This survey aimed to study the occurrence of Listeria species in fish and meat samples and characterization of their virulence genes. Over all, Listeria spp. was found in 25.22% samples out of which 9.0% and 16.21% were L. monocytogenes and L. innocua, respectively. L. monocytogenes (n=10) belonged to 4b, 4d and 4e serovars. All the isolates revealed presence of virulence genes- plcA and iap, while plcB gene was also present in 90% of the isolates. The occurrence of L. monocytogenes in samples shows cogent evidence for their zoonotic potential and has public health significance.
Listeria spp., Prevalence, Serotypes, Virulence gene, Antimicrobials, Susceptibility
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