Abstract: Novel means that enables detection of the monocytogenes bacterium alone distinctly from other bacteria belonging to the genus Listeria with sufficiently high accuracy is disclosed. The present inventors intensively analyzed the genome of the monocytogenes bacterium to identify two genes (the lmo0084 gene and the lmo2736 gene) as target regions with which the monocytogenes bacterium can be specifically detected distinctly from other bacteria belonging to the genus Listeria utilizing a nucleic acid amplification method. By a further intensive study of the base sequences of these two genes, primer setting regions for highly accurate, specific detection of the monocytogenes bacterium alone were identified, and preferred particular examples of PCR primer sets, LAMP primer sets, and real-time PCR primer-probe sets were established.

Abstract: Absorbent materials for aqueous fluids, which absorb fluid rapidly and swell uniformly, comprise modified polyvinyl alcohol polymers obtained by reacting in an anhydrous condition a polyvinyl alcohol polymer with a cyclic acid anhydride and causing partial crosslinking of said polymer. Absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, sanitary tampons, blood absorbents for use in surgical operations, bandages and dressings comprise said absorbent materials and fluid absorbing holders therefor.