SIMPLE AND DIRECT-DETECTION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS IN MILK BY A TUBE COAGULASE TEST

A tube coagulase test (TCT) is described as a simple and non-expensive system for detection of Staphylococcus aureus directly in milk. The p rocedure is characterized by mixing milk samples with rabbit citrate p lasma followed by incubation at 37 degrees C for clot formation. The t ube coagulase test demonstrated 91.5% accuracy, 88.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the direct recognition of Staph. aureus in milk s amples from quarters with subclinical mastitis, when compared with pla ting of milk on blood agar. The TCT has the potential to detect other coagulase positive staphylococci in milk. It is concluded that TCT mag be of use to veterinary practitioners with limited laboratory facilit ies, or to dairy farmers as a simple diagnostic test on site.