Spatial analysis and molecular diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes in raw cow milk from different rural properties in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo

• Grant number: 24/10624-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Simone Baldini Lucheis
• Grantee: Laís Pereira da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a Gram-positive, bacillus-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, psychotrophic, biofilm-forming bacterium that is widespread in all environments. The genus Listeria is divided into 26 known species and divided into two distinct clades. Among these species, L. monocytogenes is the one that causes the greatest concern among foodborne illnesses. The cultural consumption of raw milk in Brazil can still be considered a vehicle for the transmission of pathogens, such as L. monocytogenes, and due to the associated risks in both animals and humans, its relevance to public health is significant. This study aims to identify the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 256 samples of raw milk collected from the teats of lactating cows from different rural settlements in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo. Samples will be analyzed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular technique, targeting the genes prs (phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase), Imo0433 Internalin A (inlA), Imo1786 Internalin C (inlC), Imo2821 Internalin J (inlJ) and Imo0202 hlyA (LLO). Positive samples will be submitted to genetic sequencing for molecular characterization. Spatial analysis will be performed to map the distribution of rural settlements with positive cases of L. monocytogenes, revealing variable geographic patterns of prevalence. The results will highlight the importance of One Health in the application of preventive and control measures to ensure satisfactory levels of hygiene and food safety.