Virulence genes of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from some ready-to-eat chicken meals

Abstract EN

This study was conducted in Assiut, Egypt, to investigate the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in a total of 75 ready-to-eat (RTE) cooked chicken meals collected from different restaurants.

All isolates were further examined for the virulence marker gene and antibiotic resistance genes.

L.

monocytogenes were isolated from 4(5.3%) of the samples analyzed, including 2(8%) of chicken shawerma, 1(4%) of chicken burger and 1(4%) of chicken breast fillet.

All the recovered L.

monocytogenes organisms were confirmed by PCR assay for the presence of 16S rRNA gene and all of the tested isolates harboured this gene, among which 100% were revealed to incode inlA and inlB virulence genes.

Whereas, all four (100%) isolates of L.

monocytogenes were found to harbor mefA gene (macrolides resistance gene) and Aad6 gene (aminoglycosides resistance gene).

While, Kan gene (Kanamycin resistance gene), tetM gene (tetracycline resistance gene) and Cat gene (chloramphenicol resistance gene) couldn't be detected in any examined strains.

These results signify the importance of sustained surveillance of L.

monocytogenes in cooked chicken meat to minimize the risk of contamination and protecting consumers against outbreaks.