Phenotypic Characterisation and Distribution Pattern of Listeria Species Isolated From Food Samples Retailed In Markets and Central Abattoir in Maiduguri, Nigeria

A total of three hundred and fifty (350) samples of meat (Beef, Sheep, Goat, and Chicken) and vegetables (Cabbage, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach and Lettuce) were purchased from retailers’ in Central abattoir and markets with surface swabs taken from butchers tables in Maiduguri, Nigeria were analyzed for Listeria species. Listeria species were recovered from the entire samples examined with the highest isolates observed in surface swab (100%), cucumber (81.3%) and beef (74.0%) respectively, followed by lettuce (73.3%), carrot (70.0%) and cabbage (65.4%). The least isolates were observed in goat (36.0%). Listeria species isolates was found in (60.9%) of the Meat and surface swab and (69.2%) of the Vegetable samples analyzed. Gram stain and Biochemical characterization of the Listeria isolates showed that L. seeligeri as the highest distributed, followed by L. ivannovii, L.welshimeri and L.innocua, while the least Listeria specie isolates distribution was observed in L. monocytogenes. The study therefore confirmed that there is a high distribution rate of Listeria species in the meat and vegetables retailed in the markets and central abattoir ,including surface swab of butchers table which may have resulted from fecal contamination during slaughtering, unhygienic and unsanitary practices.