PCR-BASED DETECTION OF LISTERIA-MONOCYTOGENES IN DAIRY FOODS

Consumption of dairy foods has been recognized as an important transmi ssion route for human listeriosis, causing health hazards among public , This demands a successful detection assay to declare dairy foods fre e of Listeria monocytogenes, the causative pathogen, Although PCR-base d detection of E. monocytogenes in dairy foods is associated with prob lems of PCR inhibition and carry-over contamination, PCR have been app lied widely for successful detection of L. monocytogenes in dairy food s and found useful for suggesting, monitoring and control measures. Th erefore, in the present report, PCR-based detection protocols with spe cial reference to overcome PCR inhibition by dairy foods and culture m edia constituents over the last 5 years are discussed, Also, critical tips to be kept in mind while performing PCR-based L. monocytogenes de tection assay are enumerated.