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Biofilm-forming methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging pathogen that adversely affects animal and human health. World Health Organization (WHO) has designated MRSA as a high-priority pathogen for research and development. In this study, we have investigated the pathogenic potential of MRSA recovered from mastitic milk of cow. The MRSA was initially characterized for coagulase, haemolytic and DNase activity followed by its biofilm forming ability. Further, an intravenous murine model of MRSA was developed using multiparameter approach comprising of disease activity score, viable bacterial count in blood and tissues; and, detection of biofilm mass in tissue. Infection was successfully established in mice following intravenous inoculation of 3 × 108 colony forming unit (CFU) per mL of MRSA. Fifty percent of MRSA-challenged mice died after infection whereas mice survived exhibited disease activity score >25. Significantly higher MRSA count was recorded in blood, liver and kidney of MRSA-challenged mice as compared to healthy mice (P <0.05). Gram staining revealed the presence of varied size of multiple clusters of Gram-positive biofilm mass in the liver and kidney of MRSA-challenged mice. This study on pathogenesis of MRSA in mice would be useful in not only controlling the MRSA infection, but also in the development of effective therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was envisaged to develop kodo millet incorporated chicken meat nuggets and to explore the effect of kodo millet flour on the shelf life of chicken meat nuggets. The chicken meat nuggets were developed by using kodo millet flour (KMF) at three different levels (T1-6%, T2-8% and T3-10%) by replacing lean meat. Appearance/colour and flavour score, juiciness and overall palatability were found significantly higher (P < 0.05) for T1. On the basis of sensory scores, control and T1 were selected for further comparison and storage studies in refrigerated temperature for 28 days and assessed for microbial analysis at regular interval of 7 days. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and standard plate count (SPC) values increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both variants during storage. These values were found lower in treatment. Results of sensory evaluation studies during storage also revealed decrease in sensory scores in almost all occasions. T1 (treatment containing 6 % KMF) was rated higher for flavour, texture, juiciness and overall palatability throughout the storage period. It was concluded that functional chicken nuggets could be developed by replacing the chicken meat in standardized formulation at the level of 6 % kodo millet flour. The developed product maintains better physiochemical, microbiological and sensory qualities during refrigerated storage and was acceptable up to 14 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk containing Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) poses a serious health risk to consumers. Present study was undertaken to determine levels of AFM1 in 146 milk and value added dairy products sold in retail markets of Chhattisgarh, India using HPLC coupled with fluorescence detector. A total of 52 samples (35.6%) were found to contain AFM1 with overall concentrations ranging from nd − 2.608 µg/L. The contamination levels were higher in non-fermented milk products than fermented milk products samples, although this difference was statistically non-significant (p > 0.05). AFM1 concentrations above maximum permissible limits established by the European Commission were found in 94.2% of positive samples. Health risk assessments ascertained that the estimated daily intakes for AFM1 is higher than the established tolerable daily intakes for both adults and children (Hazard Index > 1), there by implying a potentially high risk to consumer's health. Current investigation provides valuable information regarding contamination of raw as well as value added milk products sold in Indian markets. Therefore, to protect consumer's health and promote dairy trade; there is an urgent need to increase farmer's knowledge on good storage practices of feed and fodder. Further, stringent enforcement of food safety regulations is imperative to safeguard and promote human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]