Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Foodborne listeriosis: Possible different clades from milk and vegetables - A molecular approach to study travel of Listeria monocytogenes

Joint Event on 4^th World Congress and Expo on Applied Microbiology & 2^nd International Conference on Food Microbiology

November 29-December 01, 2017 Madrid, Spain

Ahsan Sattar Sheikh, Faiza Munir and Rabbia Abid

Institute of Food science and Nutrition - Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Microb Biochem Technol

Abstract:

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitous in nature and an important food born pathogen. It can cause an abortion both in humans and animals. Food Standards Agency (FSA) identified it as the highest leading cause of abortion and deaths in England and Wales. The listeriosis mortality rate in developed countries is less than 1%. It is transmitted through milk and fresh vegetables. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess microbial contamination of Listeria monocytogenes in Southern Punjab (Multan), Pakistan. Methodology: In a five months�?? study, total of 82 milk (60 raw milk, 12 pasteurized milk and 10 Tap water sample) and 128 vegetables (103 vegetables and 25 salads - grade 1 or grade 2 salads bars) samples were collected and analyzed for Listeria monocytogenes in the city of Multan, Pakistan. Listeria isolation was accomplished with enrichment followed by listeria selective agar media inoculation. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were confirmed by QTS identification kit, CAMP test, and PCR. Isolates with an antibiotic profile and gene-specific sequencing enabled to study genetic relatedness. Results: Results show 78% vegetable samples and 37% milk samples are contaminated with Listeria. Statistical analysis shows that high temperature and humidity in the evening are highly significant. Antibiotic susceptibility profile show resistance to at least 3 antimicrobial agents (Cefotaxime, Septran, and Penicillin). The phylogenic association shows that shows at least 4-5 clades. One clade represents only milk isolates. Conclusion: This study reports the high prevalence of Listeria species in west and north parts of the Multan city. The region�??s poor hygiene, underdeveloped nature, and environmental issues serve as the platform to listeriosis in the region. Use of molecular sequencing clearly demonstrates differences in molecular evolution in Listeria monocytogenes. It is advised to take precaution in handling, post-harvesting, and transportation of food samples like milk, and vegetables.