Assessment of Listeria Monocytogenes in Unpasteurized Milk Obtained from Cattle in Northern Nigeria

Faeji, C. O. and Fasoro, A. A. and Oni, I. O. and Akingbade, A. M. (2016) Assessment of Listeria Monocytogenes in Unpasteurized Milk Obtained from Cattle in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Microbiology Research, 6 (1). pp. 1-5.

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Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, rod shaped bacterium which grows at 24°C. However, it grows optimally at 37°C. It is an agent of listeriosis, a serious disease caused by the consumption of food contaminated with the bacterium. This study was aimed at assessing the presence of L. monocytogenes in unpasteurized milk and determining the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates. This was achieved through extensive use of cultural and biochemical characteristics attributed to this organism. A total of 130 raw milk samples were collected and analysed for the presence L. monocytogenes. Nine (6.9%) of the fresh raw milk sample were positive for L. monocytogenes according to the cultural characteristics and biochemical reactions carried out. All the positive isolates were found to be sensitive to Tetracycline, Gentamicin and Ampicillin. This study confirms Listeria sp. as a contaminant of unpasteurized milk, therefore, proper hygienic measures should be put in place and milk lovers should be wary of the consumption of this unregulated and under cooked products as to avoid such contaminations in order to avert potential health dangers associated with it.

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