ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN COW MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS: IT’S PUBLIC HEALTH IMPILCATION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESESITANCE IN SHASHEMENE TOWN OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to April 2024 in Shashemene town Oromia, Ethiopia, aimed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus and their resistance to different antimicrobials. A total of 220 samples were collected using a simple random sampling technique for bacteriological isolation and 120 questionaries’ were collected from farm owners, milk collection centers (MCCs) and retailer shops. A standard bacteriological and biochemical tests were used to isolate Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 35.9 % (N=79) of the total samples. The isolation rate was found higher in MCCs (43.5%) than milk retailer shop (34.9%) and farms (27.8%). All (n=79) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility of 9 selected drugs. The isolates were susceptible to sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (95.23%), vancomycine (90.47%) and Gentamycin (80.9%); however, they were highly resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Amoxicillin clavulanic acid (76.19%), Streptomycin (76.19%), Nalidicix acid (71.4%), and Tetracycline (66.66%), and also moderately resistant to Ciprofloxacin (38.07%). Lacks of stringent regulation and monitoring in the dispensing and use of antimicrobials in the area contribute to the occurrence of high antimicrobial resistance to these drugs. Furthermore, an attempt was made by using semi structured questioaire survey that include farmers, consumers, owners and milk collectors at MCC. It revealed raw milk consumption behavior, and inadequate knowledge of milk borne disease. This study showed that Staphylococcus aureus is widespread in milk and milk products and developed multiple drug résistance. It is therefore, creation of public awareness about, pasteurization or boiling of milk prior to consumption, rational use of drugs and periodic assessment of the antimicrobial sensitivity of drugs prior to use are paramount important.