Quantification of Listeria monocytogenes in fermented sausages by MPN‐PCR method

Aims:  To combine the principles of most‐probable‐number (MPN) statistics and the conventional PCR technique to enumerate Listeria monocytogenes in fermented sausages. Methods and Results:  A simple method to enumerate L. monocytogenes in fermented sausages was developed and compared with direct plating in Palcam agar. Species‐specific MPN‐PCR, but not direct plating, made the enumeration of L. monocytogenes possible in all assayed samples. Conclusions:  MPN‐PCR proved to be a rapid and reliable method for enumerating L. monocytogenes in fermented sausages, including low contaminated samples. Significance and Impact of the Study:  This MPN‐PCR technique may facilitate the enumeration of L. monocytogenes for routine analyses in fermented sausages without excessive work.