Prevalence of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 in Some Dairy Products in Beni Suef City, Egypt

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 in some milk products. 100 samples of dairy products (25 each of Kareish cheese, Talaga cheese, small-scale ice cream, and small-scale yoghurt) were collected from retail outlets, farmers' markets and dairy shops in Beni Suef city, Egypt. Microbiological analysis of the samples was performed to detect the presence of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes and the isolates were further confirmed by PCR method using specific primer of L. monocytogenes (hlyA gene). The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. was 1(4%), 1(4%), 2(8%) and 1(4%) in small-scale yoghurt, Kareish cheese, Talaga cheese and small-scale ice cream respectively. None of the examined milk products samples yielded an isolation of E. coli O157:H7. Coordinated efforts aimed at enhancing the safety of dairy products in Egypt must take into account the application of appropriate hygiene and production standards as well as the evaluation of measures aimed at reducing contamination in the dairy supply chain.