Rapid detection of Listeria monocytogenes in chicken carcasses by IMS-PCR

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of Listeria monocytogenes as determined in packaged, fresh chicken carcasses purchased from supermarkets in Ankara, Turkey. Immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were performed, based on hlyA gene (listeriolysin O [LLO]) specific primers. A total of 240 chicken carcasses were investigated over a one-year period. Forty-nine (20.2%) of the samples were determined as L. monocytogenes positive. It was found that the seasonal effect was not a significant factor for the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in chicken carcasses.