Tracking the Possible Source of Listeria monocytogenes Contamination Using Random Amplified Polymorphic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (RAPD)

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram positive and ubiquitous organism that has been implicated in a number of foodborne outbreaks. In this study, 15 Listeria monocytogenes isolated from duck farms and a wet market were typed using random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD) to track the source of contamination. Two arbitrary RAPD primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction to determine the genetic relatedness among the Listeria monocytogenes isolated from duck farms and a wet market to enable the tracking of their possible source or origin. RAPD primers DAF-4 and OPM-01 characterized the 15 Listeria monocytogenes into 4 and 3 RAPD types, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes isolated from duck intestines and carcass rinse clustered together in the same RAPD type suggests possible cross contamination. Additionally, OPM-01 grouped Listeria monocytogenes isolated from feces and soil into the same RAPD type, while DAF-4 showed that faeces and soil isolates where closely related compared to intestinal and carcass rinse isolates. Tracking the source of foodborne pathogens and routes of transmission is important to help implement effective preventive, control and treatment measures.