Evaluation of a rapid molecular method for detection of Listeria monocytogenes directly from broth culture

The present study was carried out to know the lowest detection limit of Listeria monocytogenes by PCR. The quantification of organisms was done by CFU counting from ten fold serial dilution and PCR amplification of inlA gene fragment was performed from each dilution. The PCR could detect as low as 20 organisms indicating the lowest PCR detection limit. Thus, lowest number of L. monocytogenes detectable by PCR is a low-cost and rapid procedure that can be appropriated for the detection in real time of low L. monocytogenes levels in naturally contaminated food and is suitable to implement in the food industry