Prevalence of bacterial contamination in raw milk sold in Kalerwe and Kasubi markets and molecular identification of the bacterial strains

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the common colifonns in the raw milk in the markets of Kalerwe and Kasubi, characterize them and identify them using molecular techniques (PCR). Fourteen samples (14) comprising of samples from well-built dairy shops and those hawked. These were analysed in triplicates for colifonns using VRBA and the coliforms bacteria were then purified, characterised using gram staining and viewing under a microscope as the biochemical test and identified using Polymerase chain reaction. The mean values of coliforms were 143.2 and 143.0 CFU/ml in dairies of Kasubi and Kalerwe market respectively and 167.7 and 151 CFU/ml hawked milk in the markets of Kasubi and Kalerwe respectively. The most dominant coliforms enumerated from the milk were creamy and translucent, pink, and pink with a dark(black) spot. Raw milk from these markets is highly contaminated which poses a health risk to the public thus necessary measures have Tobe undertaken.