Microbiological Quality of “Rabilé”, a Yeast Used for Fermentation of Dolo, a Local Beer in Dédougou, Burkina Faso

Sorghum beer or dolo is part of the eating habits of part of the population of Dédougou because of its low price compared with industrial beers. Its production is an ancestral tradition that uses traditional equipment and gives dolo organoleptic properties that are not found in industrial beers. The production process involves several stages, including fermentation, which itself comprises natural lactic fermentation followed by alcoholic fermentation using traditional yeasts, which are not controlled in any way. The general aim of this study is to assess the microbiological quality of these fermentative yeasts in the town of Dédougou, in order to contribute to the health safety of the population and the promotion of these local beers. Twenty samples of fermenting yeast were analyzed according to ISO standards, to isolate enterobacteria, total and faecal coliforms according to standard procedures for isolating these micro-organisms. The isolated strains were identified using the API20E gallery. Microbiological analyses revealed the presence of 51.17% enterobacteria, 45.38% total coliforms and 3.45% thermotolerant coliforms. We counted 40% Escherichia coli, 20% Enterobacter cloacae, 20% Klebsiella pneumoniae and 20% Klebsiella spp. All the strains detected are capable of surviving in hostile conditions and could harm the quality of the dolo, consumer health and cause real collective food poisoning in the town of Dédougou. This enabled us to assess the microbial quality of these yeasts and to propose more suitable measures for producing and preserving dolo under hygienic conditions to protect consumer health.