Seafood a potential source of some zoonotic bacteria in Zagazig, Egypt, with the molecular detection of Listeria monocytogenes virulence genes

This article describes the results of a study conducted on 71 fresh seafood samples (fish and shellfish) marketed in Zagazig city, Sharkia province, Egypt, as well as on 50 human stool samples collected at the Zagazig University Hospital. The samples were examined for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. The investigation of L. monocytogenes virulence genes was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), while the microbiological quality of the seafood samples was evaluated using the coliform count and aerobic plate count (APC) as indicators. Out of the examined 71 seafood samples, 20 (28.2\%) were identified as L. monocytogenes, 15 (75\%) of which were confirmed as virulent strains. Also, out of 50 human stool samples, only 1 (2\%) was identified as virulent L. monocytogenes. E. coli serotypes were isolated from only 11.3\% of seafood and 30\% of human stool samples. In shellfish, the APC and most probable number of coliforms (MPC) were higher than those obtained from other fish samples. Multiplex PCR targeting internalin genes allowed simultaneous identification of L. monocytogenes and differentiation of virulent strains, thus enabling more timely detection of cases and sources of food borne listeriosis. The article concludes by stressing that the isolation of potentially virulent L. monocytogenes and E. coli from both seafood samples and humans emphasises the potential public health hazard caused by eating raw or undercooked shellfish.