Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Microbiology

Listeria monocytogenes represent one of the most important pathogens that cause destructive economical losses in rabbit production, which also had gain public health concern as it can cause listeriosis in human. Due to the recent outbreaks, recalls and deaths associated with Listeria monocytogenes in rabbit farms affecting the rabbit production in Egypt. The objectives of the present study were to isolate, identificate L. monocytogenes using bacteriological examination and confirm the results by PCR and then detection of virulence genes (prfA, inlA, inlB and hlyA) in the isolated strains. One hundered samples were collected from diseased and apparently health rabbits. Out of 100 teseted samples, 32 samples were positive for L. monocytogenes by bacteriological examination, while 54 samples were positive using PCR. Where the best site for isolation of L. monocytogenes was from ear swabs (38.8%) then Liver (21.4%) but not detected in bone marrow using both techniques. Virulence gene in the 54 positive L. monocytogenes isolates were detected using selected 4 sets of primers for inlA, inlB, hylA and prfA genes, 26 samples were positive for inlA, 32 samples were positive for inlB, 31 samples were positive for hylA and 27 samples were positive for prfA by using PCR. Based on the study, PCR technique is more sensitive and rapid comparing to traditional bacteriological methods. In addition that virulence genes studies obtain accurate and specific identification and differentiation among Listeria spp. advanced studies should be applied to improve the efficiency of PCR technique for virulence study by complete gene sequence

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