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

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen, most often associated with the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs, such as soft cheese and processed meat products. The standard microbiological detection methods require 4–7 days for the detection of the pathogen. The L. monocytogenes detection system described consists in a rapid and cost-effective PCR protocol, directly performed on pre-enrichment broth media, detecting viable pathogens and reducing the whole detection time to approximately 36 h, with good sensitivity, specificity and detection limit, allowing to detect L. monocytogenes in any kind of food.