Enumeration and identification of microflora in suusac, a Kenyan traditional fermented camel milk product

Abstract

The microflora involved in production of suusac, a Kenyan traditional fermented camel milk product, were enumerated and identified. 15 samples of traditionally fermented suusac were analysed. Total viable microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeasts and moulds, and coliforms were enumerated. A total of 45 LAB and 30 yeast isolates were isolated from the 15 suusac samples and identified by API 50 CHL and API 20C AUX identification systems, respectively. The LAB counts were 6.8 log 10 cfu/ml, while yeast and mould counts were relatively lower (2.1 log 10 cfu/ml). Low coliform numbers were encountered (<1 log 10 cfu/ml). The LAB species were identified as Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactococcus raffinolactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides. The isolated yeasts were identified as Candida krusei, Geotrichum penicillatum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The most frequently isolated species was found to be L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides (24% of total isolates), followed by C. krusei (20%) and L. plantarum (16%).