تاريخ مجلس الدراسات العليا

2023-06-11

اسم الطالب

حنين اسحق جميل عايش

ملخص الرسالة

Talcum powder is a natural element derived from the earth and is used as a basic component in baby powder, cosmetic powder, medicated and other industrial fields. Contamination may occur during manufacturing or during use if adhering to improper hygienic practices. "Objectives: This study aimed to assess quantitatively and qualitatively bacterial contamination in talcum powder containers after disclosing sealed closures and during use. Methodology: A total of 12 talcum powder containers were purchased from local pharmacies( 6 different brands in duplicates:4 baby powder, 2 cosmetic powder);distributed to 12 female volunteers to apply it in the normal way as they used to record hygienic practices and habits were recorded in the questionnaire sheets prepared in advance. Samples were collected on three time intervals: 1. after disclosing sealed containers, 2. after one week of use and 3. just before disposing the container when emptied. Bacterial contamination of powders was assessed quantitatively and predominant types of recovered bacteria were identified to the species level. Virulence factors of predominant recovered species were determined including: production of degradative enzyme, swarming activity and antibiotic resistance. Results: Nine (75%) out of 12 talcum powder; five baby powders (62.5%) and four cosmetic powder (100%) containers, have exceeded the acceptable limit of bacterial load regulated for non-sterile pharmaceutical products (EP 2010). Gram positive bacteria were the predominant recovered type including: Staphylococcus and spore forming Bacillus. Forty six bacterial species were identified from baby and cosmetic powders at indicated percentage frequencies : ( 48.3% Vs 40% Bacillus cereus), (12.9%VS 13.3% Bacillus subtilis), (6.4%VS6.6%Staphylococcus aureus), (6.4%VS 13.3% Staphylococcus epidermidis), (9.6%VS 6.6% Enterobacter spp) and both species of Serratia were recovered in a similar percentages: S.marcescens and S.rubidaea (3% VS 6.6%) respectively. B.cereus, B.subtilis and S.aureus isolates showed Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR). B.cereus isolates were positive for the following virulence enzymes; Amylase, Gelatinase, Lecithinase (lipase) and Casinase, while B.subtilis were positive for production of Amylase and Gelatinase. Both B.cereus and B.subtilis isolates showed swarming motility phenomenon. Conclusion: It is necessary to increase the awareness when using talcum powder, especially for new born babies (only when it is necessary), as the immune system is unable to resist multiple drug resistance MDR bacteria that may be found in talcum powder. It is important to wash hands and the area intended to apply the powder on it with soap and water, reduce using of moist pads, keep hygienic practices and habits during the use of powder, and use the powders that contain preservatives.