Serotyping and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Organic Chicken Meat

In this study, 240 organic chicken pieces (80 thighs, 80 wings, 80 skinless-breast meat) were analyzed for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Within the framework of the analysis findings; L. monocytogenes was detected in 60 (25%) of all 240 collected samples. In particular, L. monocytogenes was detected in 24 (30%) of 80 thigh samples, 20 (25%) of 80 wing samples and 16 (20%) of 80 skinless-breast meat samples. Serotyping distribution of 96 L. monocytogenes isolates determined as 71.8% serotype 1/2a, 21.9% serotype 1/2b, 4.2% serotype 4b and 2.1% serotype 1/2c. According to antibiotic resistance profile, 26 isolates (27%) were found to be resistant to ampicillin. The other isolates were found to be resistant to meropenem, tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, vancomycin, oxytetracycline, erythromycin and chloramphenicol as 23 (23.9%), 14 (14.5%), 13 (13.5%), 12 (12.5%), 9 (9.3%), 7 (7.2%), 5 (5.2%), 4 (4.1%) and 3 (3.1%) respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance profiles were determined in 12 of L. monocytogenes isolates. The findings of this study are thought to be unique data for serotyping studies that will help in revealing the epidemiology of L. monocytogenes in organic poultry meat, enterprises operating in food sector and diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis.