Molecular identification of Bacillus cereus in Ardabil’s milk supply, ۲۰۲۴

Background: Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is abundant in nature and food, which cause food poisoning and serious infections. milk and dairy products play a vital role in the transmission of this pathogen, and Ardabil province is a leader in the livestock industry and dairy products, this study aimed to molecular identification of B. cereus in Ardabil’s milk supply in ۲۰۲۴. Methods: Milk samples belonging to livestock (sheep, goat, and cattle) were collected from different counties of Ardabil Province using standard methods and stored at –۲۰ °C until analysis. DNA was extracted using kit (Sambio, South Korea) and molecular identification of B.cereus was performed using the PCR method (BAL gene). To confirm the results, some positive samples was sent for sequencing (Pishgam, Iran). Results: During ۲۰۲۴, a total of ۲۸۱ raw bulk milk samples were collected from different parts of Ardabil Province. According to molecular investigation, ۱۳.۷% of cattle, ۹.۷% of sheep, and ۲۰% of goat milks were infected with B.cereus, with an overall prevalence of ۱۲.۸% (۳۶ of ۲۸۱ samples). Geographic distribution showed that, the highest prevalence was observed in Nir and Germi. Conclusion: Based on our findings, B. cereus was present in a considerable proportion of raw bulk milk samples in Ardabil Province. The presence of this pathogen in raw milk highlights a potential public health risk, especially for vulnerable individuals such as infants. Continuous monitoring and the implementation of strict hygienic practices during milk collection and handling are recommended to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bacillus cereus ، PCR ، milk ، Ardabil ، Iran