Frequency of hemolysin BL and non-hemolytic enterotoxin complex genes of in raw and cooked meat samples in Zanjan, Iran.

Food safety has emerged as an important global issue with international trade and public health implications. is an important cause of food poisoning worldwide. A total of 200 individual meat samples were collected from meat retail outlets and restaurants and investigated the frequency of and hemolysin BL (Hbl), non-hemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe) complex genes. The meat samples were immediately homogenized and cultured on selective agar and subjected for confirmatory biochemical tests and molecular detection of and n genes. A total of 29 (14.5 %) meat samples were positive for the presence of The frequency of in raw meat (14.1 %) was similar to cooked beef samples (15 %) ( >  0.05). Twenty six (89.6 %) isolates carried at least one or more enterotoxin genes. We found (58.6 %) and (51.7 %) genes with higher frequency than others. Hemolysin BL complex genes were found in lower frequency than Nhe complex ( >  0.05). Detection of enterotoxigenic in meat samples shows a probable risk for public health. Therefore, the reliable molecular methods for monitoring of potentially pathogenic are strongly recommended for the routine food examination.