RESUMEN
A total of 200 different samples [100 raw milk, 50 Kareish cheese and 50 yogurts] were collected from dairy shops, street venders and supermarkets from different localities in Alexandria Province to be investigated for presence of bacterial pathogens and to evaluate plasmid profiling as a tool for detection of bacteria transmitted through milk. The results of bacteriological examination firstly revealed that the rates of isolation of E. coli were 18, 26 and 18% from raw milk, kariesh cheese and yoghurt samples, respectively; secondly, results revealed that the rates of isolation of Salmonella species were 5, 6 and 2% from raw mill, kariesh cheese and yoghurt samples, respectively and finally they clarified that the rates of isolation of Staph. aureus were 44, 34 and 18% from raw milk, kariesh cheese and yoghurt samples, respectively. Serological identification of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was carried out. The public health significance of isolated bacteria and the diagnostic value of plasmid were discussed