Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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A molecular study of Listeria species isolated from food of
animal origin in Ireland.
Laura O’ Connor
BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology and Quality Management
Department of Chemical and Life Science
Waterford Institute of Technology
Cork Road
Tel: 051-306152
Fax: 051-302679
Email: loconnor@wit.ie
Laura O Connor 1 , Rebecca O’ Mahony 1 , Margery Godinho 1 , Catherine
O’ Reilly 1 , Mark O’ Leary 2 , John Egan 2 and Nola Lenard 3
Department of Chemical and Life Science, Waterford Institute of
Technology, Cork Road, Waterford 1
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dept of Agriculture,
Fisheries & Food, Backweston Campus, Young’s Cross, Cellbridge,
Co. Kildare 2 .
School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine,
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4. 3
Background
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen
that causes listeriosis in humans. Clinical manifestations are usually
severe and include abortion, sepsis and meningo-encephalitis. In
Ireland between 2000 and 2003 there was an average of 6.5 cases
of human listeriosis per annum. There is no known data of Listeria
species in the ready to eat (RTE) food industry in Ireland.
Aim of Study
To enhance the information pertaining to the incidence and
epidemiology of Listeria strains, in Ireland. On a molecular level
identify any specific traits/genes in all detected Listeria spp.
including L. monocytogenes and to carry out an investigation into
molecular typing methods available today. In addition carry out the
necessary alterations which will transfer these specialised methods
into high-throughput techniques for industry that are effective,
simple to use and inexpensive.
Methodology
A collection of four hundred samples is currently being compiled at
the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) at the
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) from industry
and private laboratories. Rapid identification of Listeria spp is being
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