[An anti-Listeria seroepidemiological study in Uberaba, MG]

From a total of 445 individuals, 17.1% had antibodies against L. monocytogenes detected by the agglutination tube test. They were separated in seven groups: bloods donnors (n = 50), Hospital visitors (n = 40), frigorific workers (n = 28), aviculture workers (n = 87), herdsman (n = 31), agriculture students (n = 60) and street-sweepers (n = 51). L1/2a serotype was predominant. Individuals from urban areas (19.5%) and those who had less contact with animals (21.7%) had significantly positive serology when compared with individuals from rural areas (9.4%) and those who had close contact with animals (13.2%). The overall picture is individuals of more specialized occupations had more frequently (25.9%) anti listeria antibodies similar to the results observed in developed countries where listeriosis is a public health problem in urban areas.