Ask an Expert with Karissa Roadhouse - Listeria species or monocytogenes?
Overview
Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. is made up of a network of microbiology labs located all throughout the US to support microbiological testing needs. Each lab has dedicated customer support so you get answers fast. Our Ask an Expert Series showcases our scientists from around the country and answers questions customers frequently ask. Videos are published weekly on all of social media platforms.
Ask an Expert Series - Topic #3
Should I be testing for Listeria species or Listeria monocytogenes?
"For environmental samples, testing for Listeria species is recommended. As a good indicator for Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria spp. is more likely to be found in environmental samples. The presence of Listeria spp. in such samples demonstrates poor cleaning and sanitation practices and could mean there is an uncontrolled environmental niche that could harbor L. monocytogenes. For product samples, testing for L. monocytogenes is recommended as that is the human pathogenic species in the Genus Listeria." - Karissa Roadhouse, Quality Specialist of Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. in Louisville, KY.
