Systematic Review: Application of Whole Genome Sequences in the Identification of Listeria monocytogenes in Cheese Products.

Abstract This review article systematically analyzes the application of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in enhancing food safety in the production of cheese products by detecting Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of the literature yielded a total of 15 relevant studies. Evaluation of the evidence demonstrates that WGS offers superior sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional culture-based methods for detecting L. monocytogenes in cheese. Furthermore, WGS enables in-depth analysis of genetic diversity, tracing contamination sources, and assessing epidemiological patterns. Despite its advantages, challenges such as accessibility, standardization, and data interpretation remain. The integration of WGS into cheese safety protocols shows promise for improving surveillance, outbreak management, and control strategies. Future research should focus on enhancing sampling strategies, integrating epidemiological and genomic data, and evaluating real-world implementation.