Role of Listeria monocytogenes hlyA gene isolated from fresh cheese in human habitual abortion in Marvdasht

Background: Listeria monocytogenes is the causative agent of listeriosis, a highly fatal opportunistic food borne infection. Listeriolysin O is a major virulence factor in this bacterium, which is encoded by hlyA. The aim of the present study was to determine the relation of Listeria monocytogenes hlyA gene isolated from fresh cheese with habitual abortion in Marvdasht. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 428 fresh cheese samples from four geographical area of Marvdasht were collected, then cold enriched and cultured in Hicrome Listeria Agar and Palcam Agar. Specific biochemical and sugar fermentation tests were used for identification of probability bacteria. Finally, hlyA gene was determined by PCR method. Results: Of 428 samples, 56 (13.1%) L. monocytogenes were isolated, among which 91.7% were revealed to encode hlyA. Data analysis revealed significant association between months of sampling and isolated bacteria (p < 0.004). Also, there was a significant association between bacteria and hly A gene with human abortion. Conclusion: Fresh cheese and unpasteurized milk contaminated with L.monocytogenesis can be one of the reasons of habitual abortion in Marvdasht. Therefore pregnant women and immunocompromised people are strongly recommended not to consume fresh cheese and unpasteurized milk.