Isolation and Phenotypic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from Mastitic Milk among Cattle Population in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to isolate and characterize Staphylococcus aureus from cattle milk in Sokoto metropolis. A total of three hundred  mastitic milk samples were collected from dairy farms, abattoir and livestock market (Kara). Phenotypic identification of the S. aureus isolates by culture, microscopy and biochemical reactions were performed. Two hundred and nineteen (73%) of the samples were positive for species of mastitis causing bacteria. The isolates were S. aureus (47.9%), Streptococcus spp. (24.7%), Corynebacterium spp. (14.6%), Escherichia coli (5.9%), Bacillus spp (5.0%) and Klebsiella spp. (1.8%).The result obtained shows that S. aureus was the principal pathogen responsible for bovine mastitis in the study area with 35.0% prevalence. The need for strict hygienic and improved milking techniques as preventive measures against the disease was emphasized.