Isolation and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from Different Indigenous Vegetables Consumed in Okigwe, Imo State – Nigeria

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in three vegetables consumed as indicated in Nigeria and investigate the antibiogram of the isolates. Telferia occidentalis, Solanum macrocarpon, and Pterocarpus soyauxii were purchased, and blended in the microbiology laboratory, Abia State University, Uturu - Nigeria. The homogenate was cultivated into Listeria Selective Agar, after enrichment at 37oC for 24 - 48 hours. Out of a total sample size of 40, listeria monocytogenes had frequency of occurrence of 60%, 25% and 60% from Telferia occidentalis, Pterocarpus soyauxii, Solanum macrocarpon respectively. The mean Listeria monocytogenes load of the vegetable samples ranged between 0.8 x 104cfu/g - 4.38 x 104cfu/g. Multidrug resistance against aminoglyoxides, P-lactam, rifampicin was also documented. Cephalosporins such as Avicef, Ciprofsin including fluoroquinolones such as siprosan, and drovid showed significant bactericidal action against the Listeria monocytogenes isolates. These observations are of public health significance. Government of the World should intensify campaign against food borne diseases such as listeriosis with their research communities