Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the presence of Listeria spp. and the serotype distribution of L. monocytogenes in fifty frozen broiler carcass samples obtained from different producers. USDA/FSIS suggested method was used for the isolation and identification of Listeria spp. Overall, 5 different Listeria species could be isolated from 94 % of frozen broiler carcasses. L. innocua was the most prevalent species with 90 % (45/50) followed by L. monocytogenes with 30 % (15/50), L. welshimeri with % 8 (4/50), L. grayi with 2 % (1/50) and L. murrayi with % 2 (1/50) respectively. According to the analysis there were mixed contamination of L. innocua with other Listeria species. Serotyping showed that 73.3 % of isolates of the L. monocytogenes belonged to serotype 1/2a, while 6.7 % belonged to serotype 1/2b, 6.7 % belonged to serotype 1/2c, 6.7 % belonged to serotype 3c and % 6.7 belonged serotype 4b. It is concluded that the presence of L. monocytogenes on 30 % of frozen broiler carcasses sampled reemphasizes the importance of maintaining good hygienic practices in production, processing and the consumers kitchen to avoid of human infections.

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