Molecular studies on toxigenic strains of bacillus cereus isolated from some meat products

A total of 120 random samples of meat products including luncheon, sausage, minced meat and beefburger (30 from each) were collected from different supermarkets in Gharbia Governorate. The collectedsamples were transferred directly to the laboratory to be examined bacteriologically for the detection ofB. cereus. All samples were cultured at 37°C for 24 hours aerobically on selective media (PEMBA) forisolation and purification and on sheep blood agar to observe the hemolysis properties. The resultsrevealed that the incidence of B. cereus was 20%, 36.37%, 40% and 56.67% in luncheon, beef burger,sausage and Minced meat, respectively. The suspected colonies were examined for their colonialmorphology, microscopical examination, and biochemical reactions.VITEK2 BCL Card was used formore identification of B. cereus strains. The public health hazards of the isolated strains were discussed