News
27.05.2021 - Foods
Traceability of isolates of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes using the MALDI-TOF method
In crisis situations, it is necessary to quickly determine and eliminate the source of contamination. The BAV INSTITUTE conducts comparative examinations of microorganisms using the MALDI-TOF method.
Contaminations of food with Listeria monocytogenes have increasingly been the cause of recalls, illnesses, or crises in recent years.
In these cases, a rapid and reliable determination of the source of contamination ("root cause analysis") is required. This can be a major challenge, as Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes are widespread in our environment, and their occurrence in food companies can usually not be completely excluded.
Through, for example, raw materials or personnel, these bacteria can regularly be introduced into the operation. Many crises caused by Listeria monocytogenes are, however, caused by strains that have permanently settled in the companies. These strains are also known as “persistent” Listeria monocytogenes. Often, these Listeria strains originate from biofilms.
Persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains have been responsible for severe disease outbreaks in several cases in the past. To determine the origin of the bacterial strains and decide whether they originate from raw materials or the company environment, a strain comparison is required.
At the BAV INSTITUTE, these examinations are conducted using the MALDI-TOF method. This is faster and more cost-effective than molecular biological methods that are also used for this purpose. The results of strain comparison investigations with MALDI-TOF are available on the same day after cultural isolation.
Strain comparison investigations are also possible for other pathogens such as Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Cronobacter spp., etc. However, this method can also be successfully used for rapid cause analysis in cases of contamination with spoilage organisms such as lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, pseudomonads, or yeasts.
Using this method and other rapid methods such as RT-PCR, our experts can provide quick and reliable support in crisis situations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.