Monoclonal Antibodies Directed Against the Flagellar Antigens of Listeria Species and Their Potential in EIA-Based Methods

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies directed against antigens of Listeria spp. were produced. Three main classes of immunoglobulins were found that reacted with Listeria strains containing either the A, B, or C flagellar antigen. These antibodies reacted with Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria welshimeri, Listeria seeligeri, Listeria ivanovii and Listeria innocua, but not Listeria grayi, Listeria murrayi or Listeria denitrificans. The monoclones tested did not cross-react with any of the 30 non-Listeria cultures examined, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis. Cheese and milk samples naturally-contaminated with L. monocytogenes were found to be positive for Listeria within two working days after initiation by using the monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay.