Identification of Staphylococcus Aureus in Cheese sold in the ‘El Arenal’ market in Cuenca-Ecuador during March 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Cow’s milk has been considered for years as the primary source of food and nutrition in humans because no other food presents better nutritional values than the ones it offers to people who ingest it. However, poor milking practices and a lack of knowledge of the personnel involved in producing artisan cheese cause the products that are part of our daily diet to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Objective: To determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in cheese sold in the ‘El Arenal’ market in Cuenca – Ecuador, during March 2023. Methodology: The universe consists of the merchants of the ‘El Arenal’ market in the city of Cuenca -Ecuador. Thirty-two samples were collected from eight designated stalls selling artisan cheeses at this Market in Cuenca, Ecuador. Staphylococcus aureus will be detected using Compact Dry X-SA plates. Results: Staphylococcus aureus presence in cheese samples using Compact Dry X-SA plates was determined to verify if it is within the parameters established according to NTE INEN 1528:2012 standard. Conclusion: The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in cheese sold in ‘El Arenal’ market in Cuenca -Ecuador, March 2023 will be determined. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in cheese samples sold in the ‘El Arenal’ market will be identified using Compact Dry X-SA plates; the colony-forming units of Staphylococcus aureus in the cheese samples will be quantified.