Assessment of elements (toxic and essential) concentrations and methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from raw milk in the Kurdistan province

The presence of residual antibiotics and the excessive accumulation of metals beyond permissible limits in milk represent significant health challenges. This study aimed to analyse the levels of heavy metals and trace elements in raw milk from Kurdistan province using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following digestion via thermal block. Subsequently, the samples were evaluated for contamination with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), taking into account the potential correlation between methicillin-resistant strains and metal accumulation. Finally, milk safety was assessed based on the presence of toxic metals. A total of 180 milk samples were examined. Among them, 13.34% were found to be contaminated with S. aureus, and of those, 62.48% tested positive for MRSA. The metal concentrations (mg/kg) were measured as follows: arsenic 7 x 10(-2) +/- 6 x 10(-3), cadmium 4.70 x 10(-1) +/- 9.70 x 10(-2), lead 7 x 10(-2) +/- 5 x 10(-3), mercury 3 x 10(-2) +/- 9 x 10(-3) and iron 4 x 10(-2) +/- 9 x 10(-3). Interestingly, arsenic, cadmium and iron levels were found to be correlated with the presence of MRSA. Additionally, there was an inverse relationship between toxic metals and essential ones in samples sensitive to methicillin (P < 0.001). The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cadmium is indicated at 9.94. Furthermore, the calculated Carcinogenic Risk (CR) parameters for cadmium and arsenic were 6.06 x 10(-3) and 2.22 x 10(-4), respectively, suggesting that their concentrations fall within the carcinogenic range. The coexistence of MRSA and metal contamination in raw milk highlights the potential risks linked to its consumption. Consequently, the adoption of rigorous hygiene protocols is imperative to effectively address these concerns.