Microbiological quality of raw milk at the Sokode district in Togo: prevalence of Mycobacterium spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp and coliforms

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the quality of raw milk from the local traditional dairy farm and outlet market in Togo. The samples were collected around  the Sokode district in a random dairy farms (n=10) and the local milk markets (n=10). Milk samples were withdrawn from 10 cows per farm and one  retailer per market. The samples were screened for total germs, coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Mycobacterium spp., Salmonella spp., and  Staphylococcus aureus using microbiological culture methods. The three pathogenic bacteria evidenced were E. coli (farm: 89% vs market: 40%; χ ² =  52.43; p = 0.001), Mycobacterium spp. (farm : 2% vs market: 00%; χ ² = 2.02, p = 0.25) and Staphylococcus spp. (farm : 7% vs market: 10%; χ ² = 4.69, p =  0.032). The global contaminations levels in CFU/mL by E. coli, Mycobacterium spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were 5.80 103 ± 1.87 103 , 3.45 ± 2.45, and  5.34 101 ± 1.14, respectively. All milk samples were not compliant with quality rules based on total germs and coliforms. It could be concluded that  milking routine and raw milk hygiene remain a challenge in Togo and regular control from National Health Laboratory should be set up in that area