Listeria monocytogenes: diagnostic problems.
The first isolation methods for the detection of Listeria spp. were generally based on the direct culture of samples on simple agar media, but isolation of the pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes was difficult. In time, new techniques were developed, based on a variety of selective and elective agents in isolation and enrichment media, which gained better and quicker results. Current reference methods allow the recovery of L. monocytogenes from a variety of foods with relative ease. However, more comparative studies are needed to select one horizontal method. It is suggested that the procedure of the International Organization for Standardization is a good base for such comparisons.
Beumer
Rijkelt R
RR
Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Wageningen University, PO Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands. rijkelt.beumer@micro.fdsci.wau.nl
Hazeleger
Wilma C
WC
D000818:Animals; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002417:Cattle; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003470:Culture Media; D003611:Dairy Products / Q000382:microbiology; D005506:Food Contamination; D005511:Food Handling; D005516:Food Microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D007753:Laboratories; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D008460:Meat / Q000382:microbiology; D012015:Reference Standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017747:Seafood / Q000382:microbiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003470:Culture Media