Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in raw milk in Kerman, Iran

Listeria monocytogenes as one of the most important pathogen in public health concerns is transmitted through consumption of contaminated food. The pathogen has been considered as a potential source of contamination of raw milk and dairy products. This research was aimed to investigate prevalence of L. monocytogenes in raw milk in Kerman region. In the summer of 2011, a total number of one hundred raw milk samples were collected from bulk tanks of some dairy farms and tested for iap and actA genes using polymerase chain reaction. Among the 100 samples, five isolates (5.0%) were detected as L. monocytogenes based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Considering the low frequency of L. monocytogenes in this study, raw milk cannot be omitted as a potential source of food contamination for the population of the region. To achieve more accurate isolation, identification and control of L. monocytogenes in raw milk, it is suggested that new standard laboratory methods be implemented as well as biosafety outreach programs, management techniques and education.