Published in PLOS One on 2026-06-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Muhammad Tafazzal Hossain, Fahmida Jahan Fahim, Sohel Rana, Nadia Sultana, Md. Sodor Uddin, Md Nazim Uddin, Monira Noor, Amina Khatun, Kazi Mohammad Ali Zinnah, Anzuman Ara, Ferdaus Mohd Altaf Hossain
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0350222
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Cheese, a widely consumed dairy product, can be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a pathogen capable of producing toxins harmful to humans. Of particular concern is Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which harbors antimicrobial resistance genes and secretes super-antigenic toxins. Present investigation aimed at determining the occurrence and characterizing MRSA in commercial cheese, to evaluate its potential public health risks. 120 cheese samples representing twelve commercial brands were collected in ten different batches over a six-month period in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The quality of the cheeses was evaluated and compared against the standards of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), European Union (EU), and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The occurrence of MRSA and its virulence factors were determined using standard microbiological and molecular techniques. Results revealed that 65% samples were positive for S. aureus, with staphylococcal load surpassing safety thresholds according to the above-mentioned standards. MRSA was detected in 30% of the samples, exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics. All the isolates showed resistance against penicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin, whereas ceftaroline, norfloxacin, and levofloxacin exhibited intermediate level of sensitivity. Enterotoxin genes SEa and SEc were prevalent in 16.67% and 8.97% of isolates, respectively, while TSST-1 gene was identified in 25.64% among the exfoliative toxin genes. Notably, 85.90% and 80.77% of the isolates exhibited biofilm formation based on the Congo Red and microtiter plate techniques, respectively, with significant percentages of biofilm associated regulatory genes icaA (73.08%), icaD (53.85%), clfA (78.21%), clfB (61.54%), and fnbA (69.23%). The substantial prevalence of blaCTX-M-2a (88.46%) and blaTEM (25.64%) highlights the significant public health risks associated with MRSA contamination in cheese. The high occurrence of S. aureus and the detection of multiple toxin-encoding genes further emphasize the need for strengthened monitoring and stricter control measures across the production and distribution chain to reduce contamination and ensure product safety.
1. Introduction
The growing consumption of dairy products, particularly cheese, emphasizes the critical intersection of food safety, public health, and One Health approach. This nexus is exemplified by the threat posed by S. aureus, a notorious pathogen known for its resistance to conventional antibiotics and its capacity to produce potent toxins, including super-antigenic properties [1,2]. S. aureus has been identified as a principal agent in food-related disease outbreaks globally [3]. The ability of S. aureus to contaminate and multiply in various food products underlines the critical risk it poses to food safety [4]. Staphylococcal food poisoning, a direct consequence of consuming contaminated food, is often associated with the manual handling of food under unsanitary conditions [3,5].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider public health desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Muhammad Tafazzal Hossain, Fahmida Jahan Fahim, Sohel Rana, Nadia Sultana, Md. Sodor Uddin, Md Nazim Uddin, Monira Noor, Amina Khatun, Kazi Mohammad Ali Zinnah, Anzuman Ara, Ferdaus Mohd Altaf Hossain. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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