Özet:

This study investigated the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in fried fish, processing slab and tool in Kwara state, Nigeria. A total of 2400 fish samples, 800 slabs and 800 tool samples were collected aseptically using stratified sampling methods for L. monocytogenes analysis. The samples were cultured for L. monocytogenes using PALCAM and fraser selective agar and supplements. The isolates were characterized using both biochemical and molecular methods. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-square test, P=0.05. The results have showed that 528 (22%), 313 (39.13%) and 195 (24.38%) of the fried fish, slab and tool samples are positive for L. monocytogenes respectively. Molecular characterization using PCR has shown that 25.87% of biochemically characterized isolates are identified as L. monocytogenes. Listeria monocyogenes was identified in fried fish (12.88%), slab (36.41%) and tool (26.41%) samples. There was a significant difference between the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in fish, slab and tools. Fried fish, processing slab and tools were heavily contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Processing slab and tools were identified to be predisposing factors, and therefore calls for attentions.

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