Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in Beef, Chevon and Chicken in Bangladesh

The present research was conducted for the isolation and characterization of the Listeria monocytogenes from meat samples collected from different local markets around Mymensingh town such as Boira, Paglar bazar, Kawatkhali bazar, Kamal-Ranjit (K-R) market and Shes More bazar. A total of 36 meat samples were collected from cattle, goat and chicken. After preparation the samples were inoculated into different selective media such as Oxford Agar, Mannitol Salt Agar and Blood Agar for isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes. In Oxford Agar, Listeria spp. produced black zone around the colonies. Gram staining, motility test, blood hemolysis, Christe Atkins Munch Peterson (CAMP) test and biochemical test were performed to confirm L. monocytogenes. The L. monocytogenes fermented dextrose and maltose with the production of only acid and no gas was observed in Durham′s tube. The L. monocytogenes were found Methyl-Red and Voges-Proskauer (MR-VP) test positive but indole negative. L. monocytogenes were catalase, CAMP test positive and motile. Among 36 meat samples, 4 (11.11%) were L. monocytogenes. Among animal species, the distribution of L. monocytogenes was 8.33% (1/12) in chicken, 16.66% (2/12) in beef and 8.33% (1/12) in chevon. The market wise distribution of L. monocytogenes was 0% in Boira, Paglar bazar, 11.11% in KR market, 22.22% in Shesmore bazar and 11.11% in Kawatkhali bazar. The L. monocytogenes isolate was resistant to ampicillin and penicillin; sensitive to the ciprofloxacin, vancomycin and gentamicin. This is the first report on isolation and identification of L. Monocytogenes from beef, chevon and chicken in Bangladesh. The multidrug resistant L. monocytogenes may be transmitted to the human through consumption of contaminated meat and may lead to public health hazard.