Assessment of the molecular epidemiology and genetic multiplicity of Listeria monocytogenes recovered from ready-to-eat foods following the South African listeriosis outbreak.

ABSTRACT: Following the recent listeriosis outbreak in South Africa, this study was carried out to assess the safety level of various common ready-to-eat foods (RTE) obtained from supermarkets and grocery stores in major towns and cities within the Amathole, Chris Hani and Sarah Baartman Districts Municipalities, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A sum of 239 food samples was collected from these locations, and Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) was isolated in line with the recommended techniques by the International Organization for Standardization EN ISO 11290:2017 parts 1 and 2. Identification of the pathogen and detection of various associated virulence genes was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques. From the RTE food samples processed, Lm was detected in 107 (44.77%) of the sample

SUBMITTER: Kayode AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9684121 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature