Scientists in India have reported a rare case of infection in a woman who consumed unpasteurized dairy products before falling sick. Lactococcus lactis cremoris, previously known as Streptococcus lactis, is rarely reported as a cause of human infections. It is widely used in the production of fermented products in the dairy industry.
As it lives on the skin of cattle, it is thought to contaminate milk. Bacteria used in food preparation are commonly killed during digestion. However, Lactococcus remains viable even after going through the gastrointestinal tract.
The study, published in Cureus, a Springer Nature journal , details a probable case of food poisoning caused by Lactococcus lactis cremoris in an adult woman. A 58-year-old female was taken to an emergency room with a history of sudden onset of high-grade fever, vomiting, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Link to raw milk products Researchers from the Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Ambala, India, said that Lactococcus lactis cremoris was isolated from her blood culture.
The patient’s history included travel to a local pilgrimage and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products leading up to the incident. A detailed history was taken from a family member to understand the source of infection. The patient had gone on a pilgrimage, during which she was consuming outside food, dairy products, and water.
Though uncertain, the consumption of unpasteurized milk or dairy products could.