The objective of this study was to conduct a qualitative analysis of raw beef meat sold in the city of Quetta, Pakistan for presence and drug sensitivity of the potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli strain O157:H7. The study used 200 raw beef meat samples collected from retail butcher shops. Conventional and rapid biochemical tests, latex agglutination and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers designed for the rfb O157 and flic H7 genes were used to detect E. coli O157:H7. All O157:H7 isolates were also tested for Shiga toxin genes stx 1 and stx 2. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in collected beef meat samples was 10%. Detection through PCR was found more sensitive than detection of O and H antigens. The quantity of E. coli O157:H7 isolates positive for Shiga toxins was 50% (20% for stx 1, 45% for stx 2 and 10% for both stx 1 and stx 2). Season wise variation showed highest E. coli O157:H7 prevalence during summer months. A further concern is that E. coli O157:H7 isolates were resistant to a range of common antibiotics. The results indicate an urgent need for applying proper food hygiene practices in the Quetta region to reduce incidence of foodborne diseases and they also emphasize the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. Practical applications E. coli O157:H7 is as a potentially threatening foodborne pathogen. A significant prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 detected in raw beef meat from retail outlets in the city of Quetta indicates an urgent need for applying proper food hygiene practices in the Quetta region to reduce the incidence of foodborne diseases. Furthermore, resistance of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates to a range of commonly used antibiotics emphasizes the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. The multiplex PCR method used here is a reliable, sensitive, and relatively rapid technique for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in food and environmental samples and important for ongoing surveillance to minimize contamination of raw meat products and associated cross contamination by E. coli O157:H7.

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Once encountered with pathogens or antigens, the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system trigger a strong immune response to eliminate them from the system and protect the body. Thus, well-balanced immunity is pivotal for maintaining human health, as an insufficient level of immune defense leads to infections and tumors. In contrast, the excessive functioning of the immune system causes the development of autoimmune diseases and allergies. Strong immunity requires adequate nutrition, dietary interventions, and sufficient intake of certain vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin D, and folic acid) and minerals (magnesium, zinc, and selenium). Therefore, nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies lead to compromised immunity. Several natural ingredients have shown potent immunomodulatory properties. The immune-enhancing properties of many plants and fungi are due to containing bioactive phytoconstituents such as polyphenols, terpenoids, β-glucans, vitamins, etc. Probiotics and prebiotics can be used as innovative tools to reduce intestinal inflammation and downregulate hypersensitivity reactions. Plant sources of melatonin, a multifunctional molecule with proven anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, have been discovered relatively recently. The bioactive compounds augment the immune response by directly increasing the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Many phytoconstituents prevent cell damage due to their powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present review attempts to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing properties of some bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources.

Shigella species are frequently associated with food and water borne infections leading to acute invasive enteric infections. Annually there are 165 million cases of shigellosis, of which 163 million are in developing countries and the incidence is highest among children. The study was aimed to isolate and identify Shigella species from food and water samples. The isolates were identified by using conventional biochemical tests. Total of 100 samples (50 ready-to-eat salad + 50 household water) were randomly collected aseptically. Out of 100 samples analyzed, 27 (27%) were found positive for Shigella species. Out of these 27 positive samples, 16 (32%) were from ready-to-eat salad samples and 11 (22%) were from water. Incidence of Shigella species in Quetta city water (28%) is higher as compared to water collected from outside the city which is (16%). Shigella flexneri was the most frequent isolate (70%) observed in this study. The high level of Shigella species prevalence was observed during the month of April-June. This study revealed that the use of raw animal manure as fertilizer, irrigation of vegetables with fecal contaminated water, a poor sanitary system and improper treatment of water supplies can increase potential risks to the consumer. Adaptation and application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) can decrease the possibility of contamination and eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. Awareness regarding communicable diseases also helps control shigellosis and other diarrheal disease.

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1 3-(4-Acetylphenyl)-(2-methyl)-2-chloro(bromo, thiocyanato)propanamides have been obtained via copper catalytic anionarylation of acrylic and methacrylic acids amides by 4-acetylphenyldiazonium salts. 5-(4-Acetylphenyl)substituted 2-aminothiazol-4(5H)-ones were synthesized by cyclisation of thiocyanatoamides. All synthesized compounds were tested for their antibacterial and antomycotic activity.