Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes Strain Distribution in a Pork Slaughter and Cutting Plant in the Province of Quebec

2014 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 2121-2128 ◽  
Author(s):  
GUILLAUME LARIVIÉRE-GAUTHIER ◽  
ANN LETELLIER ◽  
ANNAËLLE KÉROUANTON ◽  
SADJIA BEKAL ◽  
SYLVAIN QUESSY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Plant Environment ◽  
Production Stages

Following the 2008 Canadian listeriosis outbreak associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products, regulations on the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in RTE food production facilities were modified by Health Canada, confirming the need to control this pathogen, not only in the final product but also in the plant environment. Information on the occurrence of this microorganism during the early steps of production, such as the slaughtering process and in the cutting area, is scarce in Canada. In this study, we sampled different production steps in a slaughtering and cutting plant in the province of Quebec over a 2-year period. The lairage pens, representative areas of the slaughter line, and cutting zones were targeted after their respective cleaning procedures. A total of 874 samples were analyzed for the presence of L. monocytogenes. Characterization was done by first genoserogrouping the isolates using multiplex PCR and then using a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis approach. L. monocytogenes was detected throughout all production stages. The 108 positive samples found were analyzed further, and we established that there were 4 different serogroups, with serogroup IIb being the most prevalent. The results of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis showed a significant decrease in the diversity of strains from the first areas of the plant to the cutting room (10 pulsotypes in 13 positive samples in lairage and 9 in 86 positive samples in cutting) and also showed the overrepresentation of a single predominant strain in the cutting room environment (type 1, representing 96.1% of the isolates). Biofilm formation analysis of the strains cannot exclusively explain the transitions we observed. A strong genotypic similarity between strains isolated in the early production areas and some strains in the cutting room was shown. These results support the need for better surveillance of L. monocytogenes prior to RTE food production in order to design control strategies that are better adapted from a public health perspective.

scholarly journals Characterization of epidemic clones of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b isolated from humans and meat products in Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (09) ◽  
pp. 962-969 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Victor Barbosa ◽  
Aloysio de Mello Figueiredo Cerqueira ◽  
Leonardo Alves Rusak ◽  
Cristhiane Moura Falavina Dos Reis ◽  
Nilma Cintra Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Virulence Genes ◽  
Foodborne Pathogen ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Human Case ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Serotype 4B

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen and the 4b serotype is responsible for many cases of human listeriosis reported in Brazil. Several listeriosis outbreaks worldwide have involved a small number of well-defined clonal groups, designated as epidemic clones (ECs). Methodology: We studied 71 strains of serotype 4b, including 25 isolates from human cases of listeriosis and 46 from meat-based foods, collected in Brazil between 1977 and 2010. The presence of ECs (I and II) markers and virulence genes (inlA, inlB, ilnC, inlJ and actA) were evaluated by PCR assay. The genetic relationship of ECs-positive strains was assessed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Results: ECI and ECII markers were found both in human and food strains, with 19.7% positive for the ECI marker and 40.8% for ECII. Most strains (97.2%) were positive for the virulence genes that were studied. Nevertheless, the actA gene amplicons showed two distinct sizes, with all ECI positive strains exhibiting a 105bp deletion. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis allowed the recognition of highly related strains, particularly from two outbreaks of neonatal listeriosis in São Paulo State occurred in 1992 and 1997, both ECII-positive; and two ECI strains from a human case (1982) and from bovine meat (2009). Conclusions: The presence of ECs among clinical samples and beef isolates of serotype 4b from some regions of Brazil highlights the need for rigorous control of production procedures. Furthermore, the association of ECII with two nosocomial outbreaks suggests its ability to spread in these settings.

Monitoring Hygiene On- and At-Line Is Critical for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes during Produce Processing

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
KRYSTYNA PAPPELBAUM ◽  
KATHARINA GRIF ◽  
INGRID HELLER ◽  
REINHARD WÜRZNER ◽  
INGEBORG HEIN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Critical Control Point ◽  
Plant Environment

The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in different types of produce and on processing plant environments was investigated over a 4-year period in a large produce processing plant in Poland. Prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 46% in frozen vegetables and 41.3% in swab samples taken from the plant environment. Survival studies using artificial inocula demonstrated that the number of Listeria in frozen produce stored for 100 days did not significantly decrease in relation to the initial contamination level. A subset of 129 L. monocytogenes isolates originating from produce and the plant environment were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Seventy-six of these isolates were retyped by ribo- and serotyping. Thirteen pulsotypes and 18 ribotypes were distinguished. Persistent Listeria isolates were found even when cleansing and sanitization was applied on a daily basis. Nine (69.2%) of 13 pulsotypes were recovered during a period of more than 2 years. L. monocytogenes of the same pulsotype was isolated from broccoli sampled directly before and after blanching, thus suggesting that blanching at 92 to 95°C for 4 to 8 min did not result in a Listeria-free product, most likely due to massive recontamination. This finding is of importance since blanching is the only critical control point in produce processing. Cross-contamination between the two lines was demonstrated through isolating L. monocytogenes strains indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from contaminated gloves and floor surfaces.

scholarly journals Caracterização molecular de Listeria monocytogenes oriundas de cortes cárneos bovinos e de abatedouros frigoríficos de bovinos localizados no Distrito Federal, Brasil

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 957-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana M. Palma ◽  
◽  
Rodrigo C. Lisboa ◽  
Dália P. Rodrigues ◽  
André F.M. Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Distrito Federal

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a detecção de cepas de Listeria monocytogenes de cortes cárneos bovinos bem como no ambiente de abatedouros frigoríficos localizados no Distrito Federal, promover a sorotipificação pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), realizar antibiograma e submeter às cepas à eletroforese de campo pulsado (Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis - PFGE). Foram analisados um total de 125 cortes cárneos bovinos, 45 amostras de swabs de carcaças e 43 amostras de swabs em que foram detectados 13 cepas de Listeria monocytogenes, sendo 11 em cortes cárneos bovinos e 2 swabs de ambiente em um abatedouro frigorifico. Não foram isoladas cepas de swabs de carcaça. Dentre as 13 cepas de Listeria monocytogenes foram encontradas seis cepas do sorotipo 4b, cinco do sorotipo 1/2c e duas cepas do sorotipo 1/2a. Dentre as 11 cepas de L. monocytogenes encontradas em cortes cárneos bovino, uma (9,1%) cepa apresentou resistência a eritromicina, outra (9,1%) cepa a gentamicina e outra a ciprofloxacina (9,1%) e todas as cepas (100%) apresentaram resistência ao Ác. Nalidíxico. Das duas (2) cepas oriundas de ralos de abatedouro frigorífico, todas (100%) apresentaram resistência ao Ác. Nalidíxico e a sulfonamidas. A análise por eletroforese de campo pulsante (PFGE) demonstrou 13 diferentes pulsotipos, em que foram agrupados em 3 diferentes grupos clonais, que coincidentemente se correlacionavam com os 3 diferentes sorotipos encontrados sugerindo uma ampla disseminação desses perfis no Distrito Federal.

Isolation and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing of Listeria monocytogenes from Modified Atmosphere Packaged Fresh-Cut Vegetables Collected in Ireland

2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (10) ◽  
pp. 2524-2528 ◽  
Author(s):  
GILLIAN A. FRANCIS ◽  
DAVID O'BEIRNE
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Modified Atmosphere ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Fresh Cut ◽  
Pfge Profiles

The incidence of Listeria monocytogenes in modified atmosphere packaged fresh-cut fruits and vegetables from chill cabinets of a supermarket in Ireland was investigated over a 2-year period. Overall, 9.58% of fresh-cut produce was contaminated with Listeria spp. Various species of Listeria were isolated from samples, including L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, L. innocua, L. welshimeri, and L. ivanovii. No fruit samples contained detectable L. monocytogenes. Overall, a total of 21 L. monocytogenes isolates (2.9% of samples) were recovered from a range of products, including dry coleslaw mix (80% shredded cabbage and 20% shredded carrot), bean sprouts, and leafy vegetables such iceberg, romaine, and radicchio lettuce and mixed salad leaves (curly endive, escarole, and radicchio leaves). Dry coleslaw mix appeared to have the highest incidence of Listeria contamination (20%) compared with other products. Listeria contamination was more frequent (P < 0.05) during the summer and autumn months than during the winter and spring months. The 21 L. monocytogenes isolates were subsequently subtyped by genomic macrorestriction techniques using ApaI with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE of digested DNA produced bands of 79 to 518 kb. Four PFGE profiles were identified, and approximately 50% of the isolates were associated with profile 1. This study indicates that fresh-cut vegetables packaged under a modified atmosphere can support growth of numerous species of Listeria, including L. monocytogenes.

scholarly journals Sources of Listeria monocytogenes Contamination in a Cold-Smoked Rainbow Trout Processing Plant Detected by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Typing

1999 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Autio ◽  
Sebastian Hielm ◽  
Maria Miettinen ◽  
Anna-Maija Sjöberg ◽  
Kaarina Aarnisalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Eradication Program ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Raw Fish

ABSTRACT Sites of Listeria monocytogenes contamination in a cold-smoked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) processing plant were detected by sampling the production line, environment, and fish at different production stages. Two lots were monitored. The frequency of raw fish samples containing L. monocytogenes was low. During processing, the frequency of fish contaminated with L. monocytogenes clearly rose after brining, and the most contaminated sites of the processing plant were the brining and postbrining areas. A total of 303 isolates from the raw fish, product, and the environment were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE yielded nine pulsotypes, which formed four clusters. The predominating L. monocytogenespulsotypes of the final product were associated with brining and slicing, whereas contaminants of raw fish were not detected in the final product. Air-mediated contamination in the plant could not be proved. In accordance with these results, an L. monocytogenes eradication program was planned. The use of hot steam, hot air, and hot water seemed to be useful in eliminatingL. monocytogenes. None of the control samples taken in the 5 months after the eradication program was implemented containedL. monocytogenes.

Evaluation of Logistic Processing To Reduce Cross-Contamination of Commercial Broiler Carcasses with Campylobacter spp.

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (11) ◽  
pp. 2549-2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
LAKSHMI-PRASANNA POTTURI-VENKATA ◽  
STEFFEN BACKERT ◽  
SERGIO L. VIEIRA ◽  
OMAR A. OYARZABAL
Keyword(s):  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
Large Problem ◽  
Pulsed Field ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Commercial Broiler ◽  
Simple Logistic ◽  
Campylobacter Spp

Cross-contamination of broiler carcasses with Campylobacter is a large problem in food production. Here, we investigated whether the contamination of broilers carcasses from Campylobacter-negative flocks can be avoided by logistic scheduling during processing. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from several commercial broiler flocks and enumerated for Campylobacter spp. Based on enumeration results, flocks were categorized as Campylobacter negative or Campylobacter positive. The schedule of processing included the testing of Campylobacter-positive flocks before or after the testing of Campylobacter-negative flocks. During processing, flocks were also sampled for Campylobacter spp. before and after chilling. Campylobacter strains were identified with multiplex PCR and analyzed for relatedness with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Our results show that Campylobacter-negative flocks were indeed contaminated with Campylobacter strains originating from previously processed Campylobacter-positive flocks. Campylobacter isolates collected from carcasses originating from different farms processed on the same day showed similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns, confirming cross-contamination. These findings suggest that a simple logistic processing schedule can preserve the Campylobacter-negative status of broiler carcasses and result in products with enhanced food safety.

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