The study was undertaken to detect the occurrence of E.coli in raw milk samples collected from different sources in and around El- Arish city, North Sinai Governorate.
A total of 450 raw milk samples were collected from different milk animals from farms, houses and market (supermarkets, dairy shops, groceries and vendors) situated in El-Arish city and surrounding areas. Various media were used for cultivation of the organism; biochemical identification was carried out by applying certain tests for E.coli, as well as serological identification by using specific antisera. Congo red test used as in vitro pathogenicity test ; to detect the virulence markers of E.coli strains.
E.coli was recovered from the raw milk samples; with a percentage of 8.9%. E.coli was detected in farm and market milk, with an incidence of 10% and 11.7% respectively. The serological identification revealed the detection of six serogroups (O1, O6, O55, O86, O128 and O158). E.coli strains showed 40% positivity for the Congo red dye uptake.
It is concluded that the contamination of raw milk with E.coli potentiates the alarm for the possibility of food poisoning occurrence for human being.