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Author(s): Muhammad Nasir Sulaiman, Bashir Sajo Mienda, Ramgopal Dhakar.

Volume/Issue: Volume 9, Issue 1 (2026)

Page No: 93-102

Journal: African Journal of Biology and Medical Research (AJBMR)

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Abstract:

Milk is a rich source of protein and other nutrients in diet, but its perishability and high nutritional value makes it an ideal medium for the development of various microorganisms provided the condition is favourable. This characteristic makes it harbor pathogens of epidemiological importance. It has been previously established that in milk and milk products harbors bacteria predominantly Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp. Other species not commonly associated with milk include Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp. The poor quality of milk; unhygienic practices, poor animal husbandry practices, organization of milk supply chains and dysfunction of the regulatory authorities predispose the public to risk of contracting milk-borne infections. However, the precise bacteriological sanitary quality of milk and milk products sold in Ranch (Riga), Yan tifa, Hakimi, Dutse central market and Love Garden (Federal University of Dutse) Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State from microbiological point of view remained largely unknown. The current study establishes for the first time the bacteriological profile of milk and milk products and estimated the microbial load and isolated selected bacterial pathogens along the milk value chain of the study area. The results revealed poor practices and lack of formal training on milk hygiene among most of the actors. More than 90% of all handled milk samples had Total Bacterial Count (TBC) above the European Union, United States and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) standards. The bacteria isolated in this study were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Educating the public especially milk handlers in rural areas and also vendors is a necessary action to ensure quality along milk value chain. To ensure this, policies by government, support services and training and programmes through both government and nongovernment organizations should be created and focused on research into health risk associated with milk contamination should prioritized.

Keywords:

10.52589/AJBMR-D2EIIMWW

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