Identification of Mycobacterium bovis in Fresh Cheeses Expended at Markets in the Veracruz-Boca Del Río Metropolitan Area, Mexico

The aim of this study was to identify Mycobacterium bovis presence in fresh cheese sold at markets in the Veracruz-Boca del Rio metropolitan area, Mexico and to determine the associated risk factors, using a cross- sectional study. A sample size of 30 was calculated with the program Win Episcope Ver 2.0. Samples were collected in two occasions, during the dry and rainy seasons of 2010. Sampling was conducted in six cheese markets officially registered by the health authorities. Samples were processed by conventional bacteriological and molecular techniques (PCR). Mycobacterium spp. was isolated from one of the samples (1.67%), but its typing by biochemical tests was unsuccessful; however, by PCR it was identified as M. fortuitum. There were no differences between the variables (p>0.05) and no risk factors were identified. We concluded that Mycobacterium spp. was isolated, even though it was not identified by PCR as M. bovis, but as M. fortuitum.