Abstract: ObjectiveTo establish a rapid,sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method for detection of Listeria monocytogenes(LM).MethodPolymerase chain reaction(PCR)technique was used to amplifiy the hlyA gene of listeria monocytogenes of food specifically,value the specificity and sensitivity of this method.ResultsThe target gene nuc was detected at 706bp,and only the target gene of Listeria monocytogenes was amplified while the other bacteria was not detected;this method could also detect the DNA of 3.3ng/L.ConclusionThe PCR method is more concise,rapid,sensitive and more specific than conventional culture method for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food.This method is useful for the investigation of listeria in food.