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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]

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]

The present study describes the prevalence of extended spectrum b-lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli in raw chevon, milk and human samples in different districts of Chhattisgarh state. A total of 330 samples comprising of chevon (n=126), raw milk (n=104), human urine and stool (n=100) were collected from Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur, Rajnandgaon and Dhamtari districts of Chhattisgarh and processed for isolation of E. coli. The biochemically confirmed E. coli isolates were further screened of for the presence of blaTEM gene by PCR amplification. Analysis of samples indicated an overall prevalence of 31.52%. The highest prevalence of E. coli was recorded in fresh chevon samples (38.09%) followed by human urine samples (37.14%), human stool samples (30%) followed by milk samples (20.19%). In -vitro antibiotic sensitivity test of E. coli isolates revealed that all isolates to be highly sensitive towards imipenem, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, amoxyclav, ampicillin, oxytetracyclin. The highest numbers of E. coli isolates were found resistant to erythromycin, cefotaxim, ceftazidime, cephalexin and cifixime. The 49 E. coli isolates were found to have Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index more than 0.2, thus indicating indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. The 44 (42.3%) isolates were identified as presumptive ESBL producers and out of them 39.4% isolates were found to harbour the blaTEM gene on their plasmid DNA indicating the presence of multidrug resistant ESBL producing E. coli in foods of animal origin and human samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights a study which investigated the pattern of dissemination of hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) on the different organs of infected broiler chickens. The HPS virus was detected in several organs including kidney, liver and spleen, 24 hours post-inoculation. The virus persisted up to 120 hours after inoculation.

The article discusses a study on the adaptation of hydropericardium syndrome virus (HPSV) in chicken embryos and Vero cells. The different degrees of stunting and haemorrhage as well as mortality rates observed in embryonated chicken eggs inoculated with HPSV by allantoic cavity, chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM) and yolk sac routes are detailed. The cytopathic effects (CPE) of HPSV were indicated by changes in Vero cells. It is said that the findings can be used as a model for HPSV propagation.

The article discusses a study that examined the nephropathogenic avian infectious bronchitis virus. It details the isolation of nephropathogenic avian IBV in embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) from cases of visceral gout in broiler birds. Haemagglutination (HA) activity was seen in the isolated IBV after treatment with 1.0 percent trypsin. The presence of nephropathogenic avian IBV was confirmed by the changes in ECE and positive findings in the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) tests.

The article discusses a study which assessed the non-specific, humoral and cell mediated immune (CMI) responses in broiler chickens against hydropericardium syndrome virus (HPSV). The Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and the results of the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HPSV-infected chicks are analyzed. The study found that HPSV elicits non-specific, humoral and cellular immune responses which are key to prevent the spread of the virus.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) ( bla TEM , bla SHV , and bla CTX-M ) genes in Escherichia coli isolated from chicken meat, chevon meat, raw milk, and human urine and stool samples collected from tribal districts of Chhattisgarh, viz ., Jagdalpur, Dantewada, Kondagaon, and Kanker., Materials and Methods: A total of 330 samples, comprising 98 chicken meat, 82 chevon meat, 90 raw milk, and 60 human urine and stool samples, were processed for isolation of E. coli . Isolates were confirmed biochemically and further tested against commonly used antibiotics to know their resistant pattern. The resistant isolates were tested for ESBL production by phenotypic method followed by characterization with molecular method using multiplex-polymerase chain reaction technique., Results: Overall 57.87% (191/330) samples were found positive for E. coli , which include 66.32% (65/98) chicken meat, 46.34% (38/82) chevon meat, 81.11% (73/90) raw milk, and 25% (15/60) human urine and stool samples. Isolates showed the highest resistance against cefotaxime (41.36%) followed by oxytetracycline (34.03%), ampicillin (29.31%), cephalexin (24.60%), cefixime (16.75%), and ceftazidime (13.08%). Phenotypic method detected 10.99% (21/191) isolates as presumptive ESBL producers, however, molecular method detected 3.66% (7/191), 2.09% (4/191), and 0.00% (0/191) prevalence of bla TEM , bla CTX-M , and bla SHV , respectively., Conclusion: The present study indicates a high prevalence of E. coli in raw chicken meat, chevon meat, and milk due to poor hygienic practices. The antibiotic susceptibility test detected the presence of the resistance pattern against ESBL in E. coli isolated from raw chicken meat, chevon meat, milk, and also in human clinical samples is of great concern. The appearance of E. coli in the human food chain is alarming and requires adaptation of hygienic practices and stipulate use of antibiotics.