Multicenter validation of a multiplex PCR assay for differentiating the major Listeria monocytogenes serovars 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b: toward an international standard

J Food Prot. 2005 Dec;68(12):2648-50. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-68.12.2648.

Abstract

The performance of a multiplex PCR assay that separates the four major serovars of the pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes into four distinct PCR groups was evaluated through a multicenter typing study. Identical panels of 90 Listeria isolates were distributed to five participating laboratories that were blind to the nature of the isolates. Isolates were characterized using the previously standardized protocol. Overall concordance was 96.6 to 100%, sufficient for the assay to be used as an alternative to serotyping and confidently applied in laboratories involved in L. monocytogenes typing.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Consumer Product Safety*
  • Food Microbiology
  • Humans
  • Listeria monocytogenes / classification*
  • Listeria monocytogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Listeriosis / diagnosis
  • Listeriosis / microbiology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / standards*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serotyping
  • Species Specificity