PREVALENCE OF ENTEROBACTER AEROGENES IN RAW MILK AND SOME MILK PRODUCTS

Abstract

Introduction: Enterobacter aerogenes is known as Aerobacter aerogenes and belongs to the family Enterobacteriace. It normally habitats the intestine of the animals so it is widely found in soil, sewage and water. It causes a wide variety of health problems for humans and animals. Objective: The following study was to detect Enterobacter aerogenes in milk, yoghurt and ice cream to assess their hygienic quality. Methods: The number of samples was 300 as follows: raw milk samples, 100 yoghurt samples and 100 ice cream samples. Samples were collected in Assiut Governorate and examined for the presence of E. aerogenes. Results: E. aerogenes were found in 13% of raw milk samples, and 5% of examined yoghurt samples, while detected in 6% of examined ice cream samples. Conclusion: E. aerogenes in milk is an index of direct fecal contamination of milk and milk products which is considered a public health hazard. Consumers and emphasizes must improve their hygienic standards to avoid E. aerogenes.