Incidence of E. coli in raw milk and its products

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of E. coli in raw milk, kariesh cheese and cream. In addition, serological identification of the isolated strains of pathogenic E. coli was performed. A total of 120 random samples of raw milk, kariesh cheese and cream (40 each) were collected from different localities in El Menofiya Governorate. Samples were analyzed for total bacterial count (TBC), total coliforms and E. coli. The incidences of E. coli in the examined samples were 55%, 50%and 47.5%, respectively. Serological identification of isolated pathogenic strains of E .coli were: O114:H21, O111:H4, O26 & O127:H6 in raw milk, and were O114:H21, O111:H4, O26, O127:H6, O119:H6 & O55:H7 for kariesh cheese and were O114:H21, O111:H4, O26, O127:H6, O119:H6, O55:H7 and O124 for cream. High microbial counts of the examined samples may constitute a public health hazard to the consumers and emphasizes the need for improved hygienic standards.