Detection of Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia Coli in Raw and Fermented (Nono) Milk in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) also called Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), are food borne organisms which cause fatal disease in human. The bacteria are frequently found in cattle gastrointestinal tract with high potential of contaminating animal products such as milk, meat, and cheese. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of VTEC and to detect the presence of stx1, stx2, and eaeA genes in raw and fermented milk sold within sokoto metropolis.Milk samples were analysed using bacterial culture, biochemical test and PCR for molecular identification. Bacteriological culture and biochemical characterization produced Escherichia coli with detection rate 0f 16.0% (38/238). Molecular identification of isolates by Polymerase chain reaction revealed 47.4% (18/38) detection rate of VTEC. The total prevalence of VTEC in the study was 7.6% (18/238), with proportion of raw and fermented milk were 12.5% (13/104) and 3.7% (5/134). There was no association (P≥ 0.05) between VTEC and different milk types. Amplification of isolate by mPCR using specific primers stx1, stx2, and eaeA gene confirmed that (94.4% (17) harboured stx2 and 1 (5.6%) harboured stx1 and eaeA genes.The study established prevalence of VTEC in raw and fermented milk consumed within sokoto metropolis, and presence of stx1, stx2 and eaeA gene. These findings indicate potential faecal contamination of the milk with VTEC in raw and fermented milk. Veterinary services in the state should educate farmers on the importance of farm hygiene and enlighten the Hausa/Fulani nomad and public on the danger associated with the consumption of contaminated milk.