Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes - Traceability using the MALDI-TOF method
Feb 25, 2022 - Foods
Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes - Traceability using the MALDI-TOF method
In crisis cases, it is necessary to quickly identify and eliminate the cause of contamination.
In recent years, contamination of food with Listeria monocytogenes has increasingly been the cause of recalls, illnesses, or crises.
In these cases, a rapid and reliable determination of the contamination cause ("root-cause analysis") is required. This can be a major challenge because Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes are widespread in our environment, and their occurrence in food businesses can often not be completely excluded.
These bacteria can regularly be introduced into the business, e.g., via raw materials or personnel. However, many crises caused by Listeria monocytogenes are due to strains that have permanently settled in the operations. These strains are also referred to as "persistent" Listeria monocytogenes. These Listeria strains often originate from biofilms.
In the past, persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains have been the cause of severe outbreaks in several cases. To determine the origin of the bacterial strains and to decide whether they originate from raw materials or the company environment, strain comparison is necessary.
At BAV INSTITUT, these investigations are conducted using the MALDI-TOF method. This method is faster and more cost-effective than molecular biological methods, which are also used for this purpose. The results of the strain comparison investigations using MALDI-TOF are available on the same day as cultural isolation.
Strain comparison investigations are also possible with other pathogens such as Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Cronobacter spp., etc. 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.
With this method and other rapid methods such as RT-PCR, our experts can quickly and reliably assist in crisis situations.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.