Detection of Coliforms in table eggs

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the presence of coliforms, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli in both baladi and farm table eggs in both shells and contents. A total of 100 farms and baladi eggs samples (50 samples of each) were randomly collected from poultry farms, markets, supermarkets, and groceries in Assiut governorate. Eggs were microbiologically examined, and isolates were identified by biochemical and (PCR). The obtained results revealed that coliform and fecal coliform incidences were 62, 56, 54 and 32% for the farm hens' eggshell, egg content, baladi hens' eggshell and egg content, respectively. The biochemical identification of revealed 16 isolates of E. coli and these results were complementary with the molecular identification. E.coli incidence was 6, 8, 12 and 6% for the farm hens' eggshell, egg content, baladi hens' eggshell and egg content, respectively. The public health significance and hygienic control measures were discussed in this study..