Abstract

This study included collect of 150 samples from brain and meat of sheep from the slaughterhouse and local butchers shop in Mosul city. 50 sample from each (brain, cutting meat, and minced meat) which used for detection of listeria monocytogenes. The International Standard Organization (ISO) methods were used for isolation. The isolated bacteria were diagnosed according to bacterial morphology, culture, and biochemical characteristics. 10 isolates were obtained, which included 2(4%) isolates from the brain of sheep, 3 (6%) isolates from cut meat and 5(10%) from minced meat. Virulence factors tests were used for bacterial isolates which include, lecithinase, lipase, protease, esterase, and hemolysin. Antibiotic sensitivity test for bacterial isolates was also used for some antibiotics. The results indicated that all isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Chloramphenicol, and resistant to Nalidixic acid. However, they showed variant sensitivity to other antibiotics. In conclusion, this study documented that L monocytogenes can be isolated from brain and meat of sheep in Mosul city.