Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Kocatepe Veterinary Journal, cilt.18, sa.4, ss.341-348, 2025 (TRDizin)
Listeria
monocytogenes is a
foodborne pathogen that can cause serious diseases in humans and has a high
mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the presence of L. monocytogenes in red meat and meat
products, identify the serotypes that may be pathogenic, and assess the risk
of infection from consumed foods in terms of public health. A total of 300 samples collected under
aseptic conditions from retail outlets in Istanbul were analyzed. According to
the cultural methods and biochemical test results, a total of 83 Listeria spp. suspected isolates were
identified, of which 7.7% (24/300) were confirmed as L. monocytogenes. Listeria
spp. isolates were subjected to verification using the Vitek 2 system, with 24
(28.9%) isolates identified as L.
monocytogenes, 44 (53%) isolates identified as L. innocua, 5 (6%) isolates as L.
grayi, 6 (7.2%) isolates as L.
welshimeri, and 4 (4.8%) isolates as Listeria
spp. The total distribution of L.
monocytogenes isolates according to serotypes was as follows: 10 (41.6%)
1/2a, 3 (12.5%) 1/2b, 1 (4.8%) 1/2c, 5 (20.8%) 3a, 4 (19%) 3c, and 1 (4.8%) 4b
serotypes. Based on the results, a quantitative risk assessment was conducted,
revealing that 98 minced meat and meat products, each weighing 0.3 kg/day, 5
sausages, 1 salami, and 1 sausage product could be contaminated with L. monocytogenes. In conclusion,
cross-contamination is likely to play a critical role in the transmission of L. monocytogenes. It is concluded that
there is a need to implement effective food safety management approaches. Measures
at all stages of the consumer level, including slaughter, processing,
retailing, transportation, and cooking of red meat and meat products, are
important for reducing the burden of exposure to this risk for consumers,
thereby enhancing public health.