Occurrence, molecular and antimicrobial resistance of Enterococcus spp. isolated from raw cow's milk trade by street trading in Meknes city, Morocco

spp. belongs to a group of pathogens which are responsible for serious infections. This study aims at highlighting the raw milk microbiological contamination and at providing data for prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of spp. isolated from raw cow's milk marketed (without any pasteurization) by street traders. During the period of May 2015 through April 2016, 150 cow's raw milk samples were collected from street traders in Meknes city. They were examined for the identification of spp. using biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined. The results showed that 11.3% (17/150) of samples were positive for the presence of spp., of which 64.7% were identified as , 17.6% as , 11.8% as and 5.9% as . The antimicrobial susceptibility showed that all spp. were resistant to ampicillin. The species , , and were resistant to streptomycin, with percentages of 52.9% (9/17), 11.8% (2/17), 11.8% (2/17), and 5.9% (1/17) respectively. All isolated strains of and were resistant to tetracycline. The multiple antibiotic resistance index was elevated in the majority of spp., reaching values higher than 0.5, indicating a risk for public health. This study shows that the raw milk consumed by the population is contaminated with strains of resistant to antibiotics used in breeding for prophylactic purposes. This requires raising the awareness of those involved in the production and marketing of milk, so as to take measures to apply good hygienic practices and rationalize the use of zootechnical antibiotics.