A STUDY OF THE NUMBER AND PHAGE PATTERNS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN AN ABATTOIR

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Abstract
Two hundred and forty-seven samples were taken from various areas within an abattoir and the levels of Staphylococcus aureus determined. Sixty-one phage patterns were found in the 141 samples containing coagulase-positive staphylococci. The incidence of coagulase positive staphylococci increased as processing progressed. Articles such as mesh gloves, hands and aprons which were either difficult to effectively clean or maintained at elevated temperatures harboured the greatest numbers of staphylococci. Over 50% of the positive samples contained multiple phage patterns of staphylococci.