Listeria species indomestic environments

SUMMARY Using adirect isolation method Listeria spp.weredetected in101(47-4 %)of213houses investigated. L.monocytogenes waspresent in45houses (21-1 %).Listeria spp.occurred atall sampling sites. Dish-cloths (37%)andsurface samples roundthedrain inthebathroom (272%)weremostfrequently contaminated. Highest numbers (c.104c.f.u./object) werefound indish-cloths andwashing-up brushes. Lowerlevels (upto103c.f.u./object) wereobtained fromkitchen sinks, refrigerator vegetable compartment samples and tooth brushes. Intotal, 132isolations ofListeria spp. weremadefrom871samples. L.innocua (53%)andL.monocytogenes (41%)werethepredominant species inthepositive samples. Other Listeria spp. werefound inonly6% ofthepositive samples.