Abstract
The ability of 22 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from different clinical cases including abortion, preterm labours and from cases of neonates meningitis were tested for the production slime layer and adherence on the human epithelial mouth cells .
The results showed that all isolates were capable of producing slime layer and able to adhere to the human epithelial cells. Enzymatic activites were studied. The results revealed that the bacteria can produce: Protease, Lipase, Lecithinase, DNase and Esterase Depending on its enzymatic activity, three different enzymatic tests were chosen for biotyping of isolates , the results indicated the predomination of the first biotype followed by the third then the second and the fifth biotypes. The sensitivity to antibiotics was also tested. The isolates exhibited complete sensitivity to Ampicillin and chloramphenicol while it was completely resistant to Nalidixic acid and variable sensitivity to other antibiotics.