Illumina Miseq genome sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes isolates for the study of the contamination pattern of the ham processing industry in Northern Italy in 2012.. Genomic study of the contamination pattern by Listeria monocytogenes in the ham processing industry of Northern Italy.

A study of the contamination pattern by Listeria monocytogenes in the ham industry of Northern Italy was carried out through extensive microbiological testing of various food-contact and non food-contact surfaces along with foodstuffs in the processing plants. To identify the fine interrelations over time and space among the recovered isolates of Listeria monocytogenes, a selection of the isolates were sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq sequencer with 2x250 pair-end runs. Library preparation was performed using Illumina Nextera XT kits. The results of the study revealed a varying pattern of contamination across the processing phases and the surface types. The genomic analysis performed helped disclose contamination links in deep detail within the frame of the study.