Incidence of some pathogens in beef burger sold in Cairo

Abstract

Thirty burger samples were randomly collected from food shops super marks in microbiologically investigated for the presence of some pathogenic microorganisms including Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, aureus and Bacillus cereus were detected in 60% of the examined samples with an average counts of 14x10 5.1x10 2 cfu/g. however, Escherichia coli 50 and 40% of the examined samples, with an average counts of 12x10isolates of pathogenic bacteria including 20 isolates each of Escherichia coli 0157:H7, following the biochemical identification tests (Bergey's Manual). Only 56 out of the testes 85 isolates were confirmed as pathogenic species using Hi identification kits and latex test kits. The obtained results indicated that these foods may pose a source of infection to the consumer. Measures to control the quality of the raw material, environmental and hygienic conditions during preparation and serving s