In the present study one hundred random samples of fresh Tilapia nilotica samples were purchased
from different fish markets in Cairo, Kalyobia and Beheira governorates. The collected samples were
bacteriologically examined for detection of L. monocytogenes. The obtained results revealed that 7 of
L. monocytogenes were isolated from fresh Tilapia nilotica fish samples in Egyptian fish market
identified by biochemical test. The 7 isolates were exposed to PCR technique and only 4 isolates were
confirmed to be L. monocytogenes. The highest prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes (3%) was
observed in fresh Tilapia nilotica from marketed fish while lower prevalence of L. monocytogenes
(1%) was seen in fresh Tilapia nilotica from farm fish. Concerning the other Listeria species, 27
isolates, eight isolates (8%) were L. ivanovii, five isolates (5%) were L. innocua, five isolates (5%)
were L. seeligeri, six (6%) isolates were L. welshimeri, and three (3%) isolates were L. grayi. The
public health significance of the isolated microorganisms and the probable sources of Tilapia nilotica
contamination as well as the suspected recommendations to prevent them to gain access to such food
items were discussed. |
