Microbiological quality of pasteurized human milk from a Milk Bank of Sao Paulo

Abstract

Objective: To assess the microbiological quality of pasteurized human milk from a Human Milk Bank in the State of Sao Paulo. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted with 29 pasteurized expressed human milk (PEHM) samples obtained between July 2015 and March 2016 by assessing titratable acidity records as well as quantifying heterotrophic microbiota (mesophiles, psychrophiles, thermophiles), total and thermotolerant coliforms, filamentous and yeast-like fungi and Staphylococcus spp. The physical-chemical parameters were assessed via hydrogen-pH potential, K-energy content and Dornic-D acidity. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyzes were conducted. Results: The presence of psychrophiles (17.24%), thermophiles (27.59%), mesophiles (55.17%), filamentous and yeast-like fungi (41.38%) and absence of Staphylococcus spp were evidenced in the sample. The presence of 82.76% of coliforms was detected in the presumptive test. In the confirmatory VB test, the presence of 54.16% of total coliforms was found and, in the EC test, we verified 33.33% of thermotolerant coliforms. The pH and K values did not show oscillations, whereas, in the expression of acidity between 3 and 15°D, microbial growth was detected. The mesophilic microorganism showed a positive correlation with the Dornic acidity variable (r=0.44; p=0.01). Conclusion: Based on the microbiological quality assessment of the HMB samples discarded and considered unfit for consumption in the HMB, specifically regarding the microbiological indicators of hygiene conditions, it suggests that the infeasibility of the samples may be associated with good food handling practices.