Escherichia coli, typically a harmless gut resident, can become a severe pathogen causing diarrheal and systemic infections with significant mortality. It transmits between animals and humans, often acquiring antibiotic resistance. The devastating floods in Pakistan have created a public health crisis, with unhygienic conditions elevating the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. This study will investigate the distribution of pathogenic E. coli in humans and livestock in flood-affected areas of Balochistan. We aim to develop a rapid diagnostic method, analyze resistance mechanisms at the genetic level, and provide critical data to guide empirical therapy and outbreak prevention, addressing an urgent need for revised treatment strategies.

Rising lactose intolerance, dairy costs, and demand for plant-based foods have created a market gap in Pakistan. This project addresses this by developing a scientifically validated, cost-effective soymilk prototype. The work involves three phases: prototype development using optimized processing, quality analysis (FTIR spectroscopy for nutrition, microbial safety, and sensory evaluation), and a comparative study with cow milk. Expected outcomes include a market-ready product, validated nutritional data, and a feasibility report. This initiative has strong commercial potential for local industry collaboration and large-scale production of a viable dairy alternative.