Integrated Bacteriological and Molecular Surveillance of Listeria monocytogenes in Food and Environmental Samples from Nineveh, Iraq

• Ali Adnan younis 1 Hala A. Salih 2 Taha mohammed 3

  Author

The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of listeria monocytogenes in selected food samples collected from Nineveh, Iraq, 100 food samples were collected, including raw milk, Arab cheese, canned food sausages, local meats, and leafy green vegetables. Suspected samples were divided into 6 PCR and 13 VITEK samples using an integrated diagnostic approach, Detection was performed though a comprehensive sequential workflow combining conventional culture methods, chromogenic media, automated identification using the (VITEK 2 compact system) and molecular confirmation by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA and hlyA genes.

No confirmed isolates of Listeria monocytogenes were detected of Listeria monocytogenes were detected among the examined samples during the study period, the consistency of negative findings across all diagnostic platforms, together with successful amplification of the positive control strain, supports the analytical reliability of the methods used and indicate that negative results were unlikely to be technical limitations.

These findings suggest a low detectable occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes under the conditions of the present study, nevertheless, continued molecular surveillance remains essential to monitor potential contamination risks and to support food safety assessment in the local production environment.

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