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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
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ThesisItem Open Access ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Staphylococcus aureus FROM MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2010) Kujur, Anne Renku; Yadava, R.In the present study altogether 190 samples, comprising 100 samples of raw milk and 90 samples of milk products were examined.50 samples each of raw milk were taken from two different sources i.e farms and private vendors and 30 samples each of peda, kalakand and paneer were collected from local shops and standard shops of Ranchi city and were subjected to Staphylococcal count and result was expressed in log10 scale. 30 samples of peda, comprising 15 samples taken from local shops and 15 from standard shops showed Staphylococcal count ranging from 0.000 to 5.397 with an average of 2.011±0.585 log10/g and 0.000 to 4.477 with an average of 1.379±0.470 log10/g respectively.Similarly 30 samples of kalakand, comprising 15 samples taken from local shops and 15 from standard shops showed Staphylococcal count ranging from 0.000 to 7.845 with an average of 3.170±0.855 log10/g and 0.000 to 7.344 with an average of 3.076±0.894 log10/g respectively.Staphylococcal count in 30 samples of paneer, comprising 15 samples from local shops and 15 samples from standard shops ranged from 0.000 to 8.701 with an average of 4.832±0.923 log10/g and 0.000 to 7.049 with an average of 3.893±0.855 log10/g respectively. In 100 samples of raw milk, comprising 50 samples collected from farms and 50 samples from private milk vendor the Staphylococcal count ranged from 0.000 to 7.819 With an average of 2.820 ± 0.411 log10/g and 0.000 to 9.049 with an average of 3.862±0.470 log10/g respectively. The recovery percentage of Staphylococcus spp from peda samples collected from local and standard shops was 53.84% and 50.00% respectively. Similarly percentage of Staphylococcus from kalakand samples from local and standard shops was 57.14% and 53.84% and that of paneer samples was recorded as 90.90% and 90.00% respectively.The isolation percentage of Staphylococcus spp from milk samples collected from farms and private milk vendors was recorded as 59.5% and 62.5% respectively. 102 isolates of Staphylococcus spp were isolated out of which 9 strains were of Coagulase negative Staphylococci and 93 strains were of Coagulase positive Staphylococci. Out of 93 strains of Coagulase positive Staphylococcus, 91 strains were Staphylococcus aureus and 2 were other species of Staphylococcus. Incidence of S.aureus was lower in peda, kalakand and paneer collected from standard shops than local shops.The contamination in paneer samples was higher followed by kalakand and peda collected from both local and standard shops. Out of 93 strains of Coagulase positive Staphylococcus spp isolated from milk and milk products, 91 Staphylococcus aureus strains were subjected to biotyping on the basis of three properties-hydrolysis of Tween 80, pigmentation on Tween 80 Agar and Urease production. It was found that majority of isolates fell in biotype A (46.15%) followed by D (32.96%), B (10.98%) and C (09.89%). All the 102 isolates of Staphylococcus were subjected to in vitro drug sensitivity test using 10 different antimicrobial agents i.e Gatifloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Azithromycin, Aztreonam, Doxycycline, Vancomycin, Ampicillin and Cotrimoxazole.The drug sensitivity test revealed that Staphylococcus spp were highly sensitive to Gatifloxacin followed by Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin and Sparfloxacin , moderately sensitive to Vancomycin, Doxycycline, Aztreonam and Azithromycin. The organisms were resistant to Ampicillin and Cotrimoxazole. Results indicate that strict preventive measures should be adopted to ensure contamination free milk products for good health of consumers.ThesisItem Open Access SEROPREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN CATTLE AND THEIR ATTENDANTS IN AND AROUND RANCHI(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2010) Roushan, Rustam Kumar; ., KalimuddinThe present study was undertaken to access the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and their attendants in and around Ranchi. The serological tests, like STAT, RBPT, HIT, 2MET and ELISA were employed on the collected serum samples of cattle and humans of occupationally exposed persons like animal handler’s, farmers and patients having pyrexia of unknown origin to detect Brucella antibodies. The MRT was also done after the collection of milk samples from individual cow. A total of 545 serum samples comprising 428 from cattle and 117 from human beings collected from different areas of Ranchi district were subjected to STAT, RBPT, HIT, 2MET and ELISA for detecting antibodies. STAT was carried out by using Brucella abortus antigen and RBPT was carried out by using RBPT antigen. Both antigens were procured from I.V.R.I izzatnagar, Bareilly. Milk ring test was also done by using ABR antigen supplied from I.V.R.I, izzatnagar Bareilly. ELISA was carried out by using the smooth lipopolysacharide (s-lps) based avidin-biotin ELISA kit supplied by project Director on animal disease monitoring and surveillance (PD-ADMAS), Bangalore. Out of 353 milk samples tested from individual cow comprising of R.V.C dairy (16), Military dairy (214), Kisan dairy (78) and Local cattle (45) 87 (24.66%) were found positive. Out of 87 positive samples 4(25.00%), 45(21.03%), 20(25.64%), and 18(40%), were positive from R.V.C dairy, Military dairy, Kisan dairy and Local cattle respectively. In cattle a total of 428 serum samples comprising of 33, 220, 80 and 95 from R.V.C dairy, Military dairy, Kisan dairy and Local cattle were tested by STAT, RBPT, HIT, 2-MET ELISA respectively. The seropositivity of brucellosis were 4(12.12%), 36(16.36%), 16(20.00%) and 25(26.32%) in STAT, 2(6.06%), 46(20.91%), 20(25.00%) and 28(29.47%) in RBPT, 0(0.00%), 26(11.82%), 13(16.25%) and 20(21.05%) in HIT, 0(0.00%), 24(10.91%), 11(13.75%) and 15(15.79%) in 2-MET and 2(6.06%), 49(22.27%), 22(27.50%) and 30(31.58%) in ELISA in respective dairy cattle. In human Out of 117 serum samples the seropositivity was recorded 8 (6.84%), 9(7.69%), 3(2.56%), 5(4.27%) and 10 (8.55 %) in STAT, RBPT, 2- MET, HIT and ELISA respectively. Out of 117 serum samples 17 were of animal handlers, 55 of farmers and 45 of patient having pyrexia of unknown origin were tested by STAT, RBPT, 2-MET, HIT and ELISA for Brucella agglutinins. The seropositivity was recorded 2(11.76%), 1(1.82%) and 5(11.11%) in STAT, 2(11.76%), 1(1.82%) and 6(13.33%) in RBPT, 1(5.88%) 0(0%) and 2(4.44%) in 2-MET, 1(5.88%) , 0(0.00%) and 4(8.89%), in HIT and 2(11.76%), 2(3.64%) and 6(13.33%) in ELISA respectively. Out of 428 serum samples of cattle 37 were of retention of placenta, 26 of repeat breeders, 8 of abortion and 357 of apparently healthy cows tested by STAT, RBPT, HIT, 2-MET and ELISA. The seropositivity was 21(56.76%), 16(61.54%), 7(87.50%), and 37(10.36%), in STAT, 23(62.16%), 16(61.54%), 8(100%) and 49(13.73%), in RBPT, 18(48.65%), 12(46.15%), 7(87.50%), and 22(6.16%), in HIT, 13(35.14%), 11(42.31%), 7(87.50%), and 19 (5.32%) in 2-MET and 24(64.86%) 19(73.08%) 8(100%) and 52(14.57%) in ELISA respectively. In cattle the relative sensitivity and specificity of RBPT and STAT were also compared with ELISA. The RBPT showed 91.26 % sensitivity and 99.38 % specificity and STAT showed 77.66 % sensitivity and 99.69 % specificity in cattle. In human also RBPT and STAT was compared with ELISA for sensitivity and specificity. The RBPT showed 90.00 % sensitivity and 100.00 % specificity, STAT showed 70.00 % sensitivity and 99.06 % specificity. On the basis of above findings in present study the following points may be concluded.ThesisItem Open Access BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES IN AND AROUND RANCHI(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2010) Kerketta, Priscilla; Yadava, R.water samples obtained from different sources like handpumps, wells, taps, ponds and rivers in Ranchi and adjacent areas were analyzed for their bacteriological characteristics. The mean value of coliform of water ranged from 0 to 1800+ per 100 ml. Out of 100 water samples 47% had no coliform, while in 6% samples the number of organism ranged between 1 to 10, in 7% sample it ranged between 11 to 20, in 19% it ranged between 21 and 100 and in 21% sample it was above 100 coliform per 100 ml. The mean value of faecal streptococci ranged from 0 to 120. Analysis of water sample revealed that 80% of 100 samples did not show presence of faecal streptococcus, whereas in 7% samples the organism ranged between 1 to 10, in 8% sample it ranged between 11 to 20, in 2% it ranged between 21 to 100 and in 3% it was above 100 faecal streptococci per 100 ml of water. Standard plate count (SPC) were found to range from 0 to 6.0429 with the mean of 1.6901 to 6.0429 log 10 cfu/ml. In 46% samples the SPC was found to be ≤ 4 cfu/ml, in 38% samples it was between 4 -5 cfu/ml and in 16% samples it was >5 cfu/ml. Examination of water revealed the isolates of E.coli 26%, Klebsiella 8% and Pseudomonas 7% from water samples.ThesisItem Open Access CORRELATION BETWEEN HEAVY METAL TOLERANCE, MULTIPLE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND PHAGOCYTIC RESISTANCE AMONG E. COLI ISOLATED FROM WATER(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2011) Kumar, Rahul; ., KalimuddinA total of 126 water samples were collected from different sources were analyzed for hygienic qualities the water samples were judged on the basis of gross appearance, odour, taste, temperature, hydrogen ion concentration and for bacteriological quality on the basis of standard plate count, coliform count (MPN/100 ml), faecal streptococcal count and presence of E. coli. All the 126 water samples were also screened for the detection of heavy metals i.e. iron, copper, manganese, zinc, lead and cadmium. On the basis of pH assessment it revealed that out of 126 water samples, 10 (7.936%) had less than maximum permissible limit. During microbiological quality analysis of water was found that count range from 0 to 11.28 in log10 scale for their SPC. Out of total water samples, 6 (4.76%), 67 (53.17%), 5 (3.97%) was between 1to ≤ 5 cfu/ml, 6 to ≤ 10 cfu/ml and >10 to 12 cfu/ml respectively. Analysis of water samples for the presence of coliform (MPN/100 ml) revealed that 17 (13.58%), 47 (37.30%), 8 (6.35%), 16 (12.79%), 2 (1.68%) and 25 (19.84%) had which count ranged between 1.0 to <10, 10 to < 50, 50 to <100, 100 to <500, ≥500 to 900 and ≥1800 to 2400 respectively. Out of 126 samples examined 6 (4.8%) were found positive for E.coli, and 2 (1.6%) for faecal streptococci. Iron level in 19 (15.18%) water samples were more than maximum permissible limit and 46 (36.50%) had less than maximum permissible limit. Copper levels in only one (0.79%) had more than maximum permissible limit. Manganese level in 104 (82.54%) water samples had less than maximum permissible limit and 22 (17.46%) were under maximum permissible limit. Zinc content of 30 (23.80%) water samples had less than maximum permissible limit and 2 (1.68%) were more than maximum permissible limit. The lead level of 15 (11.90%) water samples had more than maximum permissible limit. Cadmium content of 33 (26.28%) water samples had less than maximum permissible limit and 22 (11.90%) were more than maximum permissible limit. Metal tolerance level was analyzed by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that 3 (50%) serotypes were iron resistant at 200 mcg/ml and 3 (50%) serotypes were at 150 mcg/ml. The result of copper tolerance revealed that 2 (33.33%) serotypes were resistant to 100 mcg/ml and 4 (66.67%) were 50 mcg/ml. The result of manganese tolerance revealed that 5 (83.33%) serotypes were resistant to 300mcg/ml and only one (16.67%) was resistant to 100mcg/ml. The result of zinc tolerance revealed that 5 (83.33%) serotypes were resistant to 250 mcg/ml and 1 (16.67%) was resistant to 50 mcg/ml. The result of lead tolerance revealed that 2 (33.33%) serotypes were resistant to 400 mcg/ml and 4 (66.67%) were resistant to 200mcg/ml. The result of cadmium tolerance revealed that 1 (16.67%) serotypes was resistant to 25 mcg/ml, 3 (50%) were to 12.5 mcg/ml and 2 (33.33%) serotypes were resistant to 5 mcg/ml. Antibiogram analyses revealed that, of the 20 antibiotics tested, Escherichia coli isolates were sensitive to cephalexin and oxytetracyclin (100%); chloramphenicol (83.33%); imipenem, ceftriaxone/ tazobactam, gatifloxacin and furazolidone (66.67%). However, E. coli had maximum resistant to cloxacillin and lincomycin have (100%); likewise amoxycilline, co-Trimoxazole and nalidixic acid (66.66%) was shown by the isolates. Examination of all serotypes of E. coli for phagocytic resistant revealed that, which were found to be 38.96 percent, 36.25 percent, 35.71 percent, 32.56 percent, 31.71 percent and 31.33 percent followed by Untypable (Talab-Dhurwa) Rough (Hand pump-Kanke), Untypable (River-Namkum), O61 (Hand pump-Kanke,P.T.), O61 (Well -Karam toli) and O61(Hand pump- Kanke,P.T.) respectively. The correlation coefficient between heavy metals level in water, heavy metals tolerance of organisms, intracellular killing percentage and antibiotics resistant among E. coli to see any physiologically functional and pathogenic relationship among levels of metals in water development of tolerance to metals in organisms, phagocytic resistance and antibiotics resistance, correlation coefficient among these parameters were derived. The correlation coefficient between iron tolerance and antibiotics resistance (0.94) was found to be positively correlated and highly significant. It suggested that both are interrelated phenomenon. The correlation coefficient between phagocytic resistance and antibiotics resistance was negatively correlated and statistically non-significant. Water having high contamination of metals may lead to emergence metal tolerant E. coli. Such organism may also be resistant to different antibiotics and well as intercellular phagocytic killing; such organism may emerge as an important area of public health concern. Hence, drinking water should be viewed more seriously with regard to such contamination. Results indicate that strict preventive measure should be adopted to ensure contamination free water for good health of consumers. Removal of heavy metals from wastewater needs advance chemical technology and is more expensive too. Raw wastewater contains significant concentration of heavy metals that are not degraded by the conventional process of wastewater treatment. The cheaper alternative for this is the bioremediation using heavy metals resistant microorganisms. The poor microbiological quality of drinking water samples revealed in this study is a matter of public health concern, warranting proper treatment before its release for public use.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES IN MILK OF CATTLE AND BUFFALOES(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2010) Kumar, Pankaj; Yadava, R.India is number one milk producing country in the world with annual milk production of 114.4 million tones (business.rediff.com., 2009). Milk is an important food component of each and every house. So, the quality of milk is prime objective for the public health scientists. Residue of antimicrobials is one of the most serious problems of 21st century because of overuse or misuse of antibiotics. The present study was therefore planned to screen the milk samples collected from various places in and around Ranchi for the presence of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, sulphamethoxazole and sulfadimidine quantitively in milk of cattle and buffaloes as well as the withdrawal period of oxytetracycline in clinically treated animals. The procedure for extraction, detection and quantification of tetracyclines and sulfonamides residues were standardized. Blank milk samples were spiked with known concentration of antibiotics to calculate the recovery percentage. Sample extraction procedure involved the use of Mcllvaine buffer and Methanolic - Oxalic acid solution for tetracyclines and acetonitrile and methanol for sulfonamides. The detection and quantification of antibiotic residues was done by employing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV/Vis detector. The antibiotics were eluted through RP- 18 column as sharp peaks ranging between 5.51 - 5.57min and 4.57 – 5.09 min retention time for TC and OTC respectively and 4.33 – 4.40min and 5.36 – 5.43 min retention time for SMX and SDM respectively were obtained. Different concentrations of tetracyclines and sulfonamides were made and standard calibration curves were obtained by plotting peak heights against respective concentrations. The limit of detection for both tetracyclines and sulfonamides was 0.078μg/ml. The results obtained after screening 200 samples revealed the presence of tetracyclines and sulfonamides in varying concentrations in the samples collected from different species and locations. In all 105 (53%) samples showed the presence of tetracyclines and 137 (69%) sulfonamides residues of which 24 (12%) samples showed TC, 81 (41%) OTC, 64 (32%) SMX and 73 (37%) SDM residues. Among positive samples, 7 (4%), 16 (8%), 12 (6%) and 8 (4%) samples showed concentration above the MRL value of TC, OTC, SMX and SDM respectively. During the entire period of study species-wise residues of TC were detected in 15% cow and 9% buffalo milk samples and OTC in 49% in cow and 32% in buffalo milk samples. Similarly, residues of SMX were detected in 26% in cow and 38% in buffalo milk samples and SDM in 46% cow and 27% buffalo milk samples. Among positive samples residual concentration was found above the MRL value in 5% cows and 2% buffaloes for TC, 7% cows and 9% buffaloes for OTC, 7% cows and 5% buffaloes for SMX and 6% in cows and 2% in buffaloes for SDM. Location-wise TC residues were detected in 7(23%) cow and 6(12%) buffalo milk samples, OTC in 14(47%) cow and 11(22%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 8(27%) cow and 16(32%) buffalo milk samples and SDM in 15(50%) cow and 6(12%) buffalo milk samples collected from Kisan Dairy Farm (KDF). The residual concentration was found to be higher than the MRL value of OTC in 1(3%) cow and 2(4%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 2(7%) cow and 1(2%) buffalo milk samples and SDM in 3(10%) cow milk samples. The residues of TC were not detected in cow and buffalo milk samples, OTC in 8(53%) cow and 5(50%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 3(20%) cow and 9(90%) buffalo milk samples and SDM in 5(33%) cow and 2(20%) buffalo milk samples collected from Instructional Bovine Farm (IBF). The residual concentration was found to be higher than the MRL value of OTC in 1(7%) cow and 1(10%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 1(7%) cow and SDM in 1(7%) cow and 1(10%) buffalo milk samples. The residues of TC were detected in 2 (7%), OTC in 9(30%), SMX in 5(17%) and SDM in 10(33%) cow milk samples collected from Military Dairy Farm (MDF). The residual concentration was found to be higher than the MRL value of TC were detected in 2(7%), OTC in 2(7%) cow, SMX in 3(10%). The residues of TC were detected in 6(24%) cow and 3(8%) buffalo milk samples, OTC in 18(72%) cow and 16(40%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 10(40%) cow and 13(33%) buffalo milk samples and SDM in 16(64%) cow and 19(47%) buffalo milk samples collected from unorganized Dairy Farm (UDF). The residual concentration was found to be higher than the MRL value of TC were detected in 3(12%) cow and 2(3%) buffalo milk samples, OTC in 3(12%) cow and 6(15%) buffalo milk samples, SMX in 1(4%) cow and 4(10%) buffalo milk samples and SDM in 2(8%) cow and 1(3%) buffalo milk samples. The withdrawal and milk discard time of oxytetracycline in cow as well as in buffalo milk was found to be 5 days which may be followed carefully in order to prevent food residues and consequent public health implications. The results obtained in the present study indicated that OTC was probably used more widely in therapy as compared to TC because large numbers of samples were detected positive for OTC residues. SMX and SDM were almost frequently used in lactating animals as large numbers of samples were detected positive for both SMX and SDM. Primarily the indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents in milk producing animals has given rise to residue in milk and milk products. However, since only a small number of samples were found to contain antibiotics under study above their MRL value, which indicates the possibility of collection of milk samples after the elapse of withdrawal period in most of the cases or use of antibiotics as per the recommended dose through proper routs in the study area. This programme of surveillance and monitoring of tetracyclines and sulfonamides residues in milk was carried out to enhance consumer awareness about ill effects of residues of tetracyclines and sulfonamides in milk and milk products and enforcement of existing regulations to control the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animal husbandry practices, dairy industry and as food additives.ThesisItem Open Access HYGIENIC QUALITY OF CHICKEN PRODUCTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE IN RANCHI(Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 2013) Gangmei, Dimdim; ., KalimuddinThe present study was undertaken to study the hygienic quality of chicken products collected from local markets of Ranchi with special reference to public health significance. Altogether 150 samples of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products, 75 each from restaurant and chicken products supplier (consisting 25 each of chicken chilli, chicken kabab and chicken cutlet) in Ranchi were bacteriologically examined. The Standard plate count in chicken chilli from restaurant ranged from zero to 2.049 with an average of 0.765 ± 0.166/g. Coliform count varied from 0.000 to 1.903 with an average of 0.364 ± 0.128/g. Faecal streptococcal count varied from zero to 1.000 with an average of 0.052 ± 0.041/g. The Standard plate count in chicken kabab from restaurant ranged from zero to 2.332 with an average of 0.975 ± 0.196/g. Coliform count ranged from zero to 2.243 with an average of 0.315 ± 0.115/g. Faecal streptococcal count ranged from zero to 1.602 with an average of 0.104 ± 0.074/g. The Standard plate count in chicken cutlet from restaurant ranged from zero to 2.307 with an average of 0.818 ± 0.176/g. Coliform count ranged from zero to 2.301 with an average of 0.423 ± 0.134/g. Faecal streptococcal count ranged from zero to 1.397 with an average of 0.174 ± 0.083/g. The Standard plate count in chicken chilli from chicken products supplier ranged from zero to 2.397 with an average of 0.917 ± 0.174/g. Coliform count ranged from zero to 2.255 with an average of 0.396 ± 0.140/g. Faecal streptococcal count varied from zero to 1.146 with an average of 0.077 ± 0.054/g. The Standard plate count in chicken kabab from chicken products supplier ranged from zero to 2.342 with an average of 1.262 ± 0.203/g. Coliform count ranged from zero to 2.330 with an average of 0.661 ± 0.162/g. Faecal streptococcal count ranged from zero to 1.477 with an average of 0.287 ± 0.101/g. The Standard plate count in chicken cutlet from chicken products supplier ranged from zero to 2.357 with an average of 0.849 ± 0.181/g. Coliform count ranged from zero to 2.033 with an average of 0.630 ± 0.153/g. Faecal streptococcal count ranged from zero to 1.278 with an average of 0.187 ± 0.088/g. The test of significance between bacterial loads in all the chicken products from restaurant and chicken products supplier revealed no significant difference between them, though the average Standard plate count, Coliform count and Faecal streptococcal count were more in chicken products collected from chicken products supplier than those of chicken products collected from restaurant. All the samples examined were free from Salmonella. Absence of Salmonella in the products goes in favour of products acceptability. Three isolates of E.coli (2%) were isolated from the examined chicken products i.e., E.coli O148 from chicken chilli of restaurant, E.coli O8 from chicken kabab of restaurant and chicken chilli of chicken products supplier. The other organisms isolated include Proteus spp., Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptomyces and yeast. Presence of these organisms suggests chances of food spoilage and deterioration of its quality on storage as they are often associated with spoilage of foods. All the three isolates of E.coli were subjected to in vitro drug sensitivity test using different antimicrobial agents. The E.coli O148 was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Gentammicin, Aztreonam, Chloramphenicol and Doxycycline, while moderately sensitive to Ampicillin and Cephalothin. The E.coli O8 was sensitive to Aztreonam and Chloramphenicol, while resistant to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Sparfloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Gentamicin, Cephalothin and Doxycycline. The bacterial counts were comparatively higher in all the chicken products from chicken products supplier than those of chicken products from restaurant but they did not differ significantly. The bacterial loads in all the products examined were found to be within the permissible limit as per the microbiological standards and guidelines laid down by Goldenberg and Elliot, (1973) and Gilbert et al., (2000) and may have no significant impact over the microbial population from public health point of view. Isolation of E.coli O8 and O148 calls for public health attention as they are shiga toxin-producing organisms capable of causing food-borne diseases to consumers. The presence of E.coli indicates faecal contamination of the water sources that were utilized at any point of processing, storage and serving of the products, and poor hygiene of handlers. The E.coli O148 was found to be sensitive to most of the drugs tested whereas E.coli O8 was found to be resistant to most of the tested drugs. Food handling is the last control point in the farm-to-fork food safety and avoidance of cross-contamination in kitchen is another important control point. From public health point of view, it is therefore, important that hygienic measures should be taken to ensure prevention of food contamination and control drug resistant bacteria. This could be achieved through enhanced surveillance of the organisms, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility test to devise effective control strategies.