Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the isolated bacteria from camel's milk with special milk constituents that have immunogenic and therapeutic importance to human consumers. Milk samples were obtained from 90 she-camels from 3 Egyptian governorates. The result showed that coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were the most frequently isolated bacteria either as a single isolate (20%) or as mixed infections (27.8%). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was isolated either as single (3.33%) and mixed infection (27.8%). E. coli, Yersinia enterocolotica (Y. enterocolotica), Proteus vulgaris and environmental streptococci were also isolated in single and/or mixed forms. Total protein, albumin and globulin levels were not significantly affected by different isolates. Nitric oxide (NO) and lysozyme were significantly stimulated by presence of S. aureus, CNS and E.coli. Insulin level was significantly reduced by S. aureus and CNS. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not significantly affected, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) level was significantly stimulated by S. aureus and CNS contamination. Control camel whey samples without phytohemagglutinin (PHA) had the higher stimulant effect on lymphocytes proliferation as compared with control samples with PHA. Conclusively, the isolated bacteria not only constitute health hazards for consumers but also they made changes in the bioactive ingredients of camel milk that may deteriorate the therapeutic and immunogenic benefits of camel milk. So, there is a great need for strict hygienic measures during the production and handling of camel milk.

Key words: Camel’s Milk; bacteria; isolation; identification; immunological parameters; insulin level.