Our work is the first MLST approach to study L. monocytogenes
diversity and distribution in meat processing plants. In conclusion,
the present study highlighted the presence of several well-adapted
clones without EC markers that were widely distributed
throughout processing plants and meat products and were
persistent throughout the years. Although EC strains represented a
low percentage of the isolates studied, they were recovered from
different factories, indicating geographic dissemination. The recovery
of some strains after cleaning and disinfection procedures
that were traced to meat products illustrated the importance of
thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures