Mohammad Mehdi Soltan Dallal , Fatemeh Hedayati Rad , Abbas Rahimi Forushani , Hamid Emadi Koochak , Shabnam Haghighat Khajavi , Ali Taheri Mirghaed , Hamid Choobineh, Mohammad Kazem Sharifi Yazdi ,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Background and Aim: Along with the constant increase in world population
and consequently, the growing need to provide cellulose, as the most abundant
organic substance in nature to produce cellulose products, concerns regarding
the possible contamination of these products might cause skin, and genital and
urinary infections. The aim of this study is to determine the possible
microbial contamination of these products supplied in the city of Tehran.
Materials and
Methods: This is a descriptive study
on 200 samples of unexpired cellulose products including napkins, nappies,
sanitary napkin, and cardboard boxes to carry sweets. Fifty samples were obtained
in the city of Tehran during six months from September 2011 to February 2012.
Microbial contamination was investigated according to the procedure proposed by
the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran.
Results: The results obtained indicate that 18 samples (9%)
exceeded the level allowed for aerobic bacteria and molds in one gram of
specimens. Besides, 16 samples (8%) were contaminated with at least one of the
following bacteria: Streptococcus Group D, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A total of 34 samples (17%) could not be
consumed. The least and the most contaminated products were sanitary napkins
(0.5%) and cardboard boxes to carry sweets (5%), respectively.
Conclusion: The presence of pathogenic bacteria in cellulose
products that could cause skin, and genital and urinary tract infections asks
for more control over such sanitary products.
