Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in raw milks of Saqez

Staphylococcus aureus is considered as a major foodborne pathogen worldwide which can contaminate milk either through mastitis or unsuitable processing conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in raw milk of Saqez as well as to assess the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates. For this reason, 100 raw milk samples were obtained across Saqez. Presence of S. aureus was determined using conventional culture method; moreover, the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates was studied by disc diffusion method. Results indicated that 51 samples were contaminated by S. aureus. Amongst, 19 (37.25%) were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic, 19 (37.25%) to 2 antibiotics, 3 (5.88%) to 3 antibiotics, 5 (9.80%) to 4 antibiotics, 3 (5.88%) to 5 antibiotics, 1 (1.98%) to 6 antibiotic and 1 (1.98%) isolate was found resistant to 8 antibiotics. Results revealed a high prevalence rate of S. aureus in raw milks and also the board antibiotic resistance of the isolates.