Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is one of the emerging pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and Assess different techniques; Conventional cultural methods; Biochemical identification; Automated Biochemical identification (Vitek 2 compact); Proteomic identification MALDI-TOF MS and Molecular identification (RT- PCR) in Isolation and Identification of Listeria monocytogenes in minced meat retailed in local markets in Alexandria City, Egypt. Prevalence of suspected listeria spp. isolated from examined samples of minced meat by conventional culture method were 65% (65/100), while prevalence of L. monocytogenes isolated from examined samples of minced meat 30.8% (20/65), 23.07% (15/65) and 53.8% (35/65) by ViTeK2 compact; MALDI-TOF MS and RT-PCR, respectively, with overall prevalence 53.8 % (35/65) considering molecular detection results which depends on gene detection which offer the highest Sensitivity in identification of L. monocytogenes . Identification of L. monocytogenes within (Vitek 2 Compact) were as followed, L. monocytogenes 30.8% (20/65), while L. innoca 23,07%(15/65).,while within MALDI -TOF MS were as followed L. monocytogenes 23,08% (15/65), while L. innoca 20%(13/65).The prevalence of L. innoca lower than L. monocytogenes , L. monocytogenes was most commonly detected in minced meat. The high isolation rate of L. monocytogenes among the examined minced meat highlight the risk of transmission of infection to human consumer and enforcing quality assurance programs as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) program during processing, handling and storage of minced meat.

Key words: Minced meat, L .monocytogenes, VITEC, MALD-TOF MS, RT-PCR