Prevalence and antibiogram profile of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food sold at night markets in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Aims: The aims of this study were to evaluate the level of bacterial contamination and the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods sold at night markets, to assess its association with different categories of RTE foods, and to investigate the antibiogram profile of L. monocytogenes. Methodology and results: A total of 120 RTE food samples were collected for bacterial identification, and their antibiotic susceptibility profiling. Seafood products exhibited the highest level of bacterial contamination, with a mean count of 6.94 ± 6.12 log CFU/mL, and 27.5% of the samples exceeded acceptable contamination thresholds. Listeria monocytogenes was prevalent in 33.3% of the samples, and statistical analysis showed that the types of RTE food and the level of L. monocytogenes contamination were not correlated. This shows that any type of food can be a source of L. monocytogenes contamination. Additionally, the antibiotic susceptibility test showed that 90% of L. monocytogenes isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin and penicillin. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These findings indicate a low level of food safety and hygienic practices in the preparation of RTE foods by night market vendors in the Klang Valley. The presence of highly antimicrobial-resistant isolates further highlights a potential public health concern. This study emphasizes the urgent need for improved food safety education, particularly targeting food vendors, as well as stricter enforcement of hygiene regulations by the relevant authorities.

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