Detection of mycobacteria in raw cow milk sold in Bwari Area Council, Abuja FCT

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important zoonotic disease worldwide and hence it is of great public health significance. It is present in most developing countries where surveillance and control activities are often inadequate or unavailable. This study was designed to detect mycobacteria in raw milk of cows using ZN-stain, PCR, and cultural techniques to determine the prevalence of bTB in Bwari area council of FCT Abuja. Out of the 145 raw milk sampled, 6.89% tested positive by ZN-stain and culture while 1.3% were positive by PCR. The herd prevalence per satellite town based on ZN-stain technique was 8.89%, 10.0%, 3.33% and 5.00% for Bwari, Dei-Dei, Kubuwa and Ushafa respectively. While by cultural method, the prevalence was 2.22%, 10.00%, and 5.00% for Bwari, Dei-Dei, Kubuwa and Ushafa respectively. PCR revealed the prevalence of Mycobacterium species for Bwari and Dei-Dei as 2.22% and 3.33% respectively. Detection of Mycobacteria in raw (unpasteurized) pose a serious public health risk to raw milk consumers in Bwari area council.

Keywords: Raw milk, bTB, ZN stain, PCR, Culture