Objective:

To isolate Staphylococcus aureus and determine its antimicrobial susceptibility profile from raw and pasteurized milk in Haramaya, Ethiopia, highlighting its public health significance.

Key Findings:

• S. aureus was isolated from both raw and pasteurized milk samples, with contamination rates of X% in raw and Y% in pasteurized.
• Antimicrobial resistance was observed in several S. aureus isolates, with Z% showing resistance to common antibiotics.
• Higher contamination rates were found in raw milk compared to pasteurized milk.

Interpretation:

The presence of S. aureus and its resistance to antibiotics in milk poses significant health risks, particularly in regions with poor hygiene practices, necessitating public health interventions.

Limitations:

• Limited geographical scope may affect generalizability.
• Potential for post-pasteurization contamination not fully assessed, and sampling biases may exist.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the need for improved hygiene practices in milk production and handling to mitigate health risks associated with S. aureus, particularly concerning antibiotic resistance.