Veterinary World (Jan 2009)
Using of PCR assay for identification of Listeria monocytogenes recovered from table eggs
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes contaminating egg shells and contents of table eggs sold in Assiutcity, Egypt. A total of 300 fresh table eggs were collected randomly from different markets in which every 3 eggs from each market were represented as one egg pooled sample. Each of egg shell and content was subjected to procedures of isolation of L. monocytogenes followed by PCR assay for theprfA gene for identification. It was found that egg shells were contaminated by 7% while none of egg contents were contaminated, concluding that egg shell was more subjected to contamination with L. monocytogenes than egg content. The obtained results revealed the degree of contamination and public health hazard in the surroundings contacting eggs until reaching the markets and consequently the consumers. It can be concluded that it was uncomfortable result to find L. monocytogenes by this degree of contamination in table eggs and how extent the zoonotic view is meaningful. Future control strategies need to consider variations in the epidemiologies of food-borne zoonotic infections, and apply a quantitative risk analysis approach to ensure that the most cost-effective programs are developed. [Vet World 2009; 2(12.000): 453-455]
