Significance and Characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in Poultry Products Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study focused on the prevalence and characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in poultry products. It also examined the role of poultry as a potential vehicle for the transmission of Listeria, its resistance to antibiotics, and the various serotypes of Listeria present in poultry products. The study investigated factors such as contamination rates, serotype distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and the use of molecular methods for subtyping.
Who was studied?
The study specifically analyzed Listeria monocytogenes isolates from poultry, including raw chicken meat, ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry products, and various poultry products such as chicken carcasses, turkey meat, and offal. The research involved isolating and characterizing these bacteria from poultry products collected in different regions to assess their prevalence and resistance patterns.
What were the most important findings?
The study revealed that Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in poultry products, with varying contamination rates depending on the type of product and its preparation. The contamination rate for poultry meat and products ranged widely, from 8% to 99%, with raw poultry showing higher contamination levels compared to cooked products. Serotypes 1/2b and 3b (serogroup IIb) were the most prevalent in chicken carcasses, followed by serotypes 4b and 1/2a, commonly associated with human listeriosis. Antibiotic resistance was a notable concern, with some Listeria isolates showing resistance to multiple antibiotics, including tetracycline, erythromycin, and penicillin. However, the isolates showed consistent susceptibility to ampicillin and vancomycin, which are typically used for treating human listeriosis. Molecular methods, such as RAPD-PCR, were found to be effective for subtyping and identifying genetic diversity among Listeria isolates, providing insights into their clonal relationships and transmission routes in poultry processing environments.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study highlights the significant food safety risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes in poultry products. The high prevalence of contamination, particularly in raw and ready-to-eat poultry products, underscores the need for improved hygiene and control measures in poultry processing and food handling. The resistance to common antibiotics, along with the potential for cross-contamination in poultry production, calls for better surveillance and stricter regulations to monitor and control Listeria in the food industry. The use of molecular subtyping techniques also emphasizes the importance of genetic tracking in identifying contamination sources and preventing outbreaks of listeriosis. This study serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenge of managing Listeria in the food supply, particularly in products like poultry that are consumed widely.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen capable of surviving in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes has the unique ability to evade the immune system by moving directly from cell to cell within the host. This intracellular lifestyle allows the bacterium to avoid extracellular immune detection, contributing to its ability to cause invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised.