GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF B. CEREUS CONTAMINATION IN MILK, MEAT, AND STREET FOODS: A STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND FOOD SAFETY.

Abstract

Bacillus cereus is a ubiquitous bacterium that poses a significant concern in food safety due to its ability to produce toxins that cause foodborne illnesses. The study assesses the prevalence of B. cereus in meat, milk, and street foods collected from various regions. Perform genotypic characterization to identify key toxin-producing genes [hbl, nhe, cytK], and conduct phenotypic characterization to evaluate toxin production, antibiotic resistance, and environmental adaptability. Analyze the correlation between genotypic and phenotypic traits to understand the pathogenic potential of B. cereus better. A total of 300 samples were collected from various sources, and isolates were subjected to genotypic analysis targeting toxin-producing genes and phenotypic tests for toxin production and antibiotic resistance. The findings revealed a contamination rate of 65%, with a high prevalence of key toxin-producing genes [hbl, nhe, cytK] and notable phenotypic diversity in toxin production. This study highlights the critical need for enhanced food safety measures and a stringent monitoring protocol to mitigate the risks associated with B. cereus contamination in the food supply chain.