Groundwater springs are an important source of drinking water in Lithuania; however, they are highly sensitive to microbial and chemical contamination. The aim of this study was to assess microbial and chemical contamination in springs from different regions of Lithuania. Five springs were analyzed: Kučgaliai, Smardonė, Salomėja and Žalsvoji (Biržai and Pasvalys districts, Northern Lithuania) and Svilė (Kelmė district, Central Lithuania). Water samples were collected four times a year—during spring, summer, autumn, and winter—and analyzed according to international standards. Chemical parameters included pH, nitrites, nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, and permanganate index, while microbiological analysis targeted Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and coliform bacteria. The results revealed substantial differences between karst and groundwater-fed springs. Karst springs were more vulnerable to fluctuations in contamination, with Smardonė exhibiting extremely high sulfate concentrations and significant microbial loads. In contrast, Kučgaliai, although located in a karst region, was covered and protected, and its water fully complied with hygiene standards. Groundwater-fed springs showed less variability but were still affected by surface sources. The highest microbial contamination was recorded in autumn and winter, coinciding with increased rainfall and reduced dilution capacity.

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis among the members of community X with and without dogs and its association with lifestyle factors. The sample size was 88 individuals: 44 who owned dogs and 44 who did not. The ages of the subjects ranged from 18 to 72 years. The prevalence of toxocariasis in community X was 12.5%, with 11 of the 88 individuals having IgG antibodies against Toxocara canis. Factors such as outdoor and indoor dog ownership were statistically significantly associated with the prevalence of toxocariasis (p < 0.05). The prevalence of toxocariasis was observed in different age groups. The youngest person to have antibodies against toxocariasis was 20 years old, while the oldest was 68 years old. The highest percentage of infected people was observed in the age group of 62–72 years. Tyrimo tikslas – nustatyti toksokarozės paplitimą tarp X bendruomenės narių, laikančių ir nelaikančių šunų bei sąsajas su gyvenimo būdo veiksniais. Imties dydis buvo 88 asmenys: 44 laikantys ir 44 nelaikantys šunų. Tiriamųjų amžius svyravo nuo 18 iki 72 metų. Toksokarozės paplitimas bendruomenėjeX buvo 12,5 %, t. y. 11 iš 88 asmenų turėjo IgG antikūnų prieš Toxocara canis. Tokie veiksniai kaip šunų laikymas lauke ir patalpoje buvo statistiškai reikšmingai susiję su toksokarozės paplitimu (p < 0,05). Toksokarozė buvo nustatyta skirtingose amžiaus grupėse: jauniausias žmogus, turintis antikūnų prieš toksokarozę, buvo 20 metų, o vyriausias – 68 metų. Didžiausias užsikrėtusiųjų procentas buvo 62–72 metų amžiaus grupėje.

Eye cosmetic products are widely used and applied in close proximity to the ocular surface, making their microbiological safety particularly important. The aim of this study was to assess bacterial contamination in used eye cosmetic products, characterize the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria, and perform molecular genotypic analysis. A total of 71 samples, including mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, were analyzed. Microbiological analysis revealed that Bacillus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the predominant microorganisms, while no major pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high susceptibility of isolates to gentamicin, vancomycin, and linezolid, whereas resistance to benzylpenicillin and clindamycin was observed among Staphylococcus spp. Molecular identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus warneri, with sequences showing high similarity to globally distributed strains. Although the detected microorganisms were predominantly opportunistic, their presence in products applied near the eyes suggests a potential risk of microbial transfer to the ocular surface. These findings highlight the importance of proper hygiene practices, regular product replacement, and effective quality control measures to minimize microbial contamination and associated health risks.