[Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus and thermonuclease: risk indicators of staphylococcal poisoning with milk...

We examined 159 samples of milk and milk products for staphylococcal count and presence of thermonuclease. Highest count for S aureus was found in cheese, followed by raw milk. Enterotoxins, mostly A and D, were found in 32% of 34 S aureus strains isolated from cheese and milk. Thermonuclease was detected in dried milk and cheese. Identification of this enzyme is a good method to evaluate risk of food poisoning from S aureus contamination.