OCCURRENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PSEUDOMONAS SPP. IN RAW VEGETABLES: A STUDY ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE TRAITS

Background & Objective: Raw vegetable consumption has gained signicant popularity due to its nutritional benets. However, these vegetables can serve as potential carriers of pathogenic bacteria, posing a risk to public health. This study investigates the occurrence of Pseudomonas spp. in fresh salad vegetables, focusing on their antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits. A total of Method: 40 samples, including tomato, beetroot, green chili, cucumber, and coriander, were collected from fresh vegetable markets in Haryana, India. The bacterial isolates were identied through cultural, morphological, and biochemical characterization using selective media and standard biochemical tests. The ndings revealed the Result: presence of Pseudomonas spp. in multiple samples, with isolates testing positive for catalase, oxidase, and gelatin hydrolysis, conrming their identity. The study highlights the potential pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known for its ability to produce virulence factors such as elastases, proteases, and exotoxins. The presence of these bacteria in fresh vegetables underscores the need for stringent food safety measures throughout the farm-to-fork supply chain. This research emphasizes the importa Conclusion: nce of effective washing, proper handling, and hygienic agricultural practices to minimize contamination risks. Continuous monitoring and awareness programs for farmers and consumers are crucial to mitigating the public health threats associated with Pseudomonas spp. in raw vegetables. Further studies on antimicrobial resistance patterns and genetic characterization of these isolates are recommended to develop targeted intervention strategies.