Search

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge affecting food safety and development. Residues of antibiotics in food from animal sources, particularly milk, contribute to the development and spread of AMR, alter intestinal microbiota, and potentially lead to allergies, serious health conditions, and environmental and technological problems within the dairy industry. Therefore, this study investigated the residue levels of veterinary drugs from β-lactam antibiotics and tetracyclines in milk and milk products and assessed human health risks. Two hundred milk and milk product samples (pasteurized milk, sterile milk, soft white cheese, and processed cheese, 50 each) were collected from different hospitals in the State of Kuwait and screened for antibiotic residues using a microbial inhibition assay (Delvotest SP-NT) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Delvotest SP-NT and HPLC analyses showed that 30, 28, 26, and 24% of the pasteurized milk, sterilized milk, white soft cheese, and processed cheese samples tested positive for antibiotic residues. Forty-eight milk and cheese samples were confirmed as positive by both methods, and six samples initially found to be negative by Delvotest SP-NT were confirmed as positive by HPLC. Multi-antibiotic residues were detected in five samples by using HPLC. The kappa coefficient (0.921; p < 0.0001) revealed complete concordance between the HPLC and Delvotest SP-NT results. Ampicillin was the most abundant residue in the positive samples (31.48%), ranging from 2.44 to 3.89 μg/L, with an overall mean concentration of 3.492 ± 0.094 μg/L, followed by tetracycline and oxytetracycline (27.78% each), ranging from 54.13 to 220.3 μg/L and from 41.55 to 160.7 μg/L, with mean concentrations of 129.477 ± 14.22 and 91.86 ± 9.92 μg/L, respectively. The amoxicillin levels in the samples (12/54; 22.22%) ranged from 3.11 to 5.5 μg/L, with an overall mean concentration of 3.685 ± 0.186 μg/L. The maximum concentrations of ampicillin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline were detected in processed cheese with mean concentrations of 3.89 ± 0.28 µg/L, 3.95 ± 0.15 µg/L, and 170.3 ± 0.27 µg/L, respectively. Pasteurized milk contained the maximum concentrations of oxytetracycline, with a mean concentration of 120.45 ± 0.25 µg/L. The tetracycline residues exceeded the standard maximum residue limits (MRLs; 100 µg/L) in 6% of both pasteurized and sterilized milk samples, and in 4% of processed cheese. Additionally, the oxytetracycline levels in pasteurized milk (6%) and amoxicillin levels in processed cheese (2%) were higher than the permitted MRLs (100 µg/L and 4 µg/L, respectively). Furthermore, the antibiotic residues detected in 12.5% (25/200) of the samples were close to standard permissible MRL limits for ampicillin (5%), amoxicillin and oxytetracycline (3% each), and tetracycline (1.5%). Hazard quotients, which compare the standard acceptable daily intake (ADI) to the estimated daily exposure (EDI), indicated that the overall risk associated with antibiotic residues in these dairy products is low. The EDI was lower than the ADI for the tested antibiotics, indicating an elevated safety margin. While the overall hazard quotients are low, the potential for the development of antibiotic resistance due to long-term exposure to low levels of antibiotics should be considered. Hence, strict regulations and enforcement are necessary to prevent excessive residue levels and to promote responsible antibiotic use in dairy production. Regular monitoring of antibiotic residues in dairy products is essential for ensuring consumer safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) has gained pronounced attention among Enterobacterales. The transfer of multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, frequently carried on conjugative incompatibility F (IncF) plasmids and facilitating interspecies resistance transmission, has been linked to Salmonella spp. and E. coli in broilers. In Egypt, the growing resistance is exacerbated by the limited clinical efficacy of many antimicrobials. In this study, IncF groups were screened and characterized in drug-resistant Salmonella spp. and E. coli isolated from broilers. The antimicrobial resistance profile, PCR-based replicon typing of bacterial isolates pre- and post-plasmid curing, and IncF replicon allele sequence typing were investigated. Five isolates of E. coli (5/31; 16.13%) and Salmonella spp. (5/36; 13.89%) were pan-susceptible to the examined antimicrobial agents, and 85.07% of tested isolates were MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Twelve MDR and XDR E. coli and Salmonella spp. isolates were examined for the existence of IncF replicons (FII, FIA, and FIB). They shared resistance to ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, amoxicillin/clavulanate, doxycycline, cefotaxime, and colistin. All isolates carried from one to two IncF replicons. The FII-FIA-FIB+ and FII-FIA+FIB- were the predominant replicon patterns. FIB was the most frequently detected replicon after plasmid curing. Three XDR E. coli isolates that were resistant to 12–14 antimicrobials carried a newly FIB replicon allele with four nucleotide substitutions: C99→A, G112→T, C113→T, and G114→A. These findings suggest that broilers are a significant reservoir of IncF replicons with highly divergent IncF-FIB plasmid incompatibility groups circulating among XDR Enterobacterales. Supporting these data with additional comprehensive epidemiological studies involving replicons other than the IncF can provide insights for implementing efficient policies to prevent the spreading of new replicons to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin nanoparticles emerged as a promising alternative for drug delivery systems owing to their biodegradability and bioactive properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum-loaded lignin nanoparticles (OB-LNPs) and Lagenaria siceraria seed oil-loaded lignin nanoparticles (LS-LNPs) to find a solution for antimicrobial resistance. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs were tested for their antimicrobial potential against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Microsporum canis. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs were further tested for their anti-efflux activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella enterica strains and for treating Salmonella infection in a rat model. We also investigated the antifungal efficacy of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs for treating T. rubrum infection in a guinea pig model. Both OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs showed strong antimicrobial potential against S. Typhimurium and T. rubrum infections. LS-LNPs showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica species with a MIC range of 0.5–4 µg/mL and antifungal activity against T. rubrum with a MIC range of 0.125–1 µg/mL. OB-LNPs showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica species with a MIC range of 0.5–2 µg/mL and antifungal activity against T. rubrum with a MIC range of 0.25–2 µg/mL. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs downregulated the expression of ramA and acrB efflux pump genes (fold change values ranged from 0.2989 to 0.5434; 0.4601 to 0.4730 for ramA and 0.3842–0.6199; 0.5035–0.8351 for acrB). Oral administration of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs in combination with ciprofloxacin had a significant effect on all blood parameters, as well as on liver and kidney function parameters. Oxidative stress mediators, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde were abolished by oral administration of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs (0.5 mL/rat once daily for 5 days). Interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α were also reduced in comparison with the positive control group and the ciprofloxacin-treated group. Histopathological examination of the liver and intestine of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs-treated rats revealed an elevation in Salmonella clearance. Treatment of T. rubrum-infected guinea pigs with OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs topically in combination with itraconazole resulted in a reduction in lesion scores, microscopy, and culture results. In conclusion, OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant potential and can be used as naturally derived nanoparticles for drug delivery and treatment of Salmonellosis and dermatophytosis infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive candidiasis poses a worldwide threat because of the rising prevalence of antifungal resistance, resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, Candida species, which are opportunistic infections, have significant medical and economic consequences for immunocompromised individuals. This study explores the antifungal potential of chitosan to mitigate caspofungin resistance in caspofungin-resistant Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis isolates originating from human and animal sources using agar well diffusion, broth microdilution tests, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of treated Candida cells. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to assess the expression of SAGA complex genes (GCN5 and ADA2) and the caspofungin resistance gene (FKS) in Candida species isolates after chitosan treatment. The highest resistance rate was observed to ketoconazole (80%) followed by clotrimazole (62.7%), fluconazole (60%), terbinafine (58%), itraconazole (57%), miconazole (54.2%), amphotericin B (51.4%), voriconazole (34.28%), and caspofungin (25.7%). Nine unique FKS mutations were detected, including S645P (n = 3 isolates), S645F, L644F, S645Y, L688M, E663G, and F641S (one isolate in each). The caspofungin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values before chitosan treatment ranged from 2 to 8 µg/mL and 4 to 16 µg/mL, respectively. However, the MIC and MFC values were decreased after chitosan treatment (0.0625–1 µg/mL) and (0.125–2 µg/mL), respectively. Caspofungin MIC was significantly decreased (p = 0.0007) threefold following chitosan treatment compared with the MIC values before treatment. TEM analysis revealed that 0.5% chitosan disrupted the integrity of the cell surface, causing irregular morphologies and obvious aberrant changes in cell wall thickness in caspofungin-resistant and sensitive Candida isolates. The cell wall thickness of untreated isolates was 0.145 μm in caspofungin-resistant isolate and 0.125 μm in sensitive isolate, while it was significantly lower in chitosan-treated isolates, ranging from 0.05 to 0.08 μm when compared with the cell wall thickness of sensitive isolate (0.03 to 0.06 μm). Moreover, RT-qPCR demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the expression levels of histone acetyltransferase genes (GCN5 and ADA2) and FKS gene of caspofungin-resistant Candida species isolates treated with 0.5% chitosan when compared with before treatment (fold change values ranged from 0.001 to 0.0473 for GCN5, 1.028 to 4.856 for ADA2, and 2.713 to 12.38 for FKS gene). A comparison of the expression levels of cell wall-related genes (ADA2 and GCN5) between caspofungin-resistant and -sensitive isolates demonstrated a significant decrease following chitosan treatment (p < 0.001). The antifungal potential of chitosan enhances the efficacy of caspofungin against various caspofungin-resistant Candida species isolates and prevents the development of further antifungal resistance. The results of this study contribute to the progress in repurposing caspofungin and inform a development strategy to enhance its efficacy, appropriate antifungal activity against Candida species, and mitigate resistance. Consequently, chitosan could be used in combination with caspofungin for the treatment of candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a chronic kidney disease, is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising option to mitigate several diabetic complications. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of bone marrowderived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in a rat model of STZ-induced DN. After the confirmation of diabetes, rats were treated with BM-MSCs and sacrificed at week 12 after treatment. Results: Our results showed that STZ-induced DN rats had extensive histopathological changes, significant upregulation in mRNA expression of renal apoptotic markers, ER stress markers, inflammatory markers, fibronectin, and intermediate filament proteins, and reduction of positive immunostaining of PCNA and elevated P53 in kidney tissue compared to the control group. BM-MSC therapy significantly improved renal histopathological changes, reduced renal apoptosis, ER stress, inflammation, and intermediate filament proteins, as well as increased positive immunostaining of PCNA and reduced P53 in renal tissue compared to the STZ-induced DN group. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicates that BM-MSCs may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of DN and provide important insights into their potential use as a novel therapeutic approach for DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was planned to qualitatively assess AFM1 residues in milk as well as milk product samples. Cow's raw milk, Aged Roomy cheese, Domiati and Kariesh cheese (50 of each type) were collected from various supermarkets in Mansoura governorate in Egypt during 2020-2022. Samples were tested using the TLC method, positive samples from TLC method were exposed to the HPLC method for detection of their levels and their concentrations were compared with the permissible limits. The obtained results showed high incidence in raw cow milk (36%) followed by fresh Kariesh cheese (28%), then aged roomy cheese (24%), and then Damietta cheese (12%) collected from the local markets in Mansoura by TLC. The obtained concentrations in analyzed dairy samples were compared with the Permissible Limits (PL) set by the concerning agents [US, EU] by quantitative detection using HPLC. The detectable concentration of AFM1 in raw milk and cheese by HPLC showed high concentration of aflatoxin M1 in aged roomy cheese (121.08) followed by raw cow milk (80.83), followed by fresh Kariesh cheese (50.14), and then Damietta cheese (35.33) collected from the local markets in in Dakahlia governorate. The current study's findings showed that raw milk and cheese sold in Mansoura city are occasionally contaminated with AFM1. As a result, it is strongly advised to effectively heat treat raw milk and give animals nutrition free of aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1) is released by intestinal cells to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreas. GLP-1 has been linked to ameliorating obesity and/or diabetic complications as well as controlling reproductive function. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) with 97% homology with GLP-1. The main objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative role of liraglutide in diabetic-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats. Methods: Rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups; a control group, a diabetic group, and a liraglutide-treated diabetic group. Results: In the diabetic group, a significant increase in BMI, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, TC, TAG, LDL, IL6, TNFα, and MDA, as well as decreased serum insulin, HDL, GSH, total testosterone, LH, and FSH, were shown compared to the control group. Furthermore, A significant downregulation in relative hypothalamic gene expression of GLP-1R, PPAR-α, PGC-1α, kiss, kiss1R, leptin, leptin R, GnRH GLP-1R, testicular PGC-1α, PPARα, kiss1, kiss1R, STAR, CYP17A1, HSD17B3, CYP19A, CYP11A1, and Smad7, as well as upregulation in hypothalamic GnIH and testicular TGF- β and Smad2 expression, were noticed compared to the control group. Liraglutide treatment significantly improved such functional and structural reproductive disturbance in diabetic rats. Conclusion: GLP-1RAs ameliorated the deleterious effects of diabetes on reproductive function by targeting GLP-1/leptin/kiss1/GnRH, steroidogenesis, and TGF-ß/Smad pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. Despite advances in medical science, the treatment of colon cancer still poses a significant challenge. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Adiantum pedatum (AP) extract and/or piceatannol on colon cancer induced via phenylhydrazine (PHZ) in terms of the antioxidant and apoptotic pathways and histopathologic changes in the colons of male albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control, AP extract, piceatannol (P), PHZ, PHZ and AP treatments, PHZ and P treatments, PHZ and both AP and P, and PHZ and prophylaxis with both AP and P. The results demonstrated that PHZ induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and histopathological changes compared to the control group. However, the administration of AP or P or AP + P as therapy or prophylaxis significantly ameliorated these changes and upregulated the colonic mir-145 and mRNA expression of P53 and PDCD-4 while downregulating the colonic mRNA expression of PI3K, AKT, c-Myc, CK-20, SOX-2, OCT-4, and NanoG compared to the PHZ group. These findings suggest that the candidate drugs may exert their anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant and apoptotic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclinical mastitis is a major problem threating the cows' industry in Egypt. This study aimed to investigate the impact of SCC on the milk composition and evaluate the effect of spirulina supplementation on SCC and milk quality. Total of 270 milk samples were examined using CMT, BacSomatic and MilkoscanTMFT1 system. For evaluation of spirulina effect, ten cows were supplemented with spirulina powder (20 g per head for one month). The prevalence of SCM according to CMT and SCC was 32.2% and 54.4%, respectively. SCC negatively correlated with Fat, protein, lactose, and casein% which had Means of 2.94±0.75, 3.48±0.37, 4.82±0.23, and 2.58±0.39, respectively at SCC (<200x103cell/ml) while, at SCC above 400x103cell/ml were 2.43±0.95, 3.24±0.33, 4.61±0.22, and 2.4±0.38, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the average of SCC from 6638.9±4675.9x103 to 361.1±321.4x103cell/ml after 3 weeks of spirulina supplementation. The Mean of Fat, protein, lactose, and casein% were increased from 2.84±0.29, 3.02±0.4, 4.49±0.4 and 2.34±0.28, respectively to reach 3.62±0.16, 3.65±0.43, 4.86±0.41 and 2.59±0.3, respectively and Milk yield increased from average of 21.7±3.23 kg/day to 24.2±2.39kg after 21 days of spirulina treatment. Therefore, milk quality and quantity can be improved by using Spirulina supplementation which reduces SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a series of metabolic conditions which threaten public health, caused by a defect in insulin secretion by the pancreatic β-cells or insulin-sensitive tissues that fail to respond to insulin leads to hyperglycemia, which causes a series of metabolic signaling pathways leading to inflammation, cytokine production, cell death, and diabetic complications. Recent research has pointed to Histidine-containing dipeptides (HDPs) to be one of the routes to enhancing diabetic complications. HDPs are synthesized in muscle and are abundantly found in mammals and other vertebrates. L-carnosine (CAR), Anserine, and homocarnosine are dipeptides produced by vertebrate muscles. Carnosine and anserine have both antiglycation and antioxidant activity that help to enhance metabolic dysregulation caused by diabetes. In addition, homocarnosine has anti-inflammatory activity, as well as the ability to reduce DNA damage and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). This review will focus on the protective effects of HDPs against diabetic complications, especially carnosine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increased consumer knowledge about the relationship between diet and a healthy lifestyle in recent decades, there has been an increase in awareness and demand for efficient protein sources. Rabbit meat is rich in easily digestible protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamins, and minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc), as well as being low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, which makes it of good edible and nutritional value, so it needs to be handled properly. Rabbit meat, on the other hand, has been associated with the spread of microbial contamination (such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Salmonella species) that may originate from the animal itself, equipment, workers, or the surrounding environment. Each effort must be made to keep rabbit meat free of contaminants that could be harmful to humans. Few studies had been conducted, either internationally or in Egypt, to examine the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of rabbit meat. We shall compile existing data on the quality of rabbit meat in this review. Furthermore, the potential hazards that influence the physicochemical and microbiological qualities and shelf life, as well as the proposals for decontamination trials to enhance the sensory attributes and shelf life of rabbit meat, will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, assessing the microbial quality and safety of the market raw milk and pasteurized milk is the basal objective of this study. One hundred and twenty (120) milk samples (60 of each) were collected randomly from different supermarkets and retailer shops in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Samples were analyzed for Total bacterial count (TBC), total coliforms (TCC), Total Staphylococcus count (TSC), and Total yeast and mould count. All market milk samples, and pasteurized milk were found to be contaminated and judged poor. Listeria spp. were isolated on Oxford agar and then subjected to biochemical and molecular identification. The overall isolation rate of Listeria spp. from the market raw milk was 28.33%. The prevalence rates of Listeria monocytogenes were 13.33% in raw market milk. The prevalence of Listeria innocula and other Listeria species were 3.33% and 11.67%, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the virulence genes (16SrRNA, hylA, and prfA) of 8 biochemically identified L. monocytogenes strains recovered from raw market milk using specific primers. 16SrRNA, hylA, and prfA genes are considered the best indicator for virulence determination of L. monocytogenes isolated from market raw milk. A high microbial load of market milk and pasteurized milk may present a public health hazard to the consumers and emphasizes the need for improved hygienic standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial contamination of fermented dairy products has serious implications for both safeties of the final products, and the transmission of foodborne pathogens to the consumers. In this regard, 175 samples of fermented dairy products including 50 each of plain yoghurt, fruit yoghurt, laban rayeb, and 25 from mish cheese were randomly collected from different supermarkets and retail shops in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. Samples were examined bacteriologically for the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), particularly, E. coli O157. The recovered isolates were examined for the detection of toxin, and virulence-associated genes using PCR. The obtained results showed that the average counts (CFU/g) of total bacterial, psychrotrophic, coliform, and S. aureus were 1.72x105, 9.9 x103, 5.08x102, and 3.07 x102 for the plain yoghurt, 7.1 x 104, 2.3 x 103, 9.5 x10, and 3.3 x10 for fruit yoghurt, 6.07x104, 6.1 x 103, 9.8 x10, and 1.35x102 for laban rayeb, and 1.2 x 106, 2.5 x104, 8.3 x10, and 7.2 x103 for Mish cheese, respectively. E. coli and E. coli O157 were detected in 13 out of 175 (7.43%) and 4 out of 175 (2.3%) samples, respectively. Using PCR for 9 selected E. coli isolates showed that 7 out of 9 E. coli isolates were positive for the stx1 gene, 5 out of 9 were positive for stx2, and 3 out of 9 were positive for eaeA, and 4 out of 9 were positive for hylA. S. aureus showed that 55.6% of the recovered isolates were coagulase positive. Ten randomly selected S. aureus isolates tested positive for nuc (thermonuclease genes), while mecA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus "MRSA") gene was detected in 20% of the examined isolates. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted during all steps of the manufacture of such dairy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas species is one of the psychotropic bacteria that can survive in low-tempered milk and dairy products besides producing heat-resistant spoilage enzymes. In this study, one hundred and fifty samples of milk and some dairy products were analyzed. The overall prevalence of Pseudomonas spp. was 44.66% (0% pasteurized milk, 16% butter, 20% pasteurized cream, 48.5% Talaga cheese, 50% bulk milk tank, 66.6% raw market milk, and 70% in raw cream). From 67 positive samples, eighty-three isolates were confirmed biochemically as Pseudomonas spp. The most prominent species were P. aeruginosa, then P. fluorescence, P. Fragi, P. psychrophile, P. proteolytica, P. alcaligens, P. lundensis, and P. brenneri by a percent of 38.5%, 37.5%, 10.8%, 6%, 2.4%, 2.4%, 1.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. Fourteen antibiotic discs were selected to measure the antimicrobial susceptibility of 59 isolates of Pseudomonas spp. The higher antimicrobial resistance was against Ampicillin (100%) followed by Colistin (98%), while the antibiotic sensitivity was higher against Imipenem (96.6%) then Meropenem (91.5%). The average MAR index of isolated Pseudomonas spp. was 0.462. Ten isolates of antimicrobial resistance serotypes of P. aeruginosa were O11: E, O8: C, O5: B, O4: F, and O2: B. Molecular identification of P. aeruginosa, P. fluorescence, and P. Fragi was carried out using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine their virulence genes (LasB, ExoS, pilB for P. aeruginosa, aprX for P. fluorescence and carA gene for P. Fragi). High levels of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Pseudomonas spp. threaten public health and cause global concern. The economic and public health impacts were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the effect of management practices based on the principles of hazard analysis critical control points system application in dairy farms on bulk milk tank quality and the subclinical mastitis prevalence. The study was conducted on two dairy farms located in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt using observation and questionnaire. Furthermore, cow hygiene scoring, subclinical mastitis prevalence using California Mastitis Testing, and electrical conductivity were evaluated. In addition, the organoleptic, chemical, and microbiological quality of bulk milk tanks were assessed. The results showed that farm I had better adoption of farm management practices (66.20%) than farm II (33.80%). The mean of udder and leg hygiene scores for cows showed no significant variation between both farms. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in farm I was 0% (0/108), while it reached 6.25% (6/96) in farm II. No evidence of any abnormality during organoleptic examination on both farms. Referring to the chemical analyses, there was a higher significant difference between protein and SNF (p<0.05) in farm I than in farm II. However, this was not the case for fat, in which farm II showed a higher significance (p<0.05). Furthermore, farm I showed a significantly lower (p<0.05) somatic cell count. On the other hand, the total bacterial count (TBC), titratable acidity, and pH had no significant difference in both farms. Finally, these ensure the importance of hygiene management practices for udder health and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to detect the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Escherichia coli in raw milk and some dairy products (white soft cheese, yoghurt, and Laban rayeb) in Mansoura city, Egypt. A total of 200 samples, obtained equally from raw milk (farm and market milk), white soft cheese (Kareish and Domiati), yoghurt (small scale and large scale), and Laban rayeb (small scale and large scale) were examined for the presence of E. coli by using eosin methylene blue agar (EMB). Suspected E. coli isolates were confirmed by biochemical tests and then selected numbers of E. coli strains were identified serologically. Furthermore, serologically identified strains were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing. In total, the prevalence of E. coli recovered from the examined raw milk and dairy products samples was 28% (56/200). The highest prevalence was detected in raw market milk (52%), followed by Kareish cheese (48%) while, the lowest prevalence was obtained in large-scale yoghurt and large-scale Laban rayeb samples (8%). The selected numbers of E. coli strains subjected to serologic examination showed variable somatic and H antigens. About 58.8% of E. coli strains showed multi-antibiotic resistance (MAR) criteria at least to one antimicrobial in three different classes of antibiotics. The highest resistance was obtained from erythromycin (100%) then oxacillin (94%), cefepime (82%), penicillin G (76.5%), and ampicillin (58.5%), nalidixic acid (52.9%) and cefazolin (47.1%). the obtained results show the great hazard proposed to public health, therefore, the application of hygienic measures in all practices concerning dairy industry from farm to fork is not just advice but a necessity to maintain human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to estimate trichloromethane (TCM), iodine levels in milk and some dairy products. A total of 200 samples, including 100 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 25 dairy farms at different Egyptian regions and 100 samples of full fat pasteurized milk and butter (50 pack samples each) from Egyptian supermarkets and grocery stores were collected in the period between 2019 and 2020. All samples were chilled and kept at -18°C till analysis. Results showed TCM and iodine were detected in 24 BTM samples, 24 butter samples and 16 pasteurized samples with mean values of 0.000655, 0.000652 and 0.01464 in BTM, pasteurized milk and butter, respectively. Compared to European Union (EU) limits, 13 BTM samples and 12 pasteurized samples exceeded the EU limit (£ 0.002), while 12 butter samples exceeded the EU limit (£ 0.03 mg/kg). On the other hand, the mean iodine level was 186.77 in BTM with 87% of samples were < 250 mg/kg and 13% of samples above 250 mg/kg and thus exceeding the EU limit for iodine. In conclusion, TCM and iodine were frequently reported in milk and its products with levels exceeding the permissible ones. This raises the alarm about their potential harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease of major concern in humans of Kuwait, and B. melitensis causes most human cases. The disease is endemic in small ruminants, cattle, and camels for decades, causing substantial economic losses in livestock production. However, a nationwide large-scale investigation of brucellosis in the small ruminant population has not been done in the past two decades. A serosurvey of sheep brucellosis in the five districts of Kuwait with most animal production farms was done between 2016 and 2019. In total, 67,054 serum samples from 233 sheep herds were collected and tested. Additionally, milk and tissue samples were collected from 46 seropositive cases for bacteriology. Thirty persons from seven seropositive farms were tested by serology. The incidence of seropositive cases was 7% in districts devoid of vaccination, while it was 4.7% in farms with history of vaccination. The serosurvey revealed that 89% of non-vaccinated herds (n = 181) were seropositive by Rose Bengal test (RBT), buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPAT), and complement fixation test (CFT). Prevalence of 100% was reported for non-vaccinated sheep herds from Al-Wafrah and Al-Jahra districts, followed by those from Al-Salmi (88.24%), Al-Abdali (86.7%) and Kabd (75.6%). Implementation of vaccination with B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine and test-and-slaughters in 20 herds reduced the seroprevalence to 33.3% and 25% in herds from Al-Jahra and AL-Wafrah, respectively. B. melitensis was isolated from 20 samples (43.5%). More than half of the examined animal owners (56.6%) tested positive for Brucella using RBT, BAPAT and CFT. The high numbers of infected herds and high prevalence in herdsmen are alarming. Thus, control measures have to be ensured immediately. The epidemiological situation in Kuwait is similar to those of the neighboring countries and the combined action of these states is needed. The understanding of the economic and public health impact of brucellosis in Kuwait needs to grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) represents a hazardous public health problem worldwide. Therefore, the present study was performed to elucidate the virulent and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of STEC isolated from milk and dairy products marketed in Egypt. A total of 125 samples (raw market milk, bulk tank milk, Kareish cheese, white soft cheese, and small scale-produced ice cream, 25 each) were collected for determination the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiling of STEC. Thirty-six STEC isolates were recovered from milk and dairy products. Serological analysis illustrated that three isolates were E. coli O157:H7 and 33 isolates belonged to different serotypes. Molecular examination indicated that all isolates harboured stx1 and/or stx2 genes, 14 isolates expressed eaeA gene and 3 isolates possessed rfbE gene. Antimicrobial resistance profiling of the isolates was both phenotypically and genetically examined. Interestingly, 31 out of 36 (86.11%) isolates were multidrug-resistant and harboured the extended-spectrum β-lactamase encoding genes, namely, blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV-12 and blaCTX-M-14. Moreover, 12 isolates (33.33%) harboured plasmid-mediated quinolone resistant gene, qnrS. The overall conclusion of the current investigation indicated insufficient hygienic measures adopted during milking, handling, and processing leading to development of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant STEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]