This study investigated the prevalence
of Listeria monocytogenes in fried
fish, processing slab and tool in Kwara state, Nigeria. A total of 2400 fish samples, 800 slabs and
800 tool samples were collected aseptically using stratified sampling methods
for L. monocytogenes analysis. The samples were cultured for L. monocytogenes using PALCAM and fraser
selective agar and supplements. The isolates were characterized using both
biochemical and molecular methods. The
data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and chi-square test, P=0.05. The results have
showed that 528 (22%), 313 (39.13%) and 195 (24.38%) of the fried fish, slab
and tool samples are positive for L.
monocytogenes respectively. Molecular characterization using PCR has shown
that 25.87% of biochemically characterized isolates are identified as L. monocytogenes. Listeria monocyogenes was identified in fried fish (12.88%), slab
(36.41%) and tool (26.41%) samples. There was a significant difference between
the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in
fish, slab and tools. Fried fish, processing slab and tools were heavily
contaminated with L. monocytogenes.
Processing slab and tools were identified to be predisposing factors, and
therefore calls for attentions.