Studies on occurence of Listeria monocytogenes and other species in milk and milk products in retail market of Jimma Town, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional experimental study was conducted in Jimma town from November 2010 to March 2011 with the objectives of studying Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species in milk and milk products. Samples were collected from cafes, milk product shopping and pastries. From total of 200 samples (milk, cottage cheese, ice cream and yoghurt) examined Listeria was isolated from 13(6.5%). The frequency of isolation and distribution of Listeria in different food samples was analyzed and the difference in prevalence among different food samples: was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). Prevalence of Listeria was higher 7 (14%) in milk samples followed by ice cream 3(6%), yoghurt 2(4%) and cottage cheese 1(2%). The study shows significant variation (P < 0.05) in distribution of Listeria species in food samples. The dominant Listeria species isolated was Listeria monocytogenes 8(4%) followed by Listeria innocua 3(1.5%) and Listeria seeligeri 2(1%).