Process water contains sugars, starch, and other components that support and promote the growth of bacteria and, certain yeasts and moulds.

Interestingly, the non-biological and biological waste present in wastewater from pulp and paper production facilities can be treated using specific bacteria and certain moulds. This process known as biological wastewater treatment works by using specialized microorganisms (bacteria and mould) that naturally use the waste as food sources.

The type of microorganisms chosen for remediation must be carefully selected by examining the toxins present in the wastewater. Examples of bacteria used to treat wastewater include Pseudomonas putida, Citrobacter sp., and Enterobacter sp. Examples of fungi used to treat wastewater include Pencillium sp., Trametes versicolor, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

Before one can understand where airborne bacteria and mould are produced during the process of paper-making, however it is important to understand the process. Figure 1 is an overview of the paper-making process and, Figure 2 expands on the steps of the paper-making machine.

Depending on the type of pulping process used for paper making, certain toxic chemicals are generated. In the early 1900s, sulphite pulping was most dominantly used in Canada until it was replaced by the Kraft process. Unfortunately, the Kraft process is still a main source for toxic pulp mill effluents and is now being challenged by chemithermo-mechanical pulping (CTMP) which usually meets pollution effluent standards.

Biosolids or “sludge” are a major waste product produced in pulp and paper mills. Biosolids provide ideal conditions for the presence and growth of microorganisms, some of which may be pathogenic. Biosolids become airborne through the release of dust and water droplets creating bioaerosols. Bioaerosols are airborne particles that consist of bacteria, viruses and moulds or, metabolites, toxins or fragments from the microorganisms.

Inhalation of airborne bacteria and mould by individuals who suffer from allergies, are immuno-compromised, young children, pregnant women, or the elderly can lead to inflammation, respiratory allergies and sometimes infection. The high speed of the paper making machine (up to 2000 m/min) often creates aerosolization of process water. Debarking drums also splash and aerosolize water.

A type of bacteria often found in pulp and paper biosolids is Klebsiella pneumonia. These bacteria do not typically infect healthy individuals, however those with weakened immune systems as described above can suffer from infection. The most common form of infection caused by Klebsiella is pneumonia however, Klebsiella can also cause urinary tract infection, cholecystitis, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, wound infection, meningitis, bacteremia, to name a few.

Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter sp. and Enterobacter sp., which are examples of Gram-negative bacteria that are often found in debarker water and process water. These Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts are able to thrive in debarkers because of favourable conditions including low temperature, high humidity and lack of biocides. Refer to Figures 1 and 2 for areas within the paper-making process that are common sources of airborne bacteria and mould.

In one study performed by Sillanpa et. al (1985) the nasal cavities of workers in three paper and board mills were examined. The nasal cavities of many workers working with the debarkers were contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae, other coliforms, yeasts or moulds. However, the host defenses of the workers seemed to protect them from illness.

Table 1: Bioaerosol concentrations measured in paper mills

*This table was derived from Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide – Nicole Goyer, Jacques Lavoie, Louis Lazure, and Genevieve Marchand, (2001)

In order to control the growth of microbes in process water, biocides are regularly added. Even so, high numbers of bacteria (10⁶ – 10⁸ growth units/mL) usually occur in various parts of the paper making process such as the head box or coated broke. The head box or flow box is the tank the delivers pulp onto the wire for paper making (refer to Figure 2). The coated broke consists of rejects of quality mixed paper with process water and then reused for paper making.

Table 2: Dominant bioaerosols in paper mills

*This table was derived from Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide – Nicole Goyer, Jacques Lavoie, Louis Lazure, and Genevieve Marchand, (2001)

Sampling to test for airborne bacteria and mould is typically done by an Andersen pump with an impactor using nutrient media specific for total bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, total mold or the mold Aspergillus fumigatus. An example of the recommended sampling flow is 28.3 L/min for 1-5 minutes. (If you are interested in taking samples or renting a pump, you can contact us for help or to provide you with the equipment).

For more information about our mould or bacteria testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories. Please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

References:

Goyer N, Lavoie J. 2001. Identification of sources of chemical and bioaerosols emissions into the work environment during secondary treatment of pulp mill effluents. Tappi Journal. 24(2):2-13.

Goyer N, Lavoie J, Lazure L, Marchand G. (2001). Bioareosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide. Technical Giode T24, Montreal, IRSST, 72 pages. https://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/-irsst-publication-bioaerosols-in-the-workplace-evaluation-control-and-prevention-guide-t-24.html.

Murray, W. April 1992. Pulp and Paper: The Reduction of Toxic Effluents. Library of Parliament Research Branch. Ottawa, Canada: Canada Communication Group. http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/bp292-e.htm. Retrieved 2013-04-03.

Niemelä, SI, Väätänen P, Mentu J, Jokinen A, Jäppinen P, Sillanpää P. (1985). Microbial Incidence in Upper Respiratory Tracts of Workers in the Paper Industry. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 50(1):163-168.

Pokhrel, D, Viraraghavan, T. 2004. Treatment of pulp and paper mill wastewater-a review. Total Science of the Environment. 333:37-58.

Forcier, F. September 2002. Biosolids and Bioaerosols: The Current Situation. Prepared for Quebec Ministry of Environment.

Thompson G, Swain J, Kay M, Froster CF. 2001. The treatment of pulp and paper mill effluent: a review. Bioresour Technol. 77(3):275-286.

Velema, G. 2004. Management and benefits of pulp and paper mill residuals at Domtar Cornwall. Pulp & Paper Canada.105(7):150-156.

Preparing for the holidays can be an exciting time to share with loved ones.

Gathering up old holiday decorations and adding new ones to the collection has been a long standing tradition in many families.

This year however, there are a few precautions we urge people to take when purchasing ornaments and other decorations for mold contamination. The most recent recall of Signature Collection ornaments, picture frames and 43 centimeter red trees were found to contain Aspergillus mold.

Some Aspergillus mold can cause serious disease in humans and animals. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus clavatus are the most common to cause either pathogenic or allergenic reactions or both. Pulmonary aspergillosis can also result with symptoms that can range from fever, cough, chest pain or breathlessness. The most at risk group to contract aspergillosis after exposure to Aspergillus mold are those with weakened immune systems or lung disease.

Consumers have been recommended to immediately stop using these products, enclose them in a plastic bag, and return them to the nearest Papyrus or Carlton Cards store, or Schurman Retail Group’s Tennessee Distribution Center for a refund. Fortunately, at present the Schurman Retain Group, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC) and Health Canada have not received any reports of incidents related to these products.

The recalled products were sold at Papyrus and Carlton stores across Canada and the United States from September 29, 2012 to November 21, 2012; 5,807 items in Canada and 10,450 items in the United States. Manufacturing of the recalled products was done in Pasig City, Philippines by Idianale Inc/Dekokraft. Distribution was through the Schurman Retain Group in Fairfield, California. Quality control during manufacturing, packaging and transportation may need to be assessed to determine where the contamination arose.

For the original article please visit: http://www.thefountainpen.com/s/showstory?id=10364

All laboratory staff at MBL are trained in identifying Aspergillus spp. If you have any concerns that products you have may contain mold, you can send in a sample of it to our lab to gain some peace of mind (either cut a piece of it, take a swab or a tape-lift). We wish you a safe and joyous holiday season. For information about our mold testing or bacteria testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories. Please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

A fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is now being looked at as a potential solution to bed bugs.

Bed bugs have been documented as human pests since the 17th century. Human blood is their preferred food, but they will also feed on rodents, bats, birds and pets, if humans aren’t available.

Bed bugs are small and often go unseen. They are commonly found in large buildings such as apartments, dorms, prisons, hospitals, hotels and private residences.

They are often found near sleeping areas in the seams of mattresses, box springs, cracks and crevices in bed frames, and often spread to gaps behind baseboards, pictures, wallpaper and electrical outlets. Bed bugs find their way into a home on used furniture, clothing or other items brought from infested areas. Bed bugs are erroneously thought to occur only in poor and unsanitary conditions but they can be found even in very clean environments.

Effects of bed bugs on sleep, health and hygiene is obvious to those who have them. Early detection and bed bugs protection is the key to eradicating these pests from your home and life. With the recent resurgence of bed bugs, it is imperative that effective methods of bed bugs control are developed.

Control of bed bugs is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that involves a combination of tactics, such as preventive measures, sanitation, and chemicals applied to targeted sites.

Beauveria bassiana as  a potential solution to bed bugs problem

Recently entomologists at Penn State University published research in the Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, showing that bed bugs can be killed by this fungus which grows naturally in soils and causes disease in various types of insects.

Beauveria bassiana is found throughout the world. It is named after Agostino Bassi, an Italian entomologist, who discovered it in 1835 as the cause of the muscardine disease of silkworms. Since then, Beauveria bassiana has been found to parasitize a very wide range of insect hosts. It rapidly colonizes the host organism, killing it within a matter of days, depending on environmental conditions.

When spores of Beauveria Bassiana come in contact with the skin of susceptible insects, they germinate and grow directly through the skin to the inner body of their host. The fungus then proliferates throughout the insect’s body, producing toxins and draining the insect of nutrients, eventually killing it.

While  Beauveria bassiana  is reported to be non-toxic to humans and other vertebrates,  its potential allergenicity has been demonstrated. Beauveria bassiana  crude extracts were found to contain numerous allergens capable of being recognized by human defense mechanism. The  extracts caused allergenic reactions in several individuals, including some who had occupational exposure to the fungus. This study suggests that while Beauveria bassiana may have the potential to control bed bugs, its use in human dwellings may be limited.

For information about on mold testing or bacteria testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories. Please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

The article was edited and expanded by Dr Jackson Kung’u.

Exserohilum rostratum an emerging causal agent for meningitis, is a common mould that can be found in soil and thrives in warm, humid climates. Although it has been associated with sinusitis and skin infections and, in some cases, it can cause inflammation of the eyes, bones, and heart, it has never before been observed as a cause of meningitis.

Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord is usually caused by bacteria and it is very unusual to see it in patients with normal immune systems. Fungal meningitis caused by Exserohilum rostratum is uncommon. 

The fungus is common in dirt and grasses — people routinely come into contact with it without getting sick — but it has never before been identified as the cause of meningitis. The fungus-related meningitis presents differently than typical disease. Patients with the usual form of meningitis (bacterial or viral) get very ill quickly and usually develop fever, headache, and neck stiffness.

Meningitis caused by Exserohilum rostratum develops slowly, and patients may not develop all the classic signs and symptoms of meningitis. If a patient exposed to the fungus-containing steroids develops a headache, fever, or stiff neck, then a lumbar puncture (taking some fluid out of the spinal canal) should be performed to establish the diagnosis of fungal meningitis.

Unlike bacterial or viral meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious, which means it is not transmitted from person to person. Fungal meningitis can develop after a fungus spreads through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body, as a result of the fungus being introduced directly into the central nervous system, or from an infected body site infection next to the central nervous system.

Fungal meningitis is treated with long courses of high dose antifungal medications, usually given through an IV line in the hospital. The length of treatment depends on the status of the immune system and the type of fungus that caused the infection. For people with immune systems that do not function well because of other conditions, like AIDS, diabetes, or cancer, treatment is often longer.

For more details from CTV News, click here.

For more information about our mold and bacteria services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories, please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

Article expanded and edited by Dr. Jackson Kung’u, PhD.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was discovered in 1882 and was subsequently found to cause a variety of human infections. It is a common bacterium found in a wide range of environments. It infects nematodes, insects, plants, and amoeba in the laboratory. It is also found in water and soil.

In humans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is distinguished as an opportunistic pathogen, causing a wide range of infections, including deadly pneumonia in immuno-compromised individuals such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, burn patients, those on ventilators or with catheters, AIDS patients, and others. It is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs). Individuals in intensive care units can develop ventilator-associated pneumonia and/or sepsis as a result of Pseudomonas aeruginosa  infection.

According to the CDC, the overall incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in US hospitals averages about 0.4 percent or 4 per 1000 discharges. It is the fourth most commonly isolated nosocomial pathogen accounting for 10.1 percent of all hospital acquired infections.

Within the hospital, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has numerous reservoirs such disinfectants, respiratory equipment, food, sinks, taps, and mops. This organism is often reintroduced into the hospital environment on fruits, plants, vegetables, as well by visitors and patients transferred from other facilities.

Spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurs from patient to patient on the hands of hospital personnel, by direct patient contact with contaminated reservoirs, and by the ingestion of contaminated foods and water.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has shown resistance to multiple antibiotics and consequently has joined the ranks of ‘super bugs’. It shows decreased susceptibility to most antibiotics due to low outer membrane permeability coupled to adaptive mechanisms.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as cause of eye infection

Contact lenses, particularly the extended wear variety, render wearers vulnerable to eye infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa . These infections can cause severe damage, including blindness.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa as cause of respiratory infection

An outbreak of seven cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory tract infection and nine instances of respiratory tract colonization has been reported. This infection was inked to contaminated ultrasound gel.

Lower respiratory tract infection with  Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurs in most people with cystic fibrosis. Once chronic infection is established,  Pseudomonas aeruginosa  is virtually impossible to eradicate and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Early infection may be easier to eradicate.

If you are concerned about Pseudomonas, We can help!  We can perform a presence/absence test to detect the bacteria. For more information about our Pseudomonas, other bacteria or mold testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories, please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

For more information on the recalled products, click on the links below.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/recall-expanded-for-foaming-hand-soap-due-to-bacterial-contamination–174828881.html
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_156-eng.php

Article edited and expanded by Dr Jackson Kung’u

It is a deadly form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling airborne water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease, also called  Legionellosis, can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia and so it can be hard to diagnose at first.

Symptoms of the disease may include include high fever, chills, and coughing. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires’ disease usually develops two to 14 days after exposure to  Legionella bacteria.

Legionella can proliferate in warm water, plumbing systems, cooling towers and many types of equipment, including respiratory care devices, whirlpool spas and baths, and humidifiers. It lives naturally in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Legionella family includes 48 species and 70 serogroups.

Legionnaire’s disease is most commonly linked to exposure to Legionella pneumophila, however, other species (i.e.,  L. micdadei, L. anisa) can cause the disease as well. L. pneumophila  has many sub-groups called serotypes.  L. pneumophila serotype 1 and 6 are commonly associated with Legionnaires’ Disease.

Legionnaires’ disease cases that occur in conjunction with an outbreak, or epidemic, are easier to diagnose. Early diagnosis aids effective and successful treatment. During an outbreak, fatalities may range from 5% for previously healthy individuals to 24% for individuals with underlying illnesses. Isolated cases of Legionnaires’ Disease are harder to detect and treatment may be delayed pending an accurate diagnosis. The overall fatality rate for isolated cases ranges from 10-19%.

We can help! For more information about our Legionella or bacteria testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories, please call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.

Bifidobacteria are Gram negative (i.e., they stain pink instead of purple), non-motile organisms that are considered probiotics that you can find in yogurt. Bifidobacteria help break down foods, help the body take in nutrients, and prevent the take-over of harmful bacteria.

Unfortunately, treatment with antibiotics not only kills off harmful bacteria in the GI tract and urinary tract, but it also kills off the good ones like Bifidobacteria. Thus it is important when taking antibiotics to take probiotics that contain good bacteria that can replace all the killed off bacteria.

When Bifidobacteria is taken with other good ones such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, or Streptococcus thermophiles, it can prevent traveler’s diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, reduce side effects of treatment for ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori, prevent yeast infections, lactose intolerance, Lyme disease, and cancer, to name a few.

Another group, the Rhizobia is very useful in agriculture. Rhizobia are Gram-negative, motile, non-sporulating, soil bacteria capable of fixing nitrogen inside root nodules of legumes. Rhizobia require a plant host; they cannot independently fix nitrogen. They are used as biofertilizers for leguminous cropssuch as clover, alfalfa, beans, and soy.

The first species of rhizobia, Rhizobium leguminosarum, was identified in 1889. Other species capable of fixing nitrogen were all initially placed in the genus Rhizobium but were later reclassiffied as more information about them became available.

So next time you think of bacteria, remember there are some of them out there that are here to help.

For information about our laboratory testing services, please contact Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories. Call our Ontario, Mississauga Office at 905-290-9101.