the highest diversity index, and the ST121 allelic profile was represented
by a major number of isolates.
A high genetic diversity (D ¼ 84.01%) was observed among
L. monocytogenes isolates (17 different STs out of 106 isolates). This
degree of diversity is common in meat processing environments
Differences in diversity were
observed among plants. Thevenot et al. (2006a) obtained higher
diversity in large plants and explained this fact by the heterogeneity
of the raw material and the higher quantity of raw meat used
by these factories.