in epidural catheters for pain control. The tips of epidural catheters were examined for bacterial growth after use. In culture from 250 patients undergoing continuous epidural catheterization, 33(13.2%) catheters were found to be contaminated: staphylococcus epidermis 66.9%; staphylococcus aureus 12.1%; alpha streptococcus 12.1%; and others 9.1%. One significant epidural infection occured. One of the most common causes of the epidural infection during long time epidural block is the transmission of the microorganism from the contaminated skin to the epidural space along the epidural catheter. To prevent epidural infection, sterilization of the skin around the epidural catheter is essential.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 1972

Mountain Wells are very important water source for the most of the climbers in Seoul area. But the facilities around the wells are not modernized to prevent from contamination of microorganism and the other pollutants. We focussed our intention on the detection of some harmful chemical ingredients and contaminants. A total of 58 wells were examined according to the Standard Methods(APHA) and the following results were obtained: 1) Among the examined 58 wells, only 10 wells were adequate to the drinking water standard, 2) 7.9mg of liberated $CO_2$ was found in the Tchun-Ho-Dong Mineral Well, 3) Chemically harmful ingredients were not found, 4) The Mountain Wells were contaminated by Coliform groups as many as 18 times than rural wells.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.504-512
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• 2006

In order to estimate microbial contaminant discharge from diffuse sources, rainfall runoff was monitored at forestry, agriculture and urban watersheds. Total coliform and E. coli were monitored at the study watersheds as they are regulated by the environmental laws. Concentration and EMC (Event Mean Concentration) of coliform of rainfall runoff at the urban watershed were the highest followed by those from agricultural and forestry watersheds. By monitoring coliform concentrations of overlying water and sediment at five monitoring points in the downstream of the Geum River, average concentration from spring to summer was higher than those values from fall to spring. Coliform concentrations in the pore water were higher compared to those of overlying water and closely related with flow rate of the river.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.2993-2998
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• 2009

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-on-a-chip (EOC) biosensor combined with cell concentration technology based on immuno-magnetic separation (IMS) was investigated for use as a potential tool for early screening of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in food products. The target analyte is a well-known pathogenic foodborne microorganism and outbreaks of the food poisoning typically occur due to contamination of normal food products. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a rapid and reliable sensor that could be utilized on a daily basis to test food products for the presence of this pathogenic microorganism. The sensor was optimized to provide a high detection capability (e.g., 5.9 ${\times}\;10^3$ cells/mL) and, to eventually minimize cultivation time. The cell density was condensed using IMS prior to analysis. Since the concentration rate of IMS was greater than 100-fold, this combination resulted in a detection limit of 54 cells/mL. The EOC-IMS coupled analytical system was then applied to a real sample test of fish intestines. The system was able to detect L. monocytogenes at a concentration of 2.4 CFU/g after pre-enrichment for 6 h from the onset of cell cultivation. This may allow us to monitor the target analyte at a concentration less than 1 CFU/g within a 9 h-cultivation provided a doubling time of 40 min is typically maintained. Based on this estimation, the EOC-IMS system can screen and detect the presence of this microorganism in food products almost within working hours.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.249-257
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• 2002

Gamma irradiation(1~10 kGy) was applied to chicken for the evaluation of their microbiological safety. In 3kGy-irradiated sample, the initial level of microbial contamination in chicken was 1.8$\times$10$^4$CFU/g (Coliforms), 2.2$\times$10$^3$CFU/g(Salmonella) and 2.7$\times$10$^3$CFU/g(Listeria), All kinds of contaminated microorganism were sterilized by 7kGy-irradiation. Also, irradiation followed by freeze storage at the same time was very effective in inhibiting bacterial growth. The pH was slightly increased during storage period and titratable acidity decreased. However, no significant changes in pH and acidity were observed by gamma irradiation.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2012

A total of 187 samples of leafy vegetables and fruits were acquired at traditional markets and department stores in Seoul, Korea. Samples were tested for microorganism distributions and for the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The aerobic mesophilic counts ranged between 2.5 and 9.4 log CFU/g, with the highest count recorded from the dropwort. Counts of psychrotrophic microorganisms were as high as those of the mesophilic microorganisms. Total coliform populations between 1.0 and 7.8 log CFU/g were found in 90.9% of the samples. Microbiological counts for fruits were very low. $Escherichia$ $coli$ was isolated in 24 (12.8%) samples. $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ and $Clostridium$ $perfringens$ contamination were found in 15 (8.0%) and 20 (10.7%) samples. $Salmonella$ species and $Listeria$ $monocytogenes$ were detected in 2.7 and 0.5% of samples, respectively. Among the total 187 samples, 8 samples were contaminated by more than two pathogens. $E.$ $coli$ O157:H7 was not detected in any of the samples. The microbial contamination levels determined in the present study may be used as the primary data to execute microbial risk assessment of fresh vegetables and fruits.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.376-386
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial hazards posed by food utensils and fixtures in food service operations at selected middle and high schools located in Seoul, Korea. Methods: We collected 200 samples of utensils and fixtures including cups, spoons/chopsticks, food trays and tables from five different schools in Seoul. Target microorganisms of this study were divided into two groups: total bacterial count and total coliform as indicators of microbial contamination and Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus as pathogens of food poisoning. We used selective media to quantify microbial concentration and 16S rRNA PCR assay for qualitative analysis. In addition, intensive interviews with nutritionists were conducted and observations were made to identify factors that may affect microbial contamination. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the microbial concentration and operation characteristics of each operation. Results: The level of microbial concentration in school B and C were significantly lower than in school A, D and E (p<0.05). Some samples from school A, D and E showed over 3.4 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total bacterial count) and 1.0 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ (total coliform), which requires immediate hygienic action. The number of customers per staff member, periodicity of hygiene education for staff and daily operation time of sterilizers were also found to be important factors related with the microbial contamination of food service operations. Conclusions: These results suggested that not only a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) approach, but also efforts to assess internal risk factors within operations be needed to reduce the microbial contamination of food utensils and fixtures. This study is expected to provide preliminary data for assessing microbial hazards in food service operations.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.397-404
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate microbial contamination in the school food service environment for the assessment of microbial food safety. Methods: We collected both swab samples from tables and desks and airborne bacterial samples from an elementary school (School A) and a high school (School B). Heterotrophic plate count, total coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus were measured with selective media to quantify microbial concentration. PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA genes was performed to identify the strains of S. aureus and B. cereus isolated. In addition, we made a food service checklist for the locations to evaluate the food service environment. A Wilcoxon test was employed to examine the differences in microbial concentration between before lunchtime and afterwards. Results: Heterotrophic plate counts showed higher levels after-lunch compared to before-lunch at School B. However, levels of S. aureus were higher in the after-lunch period (p<0.05) in both classrooms and in the cafeteria in School A. B. cereus was only sparsely detected in School B. Several samples from food dining carts were found to be contaminated with bacteria, and facilities associated with food delivery were found to be vulnerable to bacterial contamination. Although microbial concentrations in the air showed little difference between before- and after-lunchtime in the cafeteria in School A, those in classrooms were greater after-lunchtime at both schools. Conclusion: Our results suggested that the microbial safety in schools after lunchtime of concern. Necessary preventive measures such as hygiene education for students and food handlers should be required to minimize microbial contamination during food service processes in schools.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.395-402
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• 2008

Level of microbial contamination was examined in four fish farms of Jeju east coast for sanitary indication of bacterial contamination such as heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and total coliforms. The samples were collected and investigated from June to October in 2007. Bacterial species of S. aureus, B. cereus and Salmonella spp. were frequently detected from the seawater of above fish farms. Salmonella spp., S. aureus, B. cereus were detected in the range of $0{\sim}4.3{\times}l0^3,\;0{\sim}2.7{\times}l0^4,\;0{\sim}7.6{\times}l0^3$ CFU/ml, respectively, from the fish feed used in all four selected farms. Additionally, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, B. cereus were detected in oliver flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) of these farms, however total coliforms and E. coli O157:H7 were not detected during our experimental period. For the production of microbiologically safe and healthy oliver flounder, proper quality control of feed, sanitation programs, and continuous monitoring of microorganism are essential practices, which required to include in the farm management system.