Food borne illnesses are common in both developed as well as developing countries. The majority of foodborne diseases are caused by consuming contaminated meat products. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination in different meat samples. Chicken (n=20), Mutton (n=20) and beef (n=20) samples were collected from 10 towns. Total viable count (TVC) and Total coliform count (TCC) in different meat samples were checked. Microscopic, macroscopic and biochemical profiling of isolates (n=108) was done. It was observed that E. coli was the more common (34%) pathogenic bacteria found in raw chicken followed by Salmonella (28%), Staphylococcus (25%), Shigella (8%), Enterobacter (2%), and Bacillus (3%). In Beef Samples E. coli (39%) was more common followed by Salmonella (30%), Staphylococcus (18%) and Enterobacter (8%), and Shigella (5%). While in Mutton Samples E. coli (32%), Salmonella (32%), Staphylococcus (12%), Shigella (12%), Enterobacter (9%), and Bacillus (3%). Antibacterial activity of natural preservatives i.e., Ginger, Garlic, and Radish, and commonly used synthetic preservatives i.e., Sodium nitrite was also checked on isolated strains. It was observed that Ginger and Garlic showed maximum antibacterial activity at the highest concentration used up to 0.8g/ml. Radish showed no antibacterial activity at any concentration. Antibacterial activity of Sodium nitrite was also higher at the maximum concentration used (0.006mM). The renowned harmful effects of Sodium nitrite, make it necessary to devise the use of natural preservatives. It was observed that ginger and garlic may serve as natural preservatives for meat preservation without any side-effect. However, more research is required for the implementation of natural preservatives for meat storage and safety.

Waste materials are of major concern around the globe. This study aimed to utilize the scales of fish (Labeo rohita) in microbe-mediated gelatin extraction. Three bacterial isolates were isolated from the fish scales and one bacterial isolate FSW3 showing maximum gelatin yield (61.4 %) was subjected to further analysis. The bacterial culture FSW3 (identified as Staphylococcus spp.) with enhanced production of extracted gelatin was set for physiochemical testing, FTIR analysis, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and stereomicroscopic analysis. The extracted gelatin was successfully utilized in various applications including plant growth promotion under salt stress, anti-adhesion films, firmness of yogurt, biodegradable plastic, and anti-microbial food coatings. Results showed that 0.01 mM gelatin promoted plant growth promotion under salt stress. FSW3 extracted gelatin decreased the 2-fold biofilm-forming ability of E. coli, when exposed to the gelatin-based anti-adhesion films coated on a glass slide and polystyrene sheet. The gelatin showed promising findings as anti-microbial food coatings for tomatoes preservation after 21 days and helpful in the firmness of yogurt. Another advantage of gelatin was casting it into biodegradable plastic. The current study provides a promising approach for fish scales microbe-mediated gelatin extraction and uses it to explore new avenues in biotechnology and microbiology.

Respiratory tract infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality accounting for millions of deaths worldwide. Treatment of these infections is usually based upon symptomatic relief through antibiotics. This study was designed to investigate bacterial RTI and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern determined by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Sputum samples (n=48) were analyzed to determine the bacterial infections and relationship with age, gender and social status of patients was determined. Results of the study revealed that higher number of samples (61%) were positive for Pseudomonas spp.14 (29.16%). Other contributing bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.7%), Streptococcus spp. (12.5%), Acinetobacter spp. (14.58%), E. coli (6.25%) and some other coliforms (8.33%). Number of cases was more in adult males than females and the incidence was gradually increasing with age due to consistent habit of smoking. Socioeconomic analysis of data revealed that maximum number of patients visiting hospital for UTI belongs to rural areas followed by small cities and developed cities. It is concluded that adult males having low socioeconomic status with habit of smoking or tobacco consumption are at greater risk of UTI.