Cattle Milk Research Articles

Relatedness of California Mastitis Test Scores and Bacteriological Plate Counts in the diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis in white Fulani cattle from selected dairy herds

Background Subclinical mastitis remains a major challenge in the dairy industries as it affects nutritional content of milk and milk products, volume of milk production and also leads to economic loss. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and bacteria counts in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. A total of 339 white Fulani cattle milk samples were aseptically collected from six geographical regions of Plateau State and screened for mastitis and bacteriological analysis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) methods respectively. Results The result of the study reveals that 31.0% of the milk samples were positive for mastitis. Based on the CMT scores, 61.9% of the samples were CMT negative, 7.1% were CMT trace while 6.5%, 11.5% and 13.0% were CMT +, CMT ++ and CMT +++ respectively. Most of the CMT negative samples (55.71%) were culture negative while almost all the CMT +++, were positive (90.91%) culture positive. A positive correlation was observed between CMT scores and plate counts (Total Bacteria count and Total Coliform Count). The Total Bacteria count ranged from 5.7x101 – 5.9x106 CFU/mL while the Total Coliform Count ranged from 0.6x101 – 3.0x105.CMT scores correlates well with bacteriological plate count of the mastitis milk samples. Conclusion There is a need for the improvement in quality and safety of dairy product because of public health risk associated with it

Relatedness of California Mastitis Test Scores and Bacteriological Plate Counts in the diagnosis of Subclinical Mastitis in white Fulani cattle from selected dairy herds

Background Subclinical mastitis remains a major challenge in the dairy industries as it affects nutritional content of milk and milk products, volume of milk production and also leads to economic loss. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between California Mastitis Test (CMT) scores and bacteria counts in the diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. A total of 339 white Fulani cattle milk samples were aseptically collected from six geographical regions of Plateau State and screened for mastitis and bacteriological analysis using the California Mastitis Test (CMT), Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and Total Coliform Count (TCC) methods respectively. Results The result of the study reveals that 31.0% of the milk samples were positive for mastitis. Based on the CMT scores, 61.9% of the samples were CMT negative, 7.1% were CMT trace while 6.5%, 11.5% and 13.0% were CMT +, CMT ++ and CMT +++ respectively. Most of the CMT negative samples (55.71%) were culture negative while almost all the CMT +++, were positive (90.91%) culture positive. A positive correlation was observed between CMT scores and plate counts (Total Bacteria count and Total Coliform Count). The Total Bacteria count ranged from 5.7x101 – 5.9x106 CFU/mL while the Total Coliform Count ranged from 0.6x101 – 3.0x105.CMT scores correlates well with bacteriological plate count of the mastitis milk samples. Conclusion There is a need for the improvement in quality and safety of dairy product because of public health risk associated with it.

Molecular investigation of possible relationships concerning bovine leukemia virus and breast cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer has an eminent morbidity and mortality rate, as it is a neoplastic disease among females. The query of the prospective danger of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) to humans is an old but exceedingly topical focus of scientific debate. The objective of the current study was to determine the possible relationship between BLV and breast cancer. A total of 2710 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer samples were selected regardless of the age, ethnicity, or municipality origin of the subjects. The presence of BLV in human breast cancer was determined through nested PCR by amplifying tax and gag genes followed by partial sequencing. Homology was confirmed by using the online BLAST Tool. BLV genes were found to be positive in 26.8% (728/2710) of the samples from breast cancer patients and 10% (10/80) of the samples without cancer (negative control). The results indicated a correlation between the presence of the BLV gene and breast cancer (odds ratio = 0.3889; confidence interval = 1,18; p = 0.0029). The current findings suggest a possible link between BLV and human breast carcinoma. Therefore, screening cattle herds and milk products is suggested to reduce the viral transmission risk to humans.

Genome wide expression analysis of circular RNAs in mammary epithelial cells of cattle revealed difference in milk synthesis.

Milk is an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Therefore, in order to enhance the quality and production of milk in cattle, it is interesting to examine the underlying mechanisms. A number of new investigations and research have found that, circRNA; a specific class of non-coding RNAs, is linked with the development of mammary gland and lactation. In the present study, genome wide identification and expression of the circRNAs in mammary epithelial cells of two distinct cattle breeds viz Jersey and Kashmiri at peak lactation was conducted. We reported 1554 and 1286 circRNA in Jersey and Kashmiri cattle, respectively, with 21 circRNAs being differentially expressed in the two breeds. The developmental genes of the established differentially expressed circRNAs were found to be largely enriched in antioxidant activity, progesterone, estradiol, lipid, growth hormone, and drug response. Certain pathways like MAPK, IP3K and immune response pathways were found significantly enriched in KEGG analysis. These results add to our understanding of the controlling mechanisms connected with the lactation process, as well as the function of circRNAs in bovine milk synthesis. Additionally, the comparative analysis of differentially expressed circRNAs showed significant conservation across different species.

Impacts of heat stress on global cattle production during the 21st century: a modelling study

Heat stress in animals is one of the major climate change impacts on domesticated livestock raised in both intensive and extensive production systems. At temperatures higher than an animal's thermoneutral zone, heat stress can affect liveweight gain, milk yield, and fertility. Animal welfare may also be negatively affected by heat stress even in the absence of effects on productivity, at least in the short term. We estimated the comparative statics change in the value of cattle milk and meat production from heat stress-induced losses at the global level, using climate scenario outputs for the middle (2045) and end of the century (2085). The loss estimates are based on bioenergetic equations that relate changes in dry matter intake (DMI) to both cold and hot, humid weather. DMI changes were estimated using CMIP6 climate data and linked to a global dataset containing information on livestock production systems, animal numbers, and region-specific and system-specific animal diets. Changes in DMI were converted to changes in milk and meat production and valued using early 20th century world prices (ie, constant 2005 US dollars). For a high greenhouse-gas emission scenario (SSP5-8.5), production losses from heat stress were estimated to amount to $39·94 billion (95% CI 34·39-45·49 billion) per year by the end of the century, or 9·8% of the value of production of meat and milk from cattle in 2005. For a low emission scenario (SSP1-2.6), the value of production losses was $14·89 billion (12·62-16·95 billion) per year, or 3·7% of 2005 value. In both scenarios, losses in most tropical regions were projected to be far greater than they were in temperate regions. Our results highlight the potential magnitude and extent of the adaptation efforts that will be necessary to combat the effects of increasing heat stress on cattle production during this century if food security challenges are to be minimised. Adaptations include switching to more heat-tolerant breeds and provision of shade, ventilation, and cooling systems. CGIAR Trust Fund and bilateral donors.

Livestock water and land productivity in Kenya and their implications for future resource use

Population growth and rising affluence increase the demand for agricultural commodities. Associated growth in production increases dependency on natural resources in countries that attempt to meet part or all of the new demand locally. This study assesses the impact of changing meat and milk production on natural resource use in Kenya under three plausible scenarios of socio-economic development, namely Business-As-Usual (BAU), Sustainable Development (SDP) and Kenya Vision 2030 (V2030) scenarios. The IMPACT model is used to estimate projected cattle, sheep, goats and camel production parameters for meat and milk. The BAU and SDP represent standard scenarios for Kenya of a global economic model, IMPACT, while V2030 incorporates in the model features specific to Kenya's medium-term national development plan. We use calculations of water footprint and land footprint as resource use indicators to quantify the anticipated appropriation of water and land resources for meat and milk production and trade by 2040. Though camel dairy production numbers increase the most by quadrupling between 2005 and 2040, it is cattle dairy production that significantly determined gains in production between the scenarios. Productivity gains under the SDP scenario does not match the investments made thereby leading to only slightly better values for water and land productivity than those achieved under the BAU scenario. Relative to the BAU scenario, improvement in land productivity under the V2030 scenario is the most dramatic for shoat milk production in the arid and semi-arid systems but the least marked for cattle milk production in the humid system. By quantifying water and land productivity across heterogenous production systems, our findings can aid decision-makers in Kenya and other developing countries to understand the implications of strategies aimed at increasing domestic agricultural and livestock production on water and land resources both locally and through trade with other countries.

Identification and molecular characterization of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis isolated from milk in cattle in Azerbaijan

BackgroundAzerbaijan currently ranks thirteenth in global incidence of human brucellosis, with an estimated annual incidence through 2000 at over 50 cases per million. Brucella melitensis has been isolated from patients and is thought to have been acquired through contact with small ruminants or as a foodborne infection. To reduce the burden of human brucellosis, the Azerbaijani government began in 2002, a nationwide vaccination control campaign in small ruminants. There is serological evidence of bovine brucellosis (presumably due to Brucella abortus) in Azerbaijan, but no prevalence estimates were available when this study started in March 2017. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Brucella spp. from cow milk in the Ganja region, where brucellosis takes a heavy toll on humans and livestock.ResultsBlood and milk samples were collected from cows (n = 1075) in early lactation (up to 90-days) in farms that had a history of previous positive serological results and abortions. Twenty-two out of 57 milk samples collected from seropositive cows, showed growth on Farrell’s media, when incubated with 5% CO2. Eight additional milk samples showed growth in the absence of CO2. The classical biotyping classified them as Brucella abortus (22) and Brucella melitensis (8). RT-PCR confirmed that strains belonged to the genus Brucella. MLVA profiles were obtained for DNA extracted from two B. abortus and six B. melitensis strains. While the B. abortus genetic profile was described in the MLVA database, matching the profile of B. abortus strains isolated in East Europe, Central Asia and China, we found a new genotype for the B. melitensis strains isolated in Azerbaijan, clustering with strains belonging to the American clade, rarely identified in the region.ConclusionDespite the implementation of the vaccination program in small ruminants, our results suggest that spill-over events of B. melitensis from small ruminants to cattle have occurred. However, cattle are likely to be primarily infected with B. abortus, which warranted the implementation of a bovine brucellosis program. Such a program started in fall 2017. In the Ganja region, cattle should be considered as a potential source of B. abortus and B. melitensis for humans.

Intra-species variation in fatty acid profile and nutritional indices of cattle (Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and goat (Capra hircus) ghee deciphered using GC-FID and FT-IR spectroscopy

Nutritional quality of ghee samples prepared from cattle, buffalo and goat milk was evaluated based on fatty acid profiling. Short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids were highest (P < 0.05) in goat ghee indicating higher digestibility. Besides lower saturated fatty acids (55.10 g 100 g−1), Sahiwal ghee had highest (P < 0.05) oleic acid (35.40 g 100 g−1) and conjugated linoleic acid content (0.52 g 100 g−1), thus proving its potential health attributes. Nutritional indices including atherogenic index and thrombogenic index were lowest for Sahiwal (1.38 and 2.05) and Tharparkar (1.51 and 2.33), while desirable fatty acids and hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids were highest in both of these breeds and buffalo breed, respectively. FT-IR spectra revealed vibrational motions that confirmed dissimilarities in cholesterol levels, saturated fatty acids and β-carotene, triacylglycerols and aliphatic chains. A proper separation of fatty acid clusters among different samples was obtained by OPLS-DA test and heat maps.

Genetic and seasonal variations of Trypanosoma theileri and the association of Trypanosoma theileri infection with dairy cattle productivity in Northern Japan.

Trypanosoma theileri is considered a non- or low-pathogenic trypanosome that generally causes latent infection in apparently healthy cattle; however, T. theileri propagates in the bloodstream and may cause clinical disease in pregnant animals or co-infection with bovine leukemia virus or Theileria orientalis. In the current study, a monthly survey of T. theileri infection over one year was carried out in a research dairy farm in Hokkaido, Japan to determine the 1) seasonal variations in the prevalence, 2) genetic characterization of T. theileri, and 3) associations of milk and blood parameters in dairy cattle with T. theileri infection, including data of metabolic profile tests and dairy herd performance tests, using linear mixed models. We found that 1) the prevalence of T. theileri infection was significantly higher in summer and winter than in other seasons; 2) T. theileri possibly showed genetic diversity in Eastern Hokkaido; and 3) T. theileri infection was associated with significantly lower levels of blood urea nitrogen, milk protein, and solids-not-fat, which are caused by a low rumen fermentation level. This is the first study to report the negative impact of T. theileri infection in dairy cattle, and our study indicates that control of T. theileri infection can improve the productivity of dairy cattle.

Environmental Compliance and Nutritional Value of Yakutian Cattle Products

Due to the increasing anthropogenic pollution of the environment, the environmental compliance of agricultural and livestock products becomes increasingly important. This study discusses the materials on pollutant content in the Yakutian cattle products and includes the assessment of the nutritional value of meat and milk. The research objective is to determine the content of toxic metals, microelements, and the nutritional value of meat and milk of Yakutian cattle bred in Yakutia. Research methods. Sample material was analyzed for the content of toxic metals and microelements using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Milk productivity indicators and organoleptic properties of meat were determined by conventional methods. Results. The average value of lead content in meat was determined amounting to 0.1736±0.0076 mg/kg, mercury — 0.0156±0.0012 mg/kg, arsenic — 0.006±0.0007 mg/kg. No cadmium was not found in meat. Relatively high content of toxic metals was detected in liver. The content of microelements (Zn, Cu, Fe) satisfies regulatory requirements. Relatively high content of copper (83.3076±0.2342 mg/kg) and iron (97.4148±0.4412 mg/kg) was detected in liver. Conclusions. Analysis of research results showed that the average values of toxic metals content (mg/kg) (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) in meat and liver satisfy the regulatory requirements. Yakutian cattle meat contains a balanced full range of amino acids and is suitable for the production of high-quality meat products. Yakutian cattle milk has high fat content varying on average from 5.04% to 5.46%.

Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern among Isolated Staphylococcus Aureus Causing Bovine Mastitis in District Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of bovine mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and to evaluate antibiotic resistant pattern among isolated S. aureus causing bovine mastitis. A total of 400 cattle milk samples from 3 dairy farms of district Khairpur located in Thehri, Gambat and Khairpur were collected in sterilized bottles. Clinical mastitis was noted based on signs of inflammation in the udder and obvious changes in milk. Subclinical mastitis was evaluated using the California mastitis test (CMT). Bacteria were isolated and identified from milk samples based on cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests. The isolated strains were then tested for their antibiotic sensitivity profile by Kiry-Baur disc diffusion assay. Out of 400 milk samples tested, 255 samples (63.55%) were positive for mastitis as indicated by CMT. S. aureus was isolated from 109 samples (26.25%) as confirmed by yellow colored colonies on Mannitol salt agar, Gram positive cocci in bunches and positive for catalase, coagulase, DNase and beta hemolysis. Area wise prevalence of S. aureus was noted as 31.34%, 28.57% and 21.8% in Khairpur, Thehri and Gambat respectively. S. aureus strains were highly resistant to the antibiotic Meropenem (81.6%) followed by Cefixime (61.4%) Cefotaxime (60.55%), Oxycillin (55%), Erythromycin (54%), Ampicillin (51.3%), Ciprofloxacin (38%), Cefradine (37.6%), Sulphametho-Trim (21.1%), Vancomycin (21.1%), Doxycycline (21.1%) and Amoxicillin-clavulanate (5.5%). This study suggests that clinical and subclinical form of S. aureus associated mastitis is highly prevalent among dairy cattle of district Khairpur and S. aureus has become resistant to most of the antibiotics. Hygiene status of animal is very much essential to control mastitis and to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria to other animals. Keywords: Mastitis; Staphylococcus aureus; Antibiotic Resistance

The Use of Multilayer Perceptron Artificial Neural Networks to Detect Dairy Cows at Risk of Ketosis.

Simple SummaryKetosis is a serious metabolic disease in high-yield dairy cows, that affects productive herds throughout the world. Subclinical ketosis is one of the most dominant metabolic disorders in dairy herds during early lactation, so early detection and prevention are important for both economic and animal welfare reasons. Neural networks, which offer a high degree of accuracy in predicting various phenomena and processes where there is no clear causal correlation or there are no rules that allow the establishment of a logical cause-and-effect relationship, can be used to address problems related to prediction, classification, or control. A Multi-Layer perceptron (MLP) is a feedforward artificial neural network model that takes input data for a set of proper output. This study investigated the performance of four algorithms used to train MLP networks. The experimental results demonstrate that the MLP network model improved the accuracy of process recognition of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows. The received artificial model’s results were saved in the predictive model markup language (PMML) and can be used to describe the learning set, the algorithm used in the data mining application and related information.Subclinical ketosis is one of the most dominant metabolic disorders in dairy herds during lactation. Cows suffering from ketosis experience elevated ketone body levels in blood and milk, including β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), acetone (ACE) and acetoacetic acid. Ketosis causes serious financial losses to dairy cattle breeders and milk producers due to the costs of diagnosis and management as well as animal welfare reasons. Recent years have seen a growing interest in the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in various fields of science. ANNs offer a modeling method that enables the mapping of highly complex functional relationships. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between milk composition and blood BHB levels associated with subclinical ketosis in dairy cows, using feedforward multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural networks. The results were verified based on the estimated sensitivity and specificity of selected network models, an optimum cut-off point was identified for the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The study demonstrated that BHB, ACE and lactose (LAC) levels, as well as the fat-to-protein ratio in milk, were important input variables in the network training process. For the identification of cows at risk of subclinical ketosis, variables such as BHB and ACE levels in milk were of particular relevance, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.84 and 0.61, respectively. It was found that the back propagation algorithm offers opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence and dairy cattle welfare within a computerized decision support tool.

Microbiological Evaluation and Molecular Discrimination of Milk Samples from Humans and Different Animals

Milk is a highly nutritious food and it is important to be free of any pathogenic microbes that could be transmitted to humans and affect public health. A total of 145 milk samples were collected from humans and different animal species (cow, buffalo, ewe, goat, camel, mare, and donkey) and underwent physical examination (color, odor, and taste), chemical analysis for its components (water, total salt, fat, protein, lactose, and ash), and finally microbiological (bacteriological and mycological) examinations. Standard plate count, preliminary incubation count, lab pasteurized count, coliform, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus species, Salmonella species, yeast, and mold counts were measured. PCR test was performed to differentiate milk from different sources (animals and humans) by producing a specific band for each milk type. The results of the physical examination of different kinds of milk showed different grades of white color with the characteristic odor and taste of each milk type. Chemical examination revealed that the highest water content was in donkey milk and the lowest was in buffalo milk while total solids indicated the highest content in sheep milk and the lowest in donkey milk. The microbiological analysis presented that the standard plate count results were the highest in the milk obtained from sheep and camel, while donkey milk was the least in this regard. Yeast counts were the highest in buffalo milk but cow milk was the highest in mold counts. PCR results of milk types using species-specific primers and DNA template extracted from milk somatic cells revealed a specific band for each milk type as 157, 195, 225, 242, 274, and 711 base pair (bp) for goat, human, sheep, buffalo, cattle milk, and camel milk, respectively. It was concluded that more restrictions must be applied to decrease milk contamination as high microbial counts detected in the present study can affect milk quality, public health, and the dairy industry. PCR used in the current work for milk discrimination used milk somatic cells specifically mitochondrial cytochrome b gene which exhibited high specificity in the PCR reactions and this could be served as a cheap and simple method, compared to other types of PCR.

Cattle milk

This datasheet on cattle milk covers Identity, Overview, Food Quality, Food Safety, Further Information.

Investigation of the Prevalence of Brucella Diagnosis in Serum and Milk in Cattle

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious disease that affects both cattle and humans. Because brucellosis causes economic losses, serovalance studies are important in terms of eradication. Its diagnosis is integral to the design and implementation of preventive and management strategies for both cattle and humans. Various serological tests are commonly used in diagnostic processes. Methods:This study was carried out in cattle farms located in Ankara, Çankırı, Kırşehir, Kayseri, Çorum, Yozgat, Kırıkkale, Nevşehir provinces in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey between January-2018 and December-2020. Bovines included in the study, simple random sampling method and 320 bovine blood serum and milk samples that were reported not to have Brucella vaccine were used. RBPT, SAT, CFT, I-ELISA tests were performed in the blood serum samples included in the study and I-Elisa, MRT tests were performed in the milk samples. Result: The tests revealed that an average of 35.4% of the cattle had the bacteria while 64.5% of the raw milk samples were infected with brucellosis. The findings demonstrated the need to implement better strategies for managing and preventing brucellosis among animals, including vaccination. As a result, indirect ELISA (I-ELISA) method is considered as a useful, reliable, fast tool in the detection of Brucella from in milk and serum samples. However, it I-ELISA method can be used as a support for conventional tests in the initial isolation of waste materials and that its simultaneous use in field screening tests can be good diagnostic performance.

Existing livestock production and socioeconomic condition in selected hilly areas of Bangladesh

This survey was carried out to know the existing livestock farming system along with socioeconomic conditions in livestock communities in two different selected hilly areas under Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar District. Data were collected based on the farmer’s personal information, livestock and poultry production system, problems and prospects of livestock production and socio-economic status of commodity through a pre-structured questionnaire. The result revealed that there was no significant (P˃0.05) different in family size, age of the farmers but have significant (P˂0.05) different in illiteracy and occupation of the two villages. According to the land distribution pattern, there was no significant (P˃0.05) different in land size and land ownership but have significant (P˂0.05) different in cultivable and fellow land of the farmers in selected areas. The majority of the farmers have indigenous (native) type livestock and the cattle population was higher in Tulatuli (plain area) than in Adarshogram (hilly area) and it differed significantly (P˂ 0.05). In Adarshogram and Tulatuli villages, most of the farmers (79% and 80.43%) had separate housing facilities for their livestock species and they sold their livestock and poultry species in their local market. About 85.90% of farmers depended on natural sources as feed for their animals and only 14.10% purchased feed for their animals. About 71.50% of farmers faced animal feed crisis during the summer season followed by the rainy 19% and winter (9.50%) seasons. There was no significant (P˃ 0.05) different in the body weight of cattle, goats and sheep and milk production of cattle between the two villages. Most of the farmers (89.45%) depended on natural mating for breeding purposes and only 10.55% of farmers practiced artificial insemination. Cattle showed repeat heat which was significantly (P˂ 0.05) differ in the two villages. There was no significant (P˃0.05) different in calf/kid care after calving of the selected villages. About 72, 74% and 14, 17% and 42.42, 71.28% were affected warm in cattle, PPR in goats and ND in poultry, respectively between the two villages. About 60% and 58% of birds/animals were affected during the rainy season and most of the farmers 82% and 92% disposed of their dead birds/animals in the pit of the two villages. The result showed that average non-farm income (Tk.136929.44) was higher than farm income (Tk.50632.15) and average gross income per farmer per year was higher (Tk. 204739.37) in Tulatuli than Adarshogram (Tk.170383.74) but net income was in opposite direction. Results also showed that skill-ness about animal and poultry rearing, concentrate feed availability, vaccination facility and lack of pasture land had the main problems of the farmers for livestock and poultry rearing in selected two villages and significantly (P˂ 0.05) differed. Most of the farmers are interested in rearing cattle farming, followed by poultry, sheep, goats and pigeons in selected villages. It may be concluded that raising awareness, providing vaccination, making sustainable technology available, providing technical support for current stock to increase livestock production, and enhancing the livelihoods of local hill peoples. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 28 (1&amp;2), 2021: P. 29-41

BANNED ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES RESIDUE STILL OCCUR IN CATTLE MILK FROM KHARTOUM STATE

Background: Pesticides application for controlling pests, has been a matter of debate for long time. In order to guarantee sustainable human health, this application should be monitored continuously. Materials and Methods: 65 samples of cattle milk were collected from different Khartoum state’s municipals; to assess the OCP residue, samples were extracted with petroleum ether and cleaned up using silica gel, then read out by GC equipped with FID. Result: Two pesticides belong to OCP were detected, Endosulfan (69.8%) and Heptachlor (92%); the detected concentration of the second one was outstanding, as all positive samples were above the MRL.

Exploration of Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Antiquorum Sensing Activity of the Himalayan Yellow Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus) against Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Background: Management of ever growing multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria becomes one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide. The situation is worsening due to lack of new generation antimicrobials in the arsenal of the clinicians. Development of new alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial agents is the need of the hour to control the menace of AMR. Plants based products are attractive alternatives with proven efficacy but needs scientific investigation to explore their potential antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing activities against major bacterial pathogens of human and animals. The present study was conducted to explore the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antiquorum sensing activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf, flower, fruit and stem of the Himalayan yellow raspberry (Rubus ellipticus) against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: E. coli and S. aureus were isolated and identified from diarrhoeic pigs and poultry and mastitic milk of cattle of Mizoram, respectively. Leaf, flower, fruit and stem/bark of R. ellipticus were collected from Mizoram and extracted by methanol and aqueous solvents. The antimicrobial activity and MIC was determined by well diffusion method and 96 wells microtiter plate method, respectively. Antibiofilm activity of plant extracts was determined in 96 well tissue culture plate. Antiquorum sensing activity was determined by disc diffusion method. Result: Methanol leaf extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus with 19 mm and 7 mm zone of inhibition at 200 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Methanol fruit extract also showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus only. Highest and lowest activities were observed at 200 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL concentrations with 15 mm and 7 mm zone of inhibition, respectively. No antimicrobial activities by either of the extracts were observed against E. coli isolates. The MIC of R. ellipticus methanol leaf and fruit extracts against S. aureus was 0.203125 mg/mL and 0.8125 mg/mL, respectively. The methanol leaf (86.60%) and stem (85.60%) extracts of R. ellipticus showed significant antibiofilm activity against S. aureus isolates, whereas methanol fruit (89.20%) extracts exhibited antibiofilm activity against E. coli isolates at the concentration of 0.05 mg/mL. Significant antiquorum sensing (QS) activities was exhibited by the methanol leaf extract of R. ellipticus at 200 mg/mL concentration against E. coli. This is the first ever report on antibiofilm and anti QS activities of the R. ellipticus plant extracts against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Methicillin, Vancomycin, and Erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Milk and Dairy Products

Detailed information on the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in milk and cheese is strongly required to facilitate risk assessment analysis in case of food poisoning context and to improve therapeutic approaches used in dairy farms. The present study aimed to perform phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial characterizations of methicillin, vancomycin, and erythromycin-resistant S. aureus isolated from milk and dairy products through screening mecA, vanA, and ermC using molecular PCR amplification technology. Moreover, the association between each genotypic and its related antibiotic resistance phenotypic features within the isolated S. aureus strains were analyzed. Moreover, the current study aimed to study MRSA's ability to form biofilms. Out of 226 milk and dairy product samples collected from different retailers in Giza Governorate, 69.5% of the samples were positive for the presence of S. aureus. The isolation rate of S. aureus strains from cattle milk, sheep milk, white cheese, flamenco, and mesh samples were 79.7%, 76.5%, 56.0%, 40.0%, and 94.7%, respectively. Multidrug-resistant S. aureus (MDR) was detected in 51% of all isolated S. aureus strains. All tested S. aureus strains were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, linezolid, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin. However, their resistance rates against penicillin, oxacillin, vancomycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin and chloramphenicol were 62.4%, 65.0%, 44.6%, 45.9%, 21.0%, 14.0%, and 2.5%, respectively. Of the isolated S. aureus strains, 72.6%, 40.1%, and 48.4% were carriers for mecA, vanA, and ermC genes and the amplified products were at 310, 1030, and 295 bp, respectively. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were detected in 47.1% of all isolated S. aureus strains. The results indicated that 35.0% of the tested S. aureus strains were genotypic vanA gene carriers and phenotypic resistant to vancomycin representing vancomycin-resistant S. aureus strains. Moreover, 42.7% of all isolated S. aureus strains were carriers for ermC gene and were phenotypic resistant to erythromycin representing erythromycin-resistant S. aureus. The presence of mecA, vanA, and ermC genes in S. aureus was statistically associated with their related phenotypic resistance patterns against both penicillin and oxacillin, vancomycin, and erythromycin, respectively. Moreover, along with an increase in the frequency of mecA, vanA, and ermC genes, their phenotypic antibiotic resistance patterns sharply increased with an odd ratio &gt;1. Of MRSA isolates, 6.8% indicated weak biofilm-formation ability, while 93.2% exhibit no biofilm-forming ability.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli isolated from milk of cattle affected by mastitis

This evolution-based study aimed to reliably identify the epidemiological prevalence of Escherichia coli that wasrecovered from affected milk of cattle by mastitis, study the evolution of this bacterium, and describe some isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and DNA sequencing. Here, we collected 50 cattle milk samples and submitted them to conventional bacterial isolation and identification using enrichment culture method and biochemical tests. Then, we confirmed the results by PCR technique based on 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The results showed that E. coli was isolated from cattle at (36%), and this was confirmed by PCR that showed highly specific detection of E. coli isolates at (100%). DNA sequencing of partial 16S ribosomal RNA gene showed (99%) homological identity with NCBI-Blast E. coli isolates and the phylogenetic analysis showed genetic similarity (0.5 genetic changes). In conclusion, this was the first study in Iraq to report genetic relationship between E. coli isolated from milk of mastitis-infected cattle. Therefore, it is essential to define the role of animals as an important source in the distribution of some pathogens that are related to public health.