Molecular Characterization of Multi-Drug Resistant Fungal Isolates Obtained from Raw Cow Milk in Bowen University, Nigeria

Abstract Cow milk is a highly nutritious food but many factors predispose it to microbial contamination. There paucity of information on antifungal-resistant pathogens. Hence the study investigated fungi from fresh cow samples and their resistance some antifungals. Twenty-seven (27) were isolated forty-three ( n =43) PDA (Potato dextrose agar) media, re-cultured in glucose yeast extract broth, incubated for 24 hours at 25°C. Taxonomic characterization isolates was done using photomicrography. Percentage occurrence determined. Molecular carried out which 100% resistant antifungals; ketoconazole, amphotericin B, clotrimazole ITS1 ITS4 primers. Isolate sequences subjected BLAST analysis compared with representatives GenBank. Kruskal-Wallis Mann-Whitney Tests used analyze data. Phylogenetic morphological identified as Rhodotorula paludigena, Candida sp tropicalis had 31.8%, 31.8% 36.6% respectively. Level ketoconazole (100%) B (92%) significantly higher than (59%) (p< 0.05), while between there no significant (p> 0.05) difference. Unprocessed raw potential source drug-resistant pathogenic fungi. Pasteurization encouraged before consumption.