Molecular detection of Listeria monocytogenes pathogenic genes as food poisoning micro-organism isolated from ready-to-eat meals in Port-Said City markets.

摘要

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes among ready-to-eat (RTE) meals using the classical methods of isolation in comparison to molecular tools. The virulence gene cluster (pVGC) responsible for initiation of pathogenesis (prfA gene) was also detected. 105 RTE meals (kofta, fried liver, luncheon meat, sausage, hotdog, cooked cheese with basturma and basturma) were collected from supermarkets and street vendors in Port-Said City (Egypt). L. monocytogenes was isolated from basturma in 4 samples (26.6%). The bacteria was not isolated from any other samples examined. The virulence gene prfA was found in all the isolates. PRC was observed as a powerful technique for detecting pathogens in foods. The public health hazard of L. monocytogenes and recommended measures to improve the quality of RTE meals was discussed.