Virulence Potential of Listeria monocytogenes Recovered from Ice cream and Aborted Women Samples in Sohag city, Egypt

Abstract

The circulation of virulence strains of L. monocytogenes in food products increased the burden of transmission of these pathogens to human especially those with impaired immunity such as pregnant women leading to abortion. This study detected the existence of L. monocytogenes and some of its virulence genes in ice cream sold in different food premises in Sohag city and aborted women admitted to Sohag Governmental Hospitals, as well as exhibit the risk factors related to aborted women infection. The samples including 200 ice cream samples from which; 100 produced in small scale and 100 in large scale, and from 95 aborted women; vaginal swabs, stool, and urine were collected from each woman. The bacteriological examination and PCR were used for L. monocytogenes detection, and the virulence genes such as hlyA, Iap, PrfA, and InlA were examined by PCR, while multiplex PCR was used for the detection of biofilm genes like LuxS and flaA which have a great role in surfaces contamination in dairy processing plants. Data from aborted women was collected through standard form. 11 (5.5%) ice cream samples and 9 (9.5%) aborted women were positive for L. monocytogenes. Ice cream that produced in small scale exhibit a higher microbial load than that produced in large scale with a percentage of 8% and 3%, respectively. The significant factors that increase L. monocytogenes infection in aborted women were residence, the medical history, ice cream consumption, and contact with animals. Among the 6 examined genes in L. monocytogenes isolates; hylA gene constitutes the highest percent in both ice cream and aborted women isolates. Control measures should be applied through increased knowledge of population about listeriosis infection and using rapid diagnostic methods for effective treatment, as well as strict hygienic measures at all levels of food production chain is important for producing safe food products.