The link between antimicrobial resistance and seasonal change: Prevalence of ARGs, stress resilience, virulence and plasmids in raw milk Escherichia coli of Gujarat, India

A recent study examined seasonal patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli isolated from raw milk in Gujarat, India, analyzing resistance profiles together with stress tolerance, virulence traits, and phylogenetic relationships. The researchers found that AMR levels, virulence factors, and bacterial characteristics varied across seasons, suggesting that environmental conditions such as temperature and farming practices may influence the prevalence and spread of resistant bacteria in the dairy chain. The findings highlight that raw milk can serve as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and emphasize the need for improved hygiene, surveillance, and monitoring in dairy production to reduce potential public-health risks associated with foodborne transmission of resistant bacteria.