Prevalence of Some Pathogenic Bacteria in Farm Bulk Milk in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Keeping the quality and safety of raw milk is a global challenge. Bulk tank milk (BTM) evaluation has been used to detect potential problems in dairy herds related to milk quality. Raw milk is a worthy medium for growth of several microbes that can result in spoilage of the milk product and infections or poisoning ofconsumers. A number of bacteria including Salmonella, E.coli, and Staphylococcus aureus have been detected in raw milk. In the present study, a total number of 100 raw bulk milk samples were collected from dairy farms in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt and examined microbiologically. Only 4 samples were positive for Salmonella, 31 were positive for E.coli and 57 were positive for Staphylococcus aureus representing 4%, 31%, and 57 % , respectively. Serologically, 3 species of Salmonella were detected while E. coli isolates were subtyped as O8, O119:H6, O156, O55:H7, O125:H21, O128:H2, O26:H11, O111:H2, O91:H21, O103:H2. The PCR confirmed the serological results of salmonella (inva gene), E.coli (Stx1, Stx2, EaeA genes) and S. aureus (nuc gene). So, it is important to protect the milk from microbial contamination through isolation of infected animals, cleaning, and disinfection of cow teats, use of clean milking equipment, and facilities.