Occurrence of multidrug resistance shiga-toxin producing escherichia coli from milk and milk products

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the hygienic quality of milk and milk products in respect of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Materials and Methods: 205 samples of raw milk and milk products were processed for isolation of E. coli. The isolates were screened by mPCR for detection of virulence gene. 52 E. coli isolates were tested against 15 commonly used antibiotics in the field. Results: Of the 205 samples of milk and milk products 52 (25.36%) were positive for E. coli. Out of which 4% samples were positive for STEC from raw milk and 3.64% from milk products. Also, 25 of 52 (48%) of E. coli isolates were multidrug resistance whereas 62.5% of STEC from milk and milk products were multidrug resistance. Conclusions: The milk and milk products production is of poor hygienic quality in and around Jammu region which needs improvement. © The authors.