EVALUATION OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF CHICKEN EGGS FROM DIFFERENT POULTRY FARMS IN AL ZAWIA REGION

Table eggs are consumed worldwide and are considered the most nutritious inexpensive source of protein that makes part of a healthy diet. Mistreated eggs have the ability to carry microorganisms or microbial toxins causing disease. The objective of this study is to determine how safe eggs are by identifying the bacterial load and pathogens resident on eggshells. Method: This study was conducted in the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Technology Sabratha. Shells of One hundred and fifty of chicken eggs collected from different poultry farms in region of Alzawia-Libya. Each egg shell membrane was swabbed and immediately transferred to appropriate broth media and incubated at 37°C° for 18 hours. After incubation period a loop-full of broth media was transferred to agar media and incubated at 37°C for 48 hrs. Results: The result obtained showed microbial contamination was present on 135 (90%) of all eggshells. Of the microorganisms present 43% was bacteria and 47% was fungi. Conclusion: It can be concluded that eggs got from the Libyan farm-hens can be contaminated and need for optimum hygienic conditions at the farm level to decrease the bacterial load.