Presence and virulence characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from fish samples in the Black Sea, Turkey

Listeria monocytogenes, characterized by a high mortality rate in humans, is bacterium that causes listeriosis and found various aquatic products. The aim of this research was to investigate the presence, serotype distribution, virulence factor genes, antibiotic susceptibility L. monocytogenes strains isolated from total 500 fish samples whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus) (n:243) striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) (n:257) caught Black Sea between years 2013-2014. Only one (0.2%) strain (striped mullet) according cultural method (EN ISO 11290-1) confirmed PCR analysis. identified as serogroup 4b-4d-4e. Furthermore, harboured hlyA, inlA, inlC, inlJ, plcA, plcB, prfA, mpl, actA, monoA-B, flaA, lip 1-2a, fri, iap, gtcA genes except dltA gene. On other hand, ampicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, trimetophrim/sulfamethoxazole, penicillin G evaluated with disc-diffusion method. According results, 4b-4d-4e be unique raw susceptible all tested antibiotics. In addition, it considered carrying out different seas species would appropriate for determining prevalence characteristics monocytogenes.