Özet:

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen, which has great importance for human and animal health. Although 13 serotypes have been identified for L. monocytogenes, four of these serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c and 4b) are significant with regard to human listeriosis. With this study, beef, sheep and chicken meat samples were examined for L. monocytogenes and serotype of isolates were detected by molecular methods. A total of 156 marketed meat samples comprising of beef, sheep and chicken were collected from different supermarkets, butchers and retail shops. L. monocytogenes contamination rate was found as 12.8% in overall meat samples. In this study L. monocytogenes were detected in meat samples of beef, sheep and chicken meat samples as 14.8% (8 of 54), 9.6% (5 of 52), 14% (7 of 50), respectively. Common serotype was belonged to 1/2c in beef meats, 1/2a in chicken meats. L. monocytogenes strains of sheep were serotyped first time and dominant serotype was found to be 1/2c in Turkey. The presence of L. monocytogenes, contamination level and predominant serotype distribution in diverse foods should be elucidated with comprehensive studies mainly in animal products. Additionally, genetic relationship of human and animal isolates should be revealed and the role of animal products in human listeriosis should be investigated.

Anahtar Kelimeler: