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Zhang P, Ji L, Wu X, Chen L, Yan W, Dong F. Prevalence, Genotypic Characteristics, and Antibiotic Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes From Retail Foods in Huzhou, China. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100307. [PMID: 38797247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes are considered to be the major foodborne pathogen worldwide. To understand the prevalence and potential risk of L. monocytogenes in retail foods, a total of 1243 retail foods in 12 food categories were sampled and screened for L. monocytogenes from 2020 to 2022 in Huzhou, China. A total of 46 out of 1234 samples were confirmed to be L. monocytogenes positive with a total rate of 3.7%. The contamination rate of seasoned raw meat (15.2%) was the highest, followed by raw poultry meat and raw livestock meat (9.9%) and salmon sashimi (9.5%). The L. monocytogenes isolates belonged to four serotypes, 1/2a,1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b, with the most prevalent serotype being 1/2a (47.9%). All isolates were grouped into 15 sequence types (STs) belonging to 14 clonal complexes (CCs) via multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The most prevalent ST was ST9/CC9 (23.9%), followed by ST3/CC3 (19.6%) and ST121/CC121 (17.4%). Notably, 11 STs were detected from ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, some of them have been verified to be strongly associated with clinical origin listeriosis cases, such as ST3, ST2, ST5, ST8, and ST87. Listeria pathogenicity islands 1 (LIPI-1) and LIPI-2 were detected in approximately all L. monocytogenes isolates, whereas the distribution of both LIPI-3 genes and LIPI-4 genes exhibited association with specific ST, with LIPI-3 in ST3 and ST288, and LIPI-4 in ST87. The strains carrying LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 virulence genes in this study were all isolated from RTE foods. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed that >90% of isolates were susceptible to PEN, AMP, ERY, CIP, SXT, VAN, CHL, and GEN, indicating the antibiotic treatment might be still efficient for most of the L. monocytogenes strains. However, for the three clinical first-line antibiotics (PEN, AMP, and GEN), we also observed three and four strains showing MIC values greater than the susceptibility standards for PEN and AMP, respectively, and one strain showing resistance to GEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Lei Ji
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Xiaofang Wu
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Liping Chen
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Wei Yan
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
| | - Fenfen Dong
- Huzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huzhou 313000, China.
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Stamm CE, McFarland AP, Locke MN, Tabakh H, Tang Q, Thomason MK, Woodward JJ. RECON gene disruption enhances host resistance to enable genome-wide evaluation of intracellular pathogen fitness during infection. mBio 2024:e0133224. [PMID: 38940553 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01332-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposon sequencing (Tn-seq) is a powerful genome-wide technique to assess bacterial fitness under varying growth conditions. However, screening via Tn-seq in vivo is challenging. Dose limitations and host restrictions create bottlenecks that diminish the transposon mutant pool being screened. Here, we have developed a murine model with a disruption in Akr1c13 that renders the resulting RECON-/- mouse resistant to high-dose infection. We leveraged this model to perform a Tn-seq screen of the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in vivo. We identified 135 genes which were required for L. monocytogenes growth in mice including novel genes not previously identified for host survival. We identified organ-specific requirements for L. monocytogenes survival and investigated the role of the folate enzyme FolD in L. monocytogenes liver pathogenesis. A mutant lacking folD was impaired for growth in murine livers by 2.5-log10 compared to wild type and failed to spread cell-to-cell in fibroblasts. In contrast, a mutant in alsR, which encodes a transcription factor that represses an operon involved in D-allose catabolism, was attenuated in both livers and spleens of mice by 4-log10 and 3-log10, respectively, but showed modest phenotypes in in vitro models. We confirmed that dysregulation of the D-allose catabolism operon is responsible for the in vivo growth defect, as deletion of the operon in the ∆alsR background rescued virulence. By undertaking an unbiased, genome-wide screen in mice, we have identified novel fitness determinants for L. monocytogenes host infection, which highlights the utility of the RECON-/- mouse model for future screening efforts. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is the gram-positive bacterium responsible for the food-borne disease listeriosis. Although infections with L. monocytogenes are limiting in healthy hosts, vulnerable populations, including pregnant and elderly people, can experience high rates of mortality. Thus, understanding the breadth of genetic requirements for L. monocytogenes in vivo survival will present new opportunities for treatment and prevention of listeriosis. We developed a murine model of infection using a RECON-/- mouse that is restrictive to systemic L. monocytogenes infection. We utilized this model to screen for L. monocytogenes genes required in vivo via transposon sequencing. We identified the liver-specific gene folD and a repressor, alsR, that only exhibits an in vivo growth defect. AlsR controls the expression of the D-allose operon which is a marker in diagnostic techniques to identify pathogenic Listeria. A better understanding of the role of the D-allose operon in human disease may further inform diagnostic and prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Stamm
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adelle P McFarland
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Melissa N Locke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hannah Tabakh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Maureen K Thomason
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joshua J Woodward
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Gana J, Gcebe N, Moerane R, Ngoshe Y, Tshuma T, Moabelo K, Adesiyun A. Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Listeria species recovered from retail outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa. J Food Prot 2024:100322. [PMID: 38944055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The study determined the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Listeria spp. (L. monocytogenes, L. innocua and L. welshimeri) recovered from beef and beef products sold at retail outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A total of 112 isolates of Listeria spp., including L. monocytogenes (37), L. innocua (65), and L. welshimeri (10), were recovered from beef and beef products collected from 48 retail outlets. Listeria spp. was recovered by direct selective plating following selective enrichment, and PCR was used to confirm and characterize recovered isolates. The disc diffusion method determined the resistance to 16 antimicrobial agents. All 112 isolates of Listeria spp. exhibited resistance to one or more antibiotics (P<0.05). The prevalence of AMR in Listeria isolates was high for nalidixic acid (99.1%) and cefotaxime (80.4%) but low for gentamycin (2.7%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (3.6%), azithromycin (5.4%), and doxycycline (6.3%). Overall, for the three species of Listeria, the prevalence of resistance varied significantly only for streptomycin (P=0.016) and tetracycline (P=0.034). Multidrug-resistant isolates were detected in 75.7% (28/37), 61.5% (40/65), and 80% (8/10) isolates of L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, and L. welshimeri, respectively. The prevalence of AMR was significantly affected by the location and size of retail outlets, type of beef and beef products, and serogroups of L. monocytogenes. The high prevalence of AMR, particularly among the L. monocytogenes isolates, poses potential therapeutic implications for human consumers of contaminated beef products. There is, therefore, a need to regulate and enforce the use of antimicrobial agents in humans and animals in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gana
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education, P.M.B. 39, Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Bacteriology Department, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
| | - Rebone Moerane
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Yusuf Ngoshe
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Takula Tshuma
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Khomotso Moabelo
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Abiodun Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; Department of Paraclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Amadesi S, Vocale C, Guariglia D, Lazzarotto T, Ambretti S, Gaibani P. Complete genome sequence of a Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1 isolated from a critically ill patient in Italy, 2023. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024:e0124023. [PMID: 38864617 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01240-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes, a concerning foodborne pathogen, causes severe infections in vulnerable subjects such as pregnant women and the elderly. In this article, we present the complete genome sequence of P4_LIS, an L. monocytogenes isolated from a patient with invasive bacteria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Amadesi
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Vocale
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Guariglia
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Lazzarotto
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Ambretti
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Gaibani
- Microbiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Microbiology Section, Verona University, Verona, Italy
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Gianecini RA, Cipolla L, Rocca F, Campos J, Poklepovich T, Prieto M. [Molecular characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from human and food sources in Argentina, 2018-2023]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2024:S0325-7541(24)00042-7. [PMID: 38834434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Human listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The invasive form of this disease leads to a high rate of hospitalizations and fatality. The main mode of transmission is through contaminated ready-to-eat foods such as dairy, vegetables and meat products. The knowledge of the diversity and population dynamics of isolates collected from human and food sources is essential for the detection of clusters and the identification of common sites of infection. The aim of this study was the molecular characterization of L. monocytogenes isolates in Argentina. We sequenced a total of 63 isolates, 35 from human and 28 from food sources, collected between 2018 and 2023. Our genomic study divided the isolates into two lineages, four serogroups, 17 sequence types and 15 clonal complexes (CCs). The hypervirulent clone CC1 (lineage I; serogroup IVb) predominated in human and food samples. The phylogenomic analysis showed a high and possible epidemiological relationship between isolates from human and/or food sources, suggesting the presence of transmission chains in our country. These findings highlight the need to strengthen genomic surveillance of L. monocytogenes in Argentina. The identification of geographic distribution and characteristics of predominant and emerging clones from human and food sources might help to focus action plans and public health policies better directed at the control and prevention of listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ariel Gianecini
- Servicio de Bacteriología Especial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lucía Cipolla
- Servicio de Bacteriología Especial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Rocca
- Servicio de Bacteriología Especial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Josefina Campos
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Poklepovich
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Prieto
- Servicio de Bacteriología Especial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán», Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Liu TP, Lin LC, Chang SC, Ou YH, Lu JJ. Molecular Characteristics and Virulence Profile of Clinical Listeria monocytogenes Isolates in Northern Taiwan, 2009-2019. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024; 21:386-394. [PMID: 38346310 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a critical foodborne pathogen that causes severe invasive and noninvasive diseases and is associated with high mortality. Information on the prevalence of L. monocytogenes infections in Taiwan is very limited. This study aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiological surveillance and virulence gene distribution of 176 human clinical L. monocytogenes isolates collected between 2009 and 2019 in northern Taiwan. Our results showed that the isolates belonged to 4 serogroups (IIa, IIb, IVb, and IIc), with most isolates in serogroups IIa (81/176, 46%) and IIb (71/176, 40.3%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis revealed 18 sequence types (STs) and 13 clonal complexes (CCs). Eighty-four percent of all isolates belonged to six STs: CC87-ST87 (40/176, 22.7%), CC19-ST378 (36/176, 19.9%), CC155-ST155 (28/176, 15.5%), CC1-ST710 (16/176, 8.8%), CC5-ST5 (16/176, 8.8%), and CC101-ST101 (11/176, 6.1%). Furthermore, our analysis showed the distributions of four Listeria pathogenicity islands (LIPI) among all isolates. LIPI-1 and LIPI-2 existed in all isolates, whereas LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 only existed in specific STs and CCs. LIPI-3 existed in the STs, CC1-ST710, CC3-ST3, CC288-ST295, and CC191-ST1458, whereas LIPI-4 could be found in the STs, CC87-ST87 and CC87-ST1459. Strains containing LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 are potentially hypervirulent; thus, 68/176 isolates (39.1%) collected in this study were potentially hypervirulent. Since L. monocytogenes infections are considered highly correlated with diet, molecular epidemiological surveillance of Listeria in food is important; continued surveillance will provide critical information to prevent foodborne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsui-Ping Liu
- Infectious Control Office, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Chung Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Cheng Chang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiang Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Jih Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Guel-García P, García De León FJ, Aguilera-Arreola G, Mandujano A, Mireles-Martínez M, Oliva-Hernández A, Cruz-Hernández MA, Vasquez-Villanueva J, Rivera G, Bocanegra-García V, Martínez-Vázquez AV. Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in Different Raw Food from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Foods 2024; 13:1656. [PMID: 38890883 PMCID: PMC11171905 DOI: 10.3390/foods13111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans and animals, reaching up to 30% case mortality. There are only a few reports in Mexico about the L. monocytogenes strains found in various foods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of L. monocytogenes, serogroups, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance in different foods from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. L. monocytogenes strains were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods. Susceptibility to 12 antibiotics was determined according to CLSI and EUCAST. A total of 300 samples of seafood, pasteurized and raw milk, cheese, beef, and chicken were collected from supermarkets and retail markets. The presence of L. monocytogenes was detected in 5.6% of the samples. Most strains belonged to serogroups 4b, 4d, and 4e (68.4%). All strains presented a minimum of four virulence genes; the most common were actA, hly, and plcB (92.1%). A high percentage of antimicrobial susceptibility was observed, with resistance only to STX-TMP (78.9%), STR (26.3%), MEM (21.0%), and E (2.6%). These results show that the foods in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, are a reservoir of L. monocytogenes and represent a potential health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Guel-García
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Francisco Javier García De León
- Laboratorio de Genética para la Conservación, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C., La Paz C.P. 23090, Baja California Sur, Mexico;
| | - Guadalupe Aguilera-Arreola
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología Medica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City C.P. 11340, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Mandujano
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Maribel Mireles-Martínez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Amanda Oliva-Hernández
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - María Antonia Cruz-Hernández
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Jose Vasquez-Villanueva
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria C.P. 87274, Tamaulipas, Mexico;
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Virgilio Bocanegra-García
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
| | - Ana Verónica Martínez-Vázquez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa C.P. 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (P.G.-G.); (A.M.); (M.M.-M.); (A.O.-H.); (M.A.C.-H.); (G.R.); (V.B.-G.)
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Kawacka I, Olejnik-Schmidt A. High Prevalence of Virulence-Associated Genes and Length Polymorphism in actA and inlB Genes Identified in Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Meat Products and Meat-Processing Environments in Poland. Pathogens 2024; 13:444. [PMID: 38921742 PMCID: PMC11206756 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen that has the ability to cause listeriosis, a disease with possible fatal outcomes. The typical route of infection is ingestion of the bacteria with contaminated food. In this study, 13 virulence-associated genes were examined with PCR in the genomes of 153 L. monocytogenes isolates collected from meat products and processing environments in Poland. All isolates possessed genes from LIPI-1-hly, actA, plcA, plcB and mpl-as well as four internalins: inlA, inlB, inlC, inlJ. Invasion-associated protein iap, as well as genes prfA and sigB, encoding regulatory proteins, were also detected in all isolates. Gene flaA, encoding flagellin, was detected in 113 (74%) isolates. This was the only gene that was not detected in all isolates, as its presence is serotype-dependent. Gene actA showed polymorphism with longer and shorter variants in PCR amplicons. Two isolates were characterized by truncated inlB genes, lacking 141 bp in their sequence, which was confirmed by gene sequencing. All isolates were positive in hemolysis assays, proving the synthesis of functional PrfA and Hly proteins. Four genotypes of L. monocytogenes based on actA polymorphism and two genotypes based on inlB polymorphism were distinguished within the isolates' collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kawacka
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Olejnik-Schmidt
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
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Aleksic B, Udovicki B, Kovacevic J, Miloradovic Z, Djekic I, Miocinovic J, Tomic N, Smigic N. Microbiological Assessment of Dairy Products Produced by Small-Scale Dairy Producers in Serbia. Foods 2024; 13:1456. [PMID: 38790756 PMCID: PMC11119881 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The microbiological quality of dairy products from small-scale producers in Serbia was analysed. A total of 302 dairy products [raw (n = 111) and pasteurized milk cheeses (n = 79) and kajmak (n = 112)], were collected and tested for the presence of pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., and enumerated for Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS), Escherichia coli, and yeasts and moulds. None of the samples tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was recovered from one raw milk cheese and five kajmak samples. Raw milk cheese and kajmak also had higher levels of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds. Molecular serotyping grouped L. monocytogenes isolates into serogroups 1 (1/2a and 3a) and 3 (1/2b, 3b, and 7). When exposed to eight antibiotics, L. monocytogenes isolates were mostly sensitive, with the exception of oxacillin and reduced susceptibility to clindamycin, penicillin G, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance for antimicrobial resistance. Samples that tested positive for Listeria spp. also had higher loads of indicator microorganisms, namely E. coli and yeast and moulds, suggesting lapses in hygiene practices during production. Collectively, these data emphasize the need for improved food safety and hygiene practices among small-scale dairy producers. This is crucial to reduce the microbial contamination and improve both the quality and safety of dairy products in the Serbian market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Aleksic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.A.); (B.U.); (I.D.); (N.T.)
- Dairy Institute, Smolucska 11, 11070 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bozidar Udovicki
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.A.); (B.U.); (I.D.); (N.T.)
| | - Jovana Kovacevic
- Food Innovation Center, Oregon State University, 1207 NW Naito Parkway, Portland, OR 97209, USA;
| | - Zorana Miloradovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (Z.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Ilija Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.A.); (B.U.); (I.D.); (N.T.)
| | - Jelena Miocinovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (Z.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Nikola Tomic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.A.); (B.U.); (I.D.); (N.T.)
| | - Nada Smigic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia; (B.A.); (B.U.); (I.D.); (N.T.)
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Duma MN, Ciupescu LM, Dan SD, Crisan-Reget OL, Tabaran A. Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Ready-to-Eat Food Products in Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:954. [PMID: 38792784 PMCID: PMC11123701 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) poses a significant threat to food safety due to its ability to cause severe human illness and its resistance to various antibiotics and environmental conditions. This study investigated the prevalence, serotype distribution, virulence gene profiles, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) food products from Romania. A total of 8151 samples were analyzed, including various processed dairy, bovine, poultry, pork, and fish products. Bacterial isolation was conducted using the classical standard method, followed by confirmation through biochemical and molecular testing. Among the isolated strains, serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, and 1/2c were identified, with a prevalence of 75% for serotype 1/2a. Additionally, virulence genes specific to listeriolysin O (hlyA) and regulatory factor A (prfA) were detected in all isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed varying resistance patterns among the L. monocytogenes strains. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and oxacillin showed the highest prevalence of resistance at 26.92% and 23.07%, respectively. However, all strains remained susceptible to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. Notably, 23.07% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, with the most common pattern being resistance to oxacillin, penicillin, and tetracycline. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes identified tetracycline resistance genes, particularly tet(C), tet(M), and tet(K), in a significant proportion of isolates. The presence of ampC and dfrD genes was also notable, indicating potential mechanisms of resistance. These results emphasize the necessity for ongoing surveillance of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and emphasize the importance of thorough monitoring of antimicrobial resistance to guide public health strategies within the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Niculina Duma
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Sanitary Veterinary Directorate for Food Safety, 400621 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Laurenţiu Mihai Ciupescu
- The Institute of Hygiene and Veterinary Public, The National Sanitary Veterinary Authority for Food Safety, Campul Mosilor 5, 013701 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sorin Daniel Dan
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.D.D.); (O.L.C.-R.)
| | - Oana Lucia Crisan-Reget
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.D.D.); (O.L.C.-R.)
| | - Alexandra Tabaran
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.D.D.); (O.L.C.-R.)
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11
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Sharma RK, Jalalpure SS, Pathak S, Ganapathy S, Desvaux M, Roy S, Hegde S. Molecular detection of Listeria monocytogenes from different dairy and street food sources in North Karnataka, India. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:696-703. [PMID: 38479066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is abundantly present in nature and accountable for sporadic and epidemic cases of listeriosis in humans. The objective of this study was to screen common food sources for L. monocytogenes using biochemical and molecular methods to detect and characterise its toxin genes as well as for biofilm formation. METHODS A total of 92 samples, comprising dairy and street food products, were randomly collected from various sources for this investigation. The collected samples were processed for biochemical and molecular methods to detect L. monocytogenes. Additionally, virulence factors associated genes, antibiogram profiles and biofilm formation related assays were determined. RESULTS L. monocytogenes presence was confirmed using molecular detection methods targeting prs and lmo1030 genes, along with MALDI-TOF MS. Following 16 S rRNA sequencing, the identified Listeria species were further categorised into two groups. L. monocytogenes was detected in two (2.17%) food samples tested (L-23 and L-74). Multiplex PCR indicated the presence of seven virulence-related genes in L. monocytogenes isolates, i.e., inlA, inlB, prfA, iap, actA, plcB, and hlyA. In addition, 17 antibiotics were tested, whereby two isolates showed resistance to clindamycin and azithromycin, while one isolate (L-74) was also resistant to nalidixic acid, co-trimoxazole, ampicillin, norfloxacin, and cefotaxime. L-23 and L-74 isolates showed biofilm formation, especially at pH 8.6 and 37°C. CONCLUSIONS Besides the demonstration of the presence of L. monocytogenes in some dairy and street food products, this study underscores the need to increase the standards of hygiene on the one hand and the importance of the surveillance of food-borne pathogens on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumar Sharma
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Sunil S Jalalpure
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Swati Pathak
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sachit Ganapathy
- Department of Biostatistics, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry 605006, India
| | | | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR - National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM), Department of Health Research, Govt. of India, Belagavi 590010, India
| | - Satisha Hegde
- KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Prabhakar Kore Basic Science Research Centre, Belagavi 590010, India.
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12
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Karlsmose AK, Ivanova M, Kragh ML, Kjeldgaard JS, Otani S, Svendsen CA, Papić B, Zdovc I, Tasara T, Stephan R, Heir E, Langsrud S, Møretrø T, Dalgaard P, Fagerlund A, Hansen LT, Aarestrup FM, Leekitcharoenphon P. A novel metagenomic approach uncovers phage genes as markers for increased disinfectant tolerance in mixed Listeria monocytogenes communities. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 119:105582. [PMID: 38467173 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an important human pathogen with a high mortality rate. Consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat food is the main mode of transmission to humans. Disinfectant-tolerant L. monocytogenes have emerged, which are believed to have increased persistence potential. Elucidating the mechanisms of L. monocytogenes disinfectant tolerance has been the focus of previous studies using pure cultures. A limitation of such approach is the difficulty to identify strains with reduced susceptibility due to inter-strain variation and the need to screen large numbers of strains and genes. In this study, we applied a novel metagenomic approach to detect genes associated with disinfectant tolerance in mixed L. monocytogenes planktonic communities. Two communities, consisting of 71 and 80 isolates each, were treated with the food industry disinfectants benzalkonium chloride (BC, 1.75 mg/L) or peracetic acid (PAA, 38 mg/L). The communities were subjected to metagenomic sequencing and differences in individual gene abundances between biocide-free control communities and biocide-treated communities were determined. A significant increase in the abundance of Listeria phage-associated genes was observed in both communities after treatment, suggesting that prophage carriage could lead to an increased disinfectant tolerance in mixed L. monocytogenes planktonic communities. In contrast, a significant decrease in the abundance of a high-copy emrC-harbouring plasmid pLmN12-0935 was observed in both communities after treatment. In PAA-treated community, a putative ABC transporter previously found to be necessary for L. monocytogenes resistance to antimicrobial agents and virulence, was among the genes with the highest weight for differentiating treated from control samples. The undertaken metagenomic approach in this study can be applied to identify genes associated with increased tolerance to other antimicrobials in mixed bacterial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete Kirstine Karlsmose
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mirena Ivanova
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martin Laage Kragh
- Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jette Sejer Kjeldgaard
- Research Group for Global Capacity Building, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Saria Otani
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Christina Aaby Svendsen
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bojan Papić
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zdovc
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Taurai Tasara
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Even Heir
- Nofima - Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Solveig Langsrud
- Nofima - Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Trond Møretrø
- Nofima - Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Paw Dalgaard
- Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Annette Fagerlund
- Nofima - Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen
- Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Frank M Aarestrup
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Gana J, Gcebe N, Moerane R, Ngoshe YB, Moabelo K, Adesiyun AA. Detection of Pathogenic Serogroups and Virulence Genes in Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Beef and Beef Products Retailed in Gauteng Province, South Africa, Using Phenotypic and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Methods. Int J Microbiol 2024; 2024:8891963. [PMID: 38510936 PMCID: PMC10954364 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8891963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
South Africa recently (2017-18) experienced the largest outbreak of human listeriosis in the world caused by L. monocytogenes following the consumption of "polony," a ready-to-eat meat product. Most (59%) cases originated from Gauteng province, South Africa. As a follow-up study to the outbreak, we used standard bacteriological and molecular methods to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and virulent serogroups of L. monocytogenes in various beef and beef products retailed in Gauteng province, South Africa. The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. was 28% (112/400), comprising Listeria monocytogenes (9.3%), Listeria innocua (16.3%), and Listeria welshimeri (2.5%) (p < 0.001). It is crucial to have detected that the region (p=0.036), type of product (p=0.032), and temperature at storage (p=0.011) significantly affected the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in beef products. It is alarming that pathogenic serogroups 4b-4d-4e (51.4%) and 1/2a-3a (43.2%) were detected among the isolates of L. monocytogenes. Importantly, they were all carriers of seven virulence-associated genes (hlyA, inlB, plcA, iap, inlA, inlC, and inlJ). Our study also demonstrated that 16.7% of "polony" samples investigated were contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Considering that pathogenic and virulent L. monocytogenes contaminated beef and beef products retailed in South Africa, the food safety risk posed to consumers remains and cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is imperative to reduce the contamination of these products with L. monocytogenes during beef production, processing, and retailing to avoid future outbreaks of human listeriosis in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gana
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Department of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational Education, Federal College of Education, P.M.B. 39, Kontagora, Niger, Nigeria
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Bacteriology Department, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rebone Moerane
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Yusuf B. Ngoshe
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Khomotso Moabelo
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Abiodun A. Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Erol Z, Taşçı F. Investigation of the seasonal prevalence, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in slaughterhouses in Burdur. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae056. [PMID: 38460954 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study examined Listeria monocytogenes isolates from two slaughterhouses in Burdur province, southern Turkey, over four seasons for antibiotic resistance, serogroups, virulence genes, in vitro biofilm forming capacity, and genetic relatedness. METHODS AND RESULTS Carcass (540) and environment-equipment surface (180) samples were collected from two slaughterhouses (S1, S2) for 1 year (4 samplings). Of the 89 (12.4%) positive isolates, 48 (53.9%) were from animal carcasses, and 41 (46.1%) from the environment-equipment surfaces. Autumn was the peak season for Listeria monocytogenes compared to summer and spring (P < 0.05). In addition, the most common serotype between seasons was 1/2c. Except for plcA and luxS genes, all isolates (100%) harbored inlA, inlC, inlJ, hlyA, actA, iap, flaA genes. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were identified as belonging to IIc (1/2c-3c; 68.5%), IVb (4b-4d-4e; 29.2%), and IIa (1/2a-3a; 2.2%) in the screening using multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based serogrouping test. A total of 65 pulsotypes and 13 clusters with at least 80% homology were determined by using pulsed field gel electrophoresis on samples that had been digested with ApaI. Thirty-four (38.2%) of the isolates were not resistant to any of the 14 antibiotics tested. The antibiotic to which the isolates showed the most resistance was rifampicin (44.9%). Serotype 1/2c was the most resistant serotype to antibiotics. Despite having biofilm-associated genes (inlA, inlB, actA, flaA, and luxS), a minority (11%) of isolates formed weak biofilm. CONCLUSION This study revealed seasonal changes prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, particularly higher in autumn, posing a greater risk of meat contamination. Notably, Serotype 1/2c showed significant prevalence and antibiotic resistance. Indistinguishable isolates indicated cross-contamination, underscoring the importance of prioritized training for slaughterhouse personnel in sanitation and hygiene protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Erol
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030 Burdur, Turkey
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Necmettin Erbakan University, 42310 Ereğli/Konya, Turkey
| | - Fulya Taşçı
- Veterinary Faculty, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, 15030 Burdur, Turkey
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15
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Gana J, Gcebe N, Moerane R, Ngoshe YB, Tshuma T, Moabelo K, Adesiyun AA. A comparative study on the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and factors associated with the distribution of Listeria species on cattle farms and beef abattoirs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:88. [PMID: 38409615 PMCID: PMC10896870 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-03934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
These cross-sectional studies reported the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and factors associated with the distribution of Listeria species on cattle farms and beef abattoirs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A total of 328 samples (faeces, feeds, silage, and drinking water) were collected from 23 cattle farms (communal, cow-calf, and feedlot), and 262 samples (faeces, carcass swabs, and effluents) from 8 beef abattoirs (low throughput and high throughput) were processed using standard bacteriological and molecular methods to detect Listeria species. The factors associated with the prevalence of Listeria species were investigated, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) was used to determine Listeria species, the pathogenic serogroups, and the carriage of eight virulence-associated genes by Listeria monocytogenes. The overall prevalence of Listeria species in cattle farms was 14.6%, comprising Listeria innocua (11.3%), Listeria monocytogenes (3.4%), Listeria welshimeri (0.0%) compared with 11.1%, comprising Listeria innocua (5.7%), Listeria monocytogenes (4.6%), Listeria welshimeri (0.8%) for beef abattoirs. Of the three variables (area, type of farm/abattoir, and sample type) investigated, only the sample types at abattoirs had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on the prevalence of L. innocua and L. welshimeri. The frequency of distribution of the serogroups based on 11 L. monocytogenes isolated from farms was 72.7% and 27.3% for the serogroup 1/2a-3a and 4b-4d-4e, respectively, while for the 12 L. monocytogenes isolates recovered from abattoirs, it was 25%, 8.3%, 50% and 16.7% for the serogroup 1/2a-3a, 1/2b-3b, 1/2c-3c, and 4b-4d-4e respectively (P < 0.05). All (100%) isolates of L. monocytogenes from the farms and abattoirs were positive for seven virulence genes (hlyA, inlB, plcA, iap, inlA, inlC, and inlJ). The clinical and food safety significance of the findings cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gana
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
- Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education, P.M.B. 39, Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria
| | - N Gcebe
- Bacteriology Department, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R Moerane
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Y B Ngoshe
- Epidemiology Section, Department of Production Animal Studies, Epidemiology Section, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - T Tshuma
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - K Moabelo
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - A A Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
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Floris I, Vannuccini A, Ligotti C, Musolino N, Romano A, Viani A, Bianchi DM, Robetto S, Decastelli L. Detection and Characterization of Zoonotic Pathogens in Game Meat Hunted in Northwestern Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:562. [PMID: 38396530 PMCID: PMC10886018 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Wildlife can represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens and a public health problem. In the present study, we investigated the spread of zoonotic pathogens (Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and hepatitis E virus (HEV)) considering the presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in game meat from animals hunted in northwest Italy. During two hunting seasons (2020 to 2022), samples of liver and/or muscle tissue were collected from chamois (n = 48), roe deer (n = 26), deer (n = 39), and wild boar (n = 35). Conventional microbiology and biomolecular methods were used for the detection, isolation, and characterization of the investigated pathogens. Two L. monocytogenes serotype IIa strains were isolated from wild boar liver; both presented fosfomycin resistance gene and a total of 22 virulence genes were detected and specified in the text. Eight Y. enterocolitica biotype 1A strains were isolated from chamois (2), wild boar (5), and deer (1) liver samples; all showed streptogramin and beta-lactam resistance genes; the virulence genes found were myfA (8/8 strains), ymoA (8/8), invA (8/8), ystB (8/8), and ail (4/8). Our data underscore the potential role of wildlife as a carrier of zoonotic and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in northwest Italy and a food safety risk for game meat consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Floris
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Andrea Vannuccini
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
- Posto di Controllo Frontaliero (PCF), Ponte Caracciolo MONTITAL, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmela Ligotti
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Noemi Musolino
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Angelo Romano
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Annalisa Viani
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), SC Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy; (A.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Daniela Manila Bianchi
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Serena Robetto
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), SC Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy; (A.V.); (S.R.)
- SS Patologie della Fauna Selvatica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Aosta, Italy
| | - Lucia Decastelli
- SC Sicurezza e Qualità degli Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), Via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy; (I.F.); (A.V.); (N.M.); (A.R.); (D.M.B.); (L.D.)
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Pracser N, Zaiser A, Ying HMK, Pietzka A, Wagner M, Rychli K. Diverse Listeria monocytogenes in-house clones are present in a dynamic frozen vegetable processing environment. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 410:110479. [PMID: 37977080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is of global concern for food safety as the listeriosis-causing pathogen is widely distributed in the food processing environments, where it can survive for a long time. Frozen vegetables contaminated with L. monocytogenes were recently identified as the source of two large listeriosis outbreaks in the EU and US. So far, only a few studies have investigated the occurrence and behavior of Listeria in frozen vegetables and the associated processing environment. This study investigates the occurrence of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in a frozen vegetable processing environment and in frozen vegetable products. Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), the distribution of sequence types (MLST-STs) and core genome sequence types (cgMLST-CT) of L. monocytogenes were assessed, and in-house clones were identified. Comparative genomic analyses and phenotypical characterization of the different MLST-STs and isolates were performed, including growth ability under low temperatures, as well as survival of freeze-thaw cycles. Listeria were widely disseminated in the processing environment and five in-house clones namely ST451-CT4117, ST20-CT3737, ST8-CT1349, ST8-CT6243, ST224-CT5623 were identified among L. monocytogenes isolates present in environmental swab samples. Subsequently, the identified in-house clones were also detected in product samples. Conveyor belts were a major source of contamination in the processing environment. A wide repertoire of stress resistance markers supported the colonization and survival of L. monocytogenes in the frozen vegetable processing facility. The presence of ArgB was significantly associated with in-house clones. Significant differences were also observed in the growth rate between different MLST-STs at low temperatures (4 °C and 10 °C), but not between in-house and non-in-house isolates. All isolates harbored major virulence genes such as full length InlA and InlB and LIPI-1, yet there were differences between MLST-STs in the genomic content. The results of this study demonstrate that WGS is a strong tool for tracing contamination sources and transmission routes, and for identifying in-house clones. Further research targeting the co-occurring microbiota and the presence of biofilms is needed to fully understand the mechanism of colonization and persistence in a food processing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Pracser
- FFoQSI GmbH-Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Andreas Zaiser
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hui Min Katharina Ying
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ariane Pietzka
- Austrian National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Beethovenstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Martin Wagner
- FFoQSI GmbH-Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria; Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kathrin Rychli
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Tirloni E, Centorotola G, Pomilio F, Torresi M, Bernardi C, Stella S. Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) delicatessen foods: Prevalence, genomic characterization of isolates and growth potential. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 410:110515. [PMID: 38064894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated Listeria monocytogenes prevalence and count in 132 ready-to-eat (RTE) delicatessen samples belonging to different categories (starters with/without mayonnaise pasta/rice-based courses, meat/fish-based main courses) produced by an Italian industry. Whole Genome Sequencing characterized the isolates to map the pathogen circulation. Moreover, the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in the most contaminated product was investigated by a challenge test. L. monocytogenes was detected in 23 samples, giving an estimated prevalence of 17.4 %. Starters with mayonnaise showed a very high prevalence (56.7 %), showing the role of the sauce in the diffusion of the pathogen within the plant. A total of 49 isolates were obtained; they belonged to two different serogroups, IIb and IIa, and were related to two clonal complexes (CCs) and sequence types (STs) (CC288-ST330 and CC121-ST717), suggesting the possible persistence and circulation of the pathogen within the plant. The results of the challenge test showed a limited ability to grow in the selected product thanks to the presence of lactic microflora.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - G Centorotola
- IZSAM, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, via Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - F Pomilio
- IZSAM, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, via Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - M Torresi
- IZSAM, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, via Campo Boario, Teramo 64100, Italy
| | - C Bernardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - S Stella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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19
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Zhang J, Liu Z, Li Z, Xu C, Wang H, Yang R, Liu L. Clinical and Genomic Characteristics of a Clinical Listeria Monocytogenes ST120 Isolate Recovered from a Pregnant Woman. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:229-237. [PMID: 38283108 PMCID: PMC10821662 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s446860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal-fetal listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is a rare but serious infection. Herein, we report the clinical and genomic characteristics of a clinical L. monocytogenes ST120 isolate recovered from a pregnant woman. Methods The clinical symptoms and treatment in pregnant woman were described in detail. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the L. monocytogenes isolate SJZ_LM001, and the genomic characterization of the isolate was deeply analyzed. Results The clinical symptoms in pregnant women were mainly fever, and the placenta experienced severe inflammation. The pregnant woman was treated with ampicillin for effective anti-infective therapy. Genomic analysis showed that isolate SJZ_LM001 is sequence type (ST) 120, belong to clonal complex (CC)8 and lineage II of L. monocytogenes. Additionally, the isolates SJZ_LM001 harbored a novel plasmid pSJZ_LM001, which carried arsenical resistance genes (arsACD and acr3), and cadmium resistance genes (cadAC). Drug susceptibility testing showed that the isolate SJZ-LM001 was susceptible to ampicillin, meropenem, penicillin, and cotrimoxazole. Conclusion This is the first to identify a clinical case of infection in a pregnant woman caused by ST120 L. monocytogenes in China. These findings could benefit our understanding of the genomic characteristics of L. monocytogenes, and the pregnancy-related listeriosis and providing early diagnosis and effective targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zengbin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Caihong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rugang Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Cheng J, Wu S, Ye Q, Gu Q, Zhang Y, Ye Q, Lin R, Liang X, Liu Z, Bai J, Zhang J, Chen M, Wu Q. A novel multiplex PCR based method for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes clonal complex 8. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 409:110475. [PMID: 37976619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen worldwide, which could cause listeriosis with a 20-30 % fatality rate in immunocompromised individuals. Listeria monocytogenes MLST clonal complex (CC) 8 strain is a common clone in food and clinical cases. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR (mPCR) and high-resolution melting (HRM) qPCR to simultaneously detect L. monocytogenes CC8 and the other L. monocytogenes strains based on pan-genome analysis. A novel multiplex PCR and HRM qPCR targeted for the genes LM5578_1180 (specific for CC8) and LM5578_2262 (for L. monocytogenes) were developed. The specificity of this multiplex PCR and HRM qPCR were verified with other CCs of L. monocytogenes and other species strains. The detection limit of this multiplex PCR and HRM qPCR is 2.1 × 103 CFU/mL and 2.1 × 100 CFU/mL, respectively. This multiplex PCR and HRM qPCR could accurately detect CC8 strains with the interference of different ratios of L. monocytogenes CC9, CC87, CC121, CC155, and L. innocua strains. Subsequently, the detection ability of mPCR and HRM qPCR were also evaluated in spiked samples. The mPCR method could successfully detect 6.2 × 103 CFU/mL of CC8 L. monocytogenes after 6 h enrichment while the multiplex HRM qPCR method could successfully detect 6.2 × 104 CFU/mL of CC8 L. monocytogenes after 3 h enrichment. The feasibility of these methods were satisfactory in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency after evaluating 12 mushroom samples and was consistent with that of the National Standard Detection Method (GB4789.30-2016). In conclusion, the developed assays could be applied for rapid screening and detection of L. monocytogenes CC8 strains both in food and food production environments, providing accurate results to adopt monitoring measures to improve microbiological safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianheng Cheng
- College of Food, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Shi Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Qinghua Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Qihui Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Food, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Qinglei Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Ruoqin Lin
- College of Food, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Xinwen Liang
- College of Food, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Jianling Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Jumei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Moutong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China.
| | - Qingping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, China.
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21
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Tricoli MR, Massaro C, Arrigo I, Diquattro O, Di Bernardo F, Galia E, Palermo M, Fasciana T, Giammanco A. Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated in Palermo (Sicily and Italy) during the Years 2018-2020 from Severe Cases of Listeriosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:57. [PMID: 38247616 PMCID: PMC10812810 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (LM), the etiological agent of listeriosis, can cause foodborne zoonosis. In this study, we characterized 23 strains that caused human severe listeriosis in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) during the period of 2018-2020. In addition, we assessed the phenotypic susceptibility of clinical isolates to antibiotics in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. The serogroup was determined through the use of PCR, while MLST and MVLST were identified through the sequencing of housekeeping genes. Finally, susceptibility to antibiotics was assessed by means of the Phoenix automatic system. Patients hospitalized with listeriosis were predominantly males (56% vs. 44% of females). The cases not associated with pregnancy included patients >65 years of age (60%), two of whom were affected by cancer, while cases associated with pregnancy included two pregnant women and three preterm infants. The data collected showed that the main pathologies shown by patients were meningitis (60.9%) and bacteremia (39.1%). The LM strains were isolated from the blood (52%), cerebrospinal fluid (26%), cerebrospinal fluid + blood (13%), blood + a nasal swab (4%), and ascitic fluid (4%). The predominant serogroup was IVb (96%), whereas only one strain belonged to serogroup IIa (4%). Among the strains with serotypes 4b, 4d, and 4e, ST2/VT21 (92%) and ST6/VT19 (4%) were determined, while only isolates with serotypes 1/2a and3a show ST155/VT45 (CC155). This study reveals the widespread circulation of a clinical strain (ST2/VT21) associated with suspected food contamination, demonstrating the importance of carrying out molecular epidemiological surveillance. Our clinical isolates were susceptible to the beta-lactams assayed, in agreement with the literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Tricoli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Chiara Massaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Ignazio Arrigo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Orazia Diquattro
- Laboratory of Microbiology, A. O. Ospedali Riuniti “Villa Sofia-Cervello”, 90100 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Di Bernardo
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, National Relevance and High Specialization Hospital Trust ARNAS Civico, Di Cristina, Benfratelli, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Elena Galia
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Mario Palermo
- Sicilian Health Department, Public Health and Environmental Risks Service, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Fasciana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
| | - Anna Giammanco
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy (A.G.)
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Bozzini MF, Pieracci Y, Ascrizzi R, Najar B, D'Antraccoli M, Ciampi L, Peruzzi L, Turchi B, Pedonese F, Alleva A, Flamini G, Fratini F. Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity against the Listeria monocytogenes of Essential Oils from Seven Salvia Species. Foods 2023; 12:4235. [PMID: 38231686 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, essential oils (EOs) have received interest due to their antibacterial properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the EOs obtained from seven species of Salvia on three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (two serotyped wild strains and one ATCC strain), a bacterium able to contaminate food products and cause foodborne disease in humans. The Salvia species analysed in the present study were cultivated at the Botanic Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa, and their air-dried aerial parts were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. The obtained EOs were analysed via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the evaluation of their chemical composition, and they were tested for their inhibitory and bactericidal activities by means of MIC and MBC. The tested Eos showed promising results, and the best outcomes were reached by S. chamaedryoides EO, showing an MIC of 1:256 and an MBC of 1:64. The predominant compounds of this EO were the sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide and β-caryophyllene, together with the monoterpenes bornyl acetate and borneol. These results suggest that these EOs may possibly be used in the food industry as preservatives of natural origins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ylenia Pieracci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Ascrizzi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale 'NUTRAFOOD', Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Basma Najar
- Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis & Drug Discovery Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Free University of Bruxelles, Bld Triomphe, Campus Plaine, CP 205/9, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Marco D'Antraccoli
- Orto e Museo Botanico, Università di Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Ciampi
- Orto e Museo Botanico, Università di Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Peruzzi
- Orto e Museo Botanico, Università di Pisa, Via Luca Ghini 13, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via Derna 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Turchi
- Centro Interdipartimentale 'NUTRAFOOD', Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Pedonese
- Centro Interdipartimentale 'NUTRAFOOD', Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Alleva
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Agro-Ambientali, Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Flamini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale 'NUTRAFOOD', Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Fratini
- Centro Interdipartimentale 'NUTRAFOOD', Università di Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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23
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Pamboukian R, Ferguson M, Jarvis K, Grocholl J, Burall L. Multilab Validation Report for the Verification and Subtyping of Listeria monocytogenes Using qPCR. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100178. [PMID: 37806351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes invasive listeriosis, an illness with high mortality and hospitalization rates. Due to the severity of illness associated with Lm, rapid identification and characterization of isolates from foods and the food-processing environment are critical to properly identify and track the pathogen and quickly remove adulterated foods from the market. Prior methods can rely on time-consuming biochemical or sera-agglutination assays to perform these tasks. Development of a high-throughput method that would rapidly perform these tasks is critical to improve response to contamination events. Previously, a single laboratory validation of a qPCR-based method was presented that could rapidly verify Lm isolates and characterize them into six molecular serogroups. In the current study, a multi-laboratory validation (MLV) was performed to evaluate the reliability of the qPCR method for identification and serogrouping of Lm isolates. Sixteen collaborating laboratories independently analyzed a panel of 43 blinded isolates plus three control strains using the qPCR method. This panel was comprised of representatives for non-Listeria (n = 7), Listeria sp. (n = 8), and Lm (n = 28) strains. The Lm isolates contained representatives of the six serogroups: 2A, 2B, 2C, 4B, NT, and 4bV/IVb-v1, with five strains for each serogroup except 4bV/IVb-v1 (n = 3). The results generated by 16 laboratories showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, generally ≥97%, for both the genus-species and serogrouping qPCRs. Results from one laboratory lowered the sensitivity of the non-Listeria group to 93%. These results indicated the method was highly reliable. However, only the previously evaluated serogroups were tested within the MLV panel, though there is the potential for other serogroup results. Sequence Read Archive (SRA) files for Lm isolates were evaluated to determine the frequency of other potential serogroup profiles. This effort identified a low percentage of isolates with atypical qPCR serogroups (0.30%) that are consistent with Lm and were generally associated with lineage II and the natural environment. In summary, the results indicate that the proposed qPCR method is reliable and has a high degree of sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity, while also decreasing hands-on analysis time and increasing throughput of the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine Ferguson
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Karen Jarvis
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - John Grocholl
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, Laurel, MD, USA
| | - Laurel Burall
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA, Laurel, MD, USA.
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24
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Tadielo LE, Dos Santos EAR, Possebon FS, Schmiedt JA, Juliano LCB, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, de Oliveira JP, Sampaio ANDCE, Melo PRL, Caron EFF, Pinto JPDAN, Bersot LDS, Pereira JG. Characterization of microbial ecology, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella sp. on equipment and utensil surfaces in Brazilian poultry, pork, and dairy industries. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113422. [PMID: 37803760 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the level of counting by indicator microorganisms, identify the microbial ecology, detect Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp., and determine the presence of virulence genes and biofilm formation. A total of 480 samples were collected from the surfaces of the equipment and utensils using sterile swabs for the detection of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. and counting mesophilic aerobes, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp. The microbial ecology was evaluated by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Genes for virulence and biofilm formation were analyzed and adhesion capacity was evaluated for L. monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. The mesophilic aerobe count was the highest in the dairy processing facility, followed by the pork and poultry slaughterhouses. L. monocytogenes was detected in all facilities, with the highest detection in the pork slaughterhouse, followed by the poultry and dairy facilities. Salmonella sp. was only detected in the dairy. Isolates of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. showed poor adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, virulence genes, and biofilm formation. The frequent contaminants in the slaughterhouses were Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Aeromonas in poultry, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Brevundimonas in pork, and Pseudomonas, Kocuria, and Staphylococcus in dairy. Our results provide useful information to understand the microbiological risks associated with contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ereno Tadielo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emanoelli Aparecida Rodrigues Dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Sossai Possebon
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jhennifer Arruda Schmiedt
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Palotina Campus, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Rua Pioneiro, 2153, Jardim Dallas, 85950-000 Palotina, PR, Brazil
| | - Lara Cristina Bastos Juliano
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Koutsodontis Cerqueira-Cézar
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina Prieto de Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aryele Nunes da Cruz Encide Sampaio
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Regina Lopes Melo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Fernanda Flores Caron
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Paes de Almeida Nogueira Pinto
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Dos Santos Bersot
- Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Palotina Campus, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Rua Pioneiro, 2153, Jardim Dallas, 85950-000 Palotina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Juliano Gonçalves Pereira
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Distrito de Rubião Jr, SN, 18618-681 Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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25
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Brown P, Murray RGE, Galsworthy S, Ivanova M, Leekitcharoenphon P, Ward T, Kucerova Z, Chen Y, Elhanafi D, Siletzky R, Kathariou S. Draft genome sequences of a historical collection of Listeria monocytogenes from humans and other sources, 1926-1964. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023; 12:e0062523. [PMID: 37772827 PMCID: PMC10586164 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00625-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes can persistently contaminate food processing environments and tolerate sanitizers. Most sequenced strains are from clinical and environmental sources in the contemporary era, with relatively few prior to extensive food processing and sanitizer use. We report the genome sequences of a diverse panel of 83 strains from 1926 to 1964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Brown
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert G. E. Murray
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Galsworthy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mirena Ivanova
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute,Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon
- Research Group for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute,Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Todd Ward
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Zuzana Kucerova
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EDLB/DFWED, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Microbiology, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Driss Elhanafi
- Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robin Siletzky
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophia Kathariou
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Figueroa Y, Gentiluomo J, Grisaro A, Buffoni M, Zipenco N, Sucari A, Buonfiglio P, Costa M. [Epidemiological study and serotyping by multiple PCR of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from food matrices in Argentina]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2023; 55:387-394. [PMID: 37479608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen. It can resist stress conditions by adapting through the production of biofilms, which represents a serious problem for the food industry. It is classified into 14 serotypes, although only four (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b) account for 89.0-98.0% of listeriosis cases worldwide. The objective of this study was to detect and serotype L.monocytogenes isolated from different food matrices from processing plants in Argentina. In the period 2016-2021, 1832 samples (meat, ready-to-eat foods, ice cream, dairy foods, and frozen vegetables) were analyzed, of which 226 (12.34%) isolates compatible with L.monocytogenes were detected. At the same time, environmental and surface samplings were performed in processing plants for ready-to-eat foods, sausages and dairy products, where environmental contamination with L.monocytogenes was detected in numerous critical points of the process, yielding a positivity rate of 22.7%. The molecular analysis of serogroups was performed, where it was observed that serogroup IIb was the most frequent with 66.5% (n=107), and in descending order IIc with 22.3% (n=36), and IIa (n=9) and IVb (n=9) with 5.6%. The serogroup mostly isolated in environmental monitoring was IIb. This work highlights the importance of the detection and serotyping of L.monocytogenes for taking actionable measures and identifying outbreaks, and is the first study in Argentina to describe an extensive study in food matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Figueroa
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jimena Gentiluomo
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Grisaro
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Buffoni
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia Zipenco
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adriana Sucari
- División Higiene y Seguridad Alimentaria y Ambiental, Stamboulian Servicios de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Buonfiglio
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética de la Audición, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular Dr. Hector N. Torres (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Costa
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria Ing. Fernando N. Dulout (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Szymczak B. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of Non-Hemolytic L. monocytogenes Isolated from Food and Processing Environments. Foods 2023; 12:3630. [PMID: 37835283 PMCID: PMC10572806 DOI: 10.3390/foods12193630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasingly, Listeria monocytogenes (LM) with atypical phenotypic and genotypic characteristics are being isolated from food, causing problems with their classification and testing. From 2495 soil, food, and swab samples from the food industry, 262 LM isolates were found. A total of 30 isolates were isolated, mainly from soil and plant food, and were classified as atypical LM (aLM) because they lacked the ability to move (30/11.4%) and perform hemolysis (25/9.5%). The isolation environment affected aLM incidence, cell size, sugar fermentation capacity, antibiotic sensitivity, and the number of virulence genes. Therefore, despite several characteristics differentiating all aLMs/non-hemolytic isolates from reference LMs, the remaining phenotypic characteristics were specific to each aLM isolate (like a fingerprint). The aLM/non-hemolytic isolates, particularly those from the soil and meat industries, showed more variability in their sugar fermentation capacity and were less sensitive to antibiotics than LMs. As many as 11 (36.7%) aLM isolates had resistance to four different antibiotics or simultaneously to two antibiotics. The aLM isolates possessed 3-7 of the 12 virulence genes: prfA and hly in all aLMs, while iap was not present. Only five (16.7%) isolates were classified into serogroups 1/2c-3c or 4a-4c. The aLM/non-hemolytic isolates differed by many traits from L. immobilis and atypical L. innocua. The reference method of reviving and isolating LM required optimization of aLM. Statistical analyses of clustering, correlation, and PCA showed similarities and differences between LM and aLM/non-hemolytic isolates due to individual phenotypic traits and genes. Correlations were found between biochemical traits, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes. The increase in the incidence of atypical non-hemolytic LM may pose a risk to humans, as they may not be detected by ISO methods and have greater antibiotic resistance than LM. aLM from LM can be distinguished based on lack of hemolysis, motility, growth at 4 °C, ability to ferment D-arabitol, and lack of six specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Szymczak
- Department of Applied Microbiology and Human Nutrition Physiology, Faculty of Food Science and Fisheries, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Papieża Pawła VI 3, 71-459 Szczecin, Poland
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28
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Lachtara B, Wieczorek K, Osek J. Antimicrobial resistance of Listeria monocytogenes serogroups IIa and IVb from food and food-production environments in Poland. J Vet Res 2023; 67:373-379. [PMID: 37786847 PMCID: PMC10541657 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for human listeriosis, which is a disease with high hospitalisation and mortality rates. The bacteria are usually susceptible to most antibacterial substances, but resistance to some of them has been recently observed. The present study introduces the evidence on the emergence of antibiotic resistance among L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food and food-production environments in Poland. Material and Methods A total of 283 L. monocytogenes isolates classified into serogroups IIa and IVb which had been recovered from food and food production environments were tested with 17 antimicrobials. These included those that are recommended for treatment of severe listeriosis cases in humans. A multiplex PCR was used to identify serogroups, and a microbroth dilution method was applied for the determination of antibiotic resistance among the isolates tested. Results Only 34 (12.0%) strains were susceptible to all the antimicrobials used in the study. The remaining 249 (88.0%) strains displayed different instances of resistance to the antimicrobials tested, from insusceptibility to one (112 strains; 39.6%) to resistance to four antibacterial substances (6 strains; 2.1%). Among them, there were 38 strains (13.4%) with multiresistance patterns. Conclusion Polish food and its processing environments may be a potential source of antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes, which may pose a potential health risk to consumers in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Lachtara
- Department of Hygiene of Food of Animal Origin, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | - Kinga Wieczorek
- Department of Hygiene of Food of Animal Origin, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
| | - Jacek Osek
- Department of Hygiene of Food of Animal Origin, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100Puławy, Poland
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29
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Rosa Rodrigues de Souza C, Bergis H, Ng P, Guillier L, Félix B, Leclercq A, Gnanou Besse N. Assessment of the relationship between the MLST genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes and growth under selective and non-selective conditions. Food Microbiol 2023; 114:104303. [PMID: 37290879 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes can grow under stressful conditions and contaminate various food categories. Progresss in DNA sequencing-based identification methods, such as multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) now allow for more accurate characterization of pathogens. L. monocytogenes MLST genetic diversity is reflected by the different prevalence of the "clonal complexes" (CCs) in foods or infections. Better understanding of the growth potentials of L. monocytogenes is essential for quantitative risk assessment and efficient detection across CCs genetic diversity. Using optical density measurements taken with an automated spectrophotometer, we compared the maximal growth rate and lag phase of 39 strains from 13 different CCs and various food origins, in 3 broths mimicking stresful food conditions (8 °C, aw 0.95 and pH5) and in ISO Standard enrichment broths (Half Fraser and Fraser). This is important as growth could influence risk through pathogen multiplication in food. Besides, enrichment problems could lead to a lack of detection of some CCs. Despite small differences highlighting natural intraspecific variability, our results show that growth performances of L. monocytogenes strains under the conditions tested in selective and non-selective broth do not appear to be strongly correlated to CCs and cannot explain higher CC "virulence" or prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rosa Rodrigues de Souza
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. Laboratory for Food Safety (Anses, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94702 Maisons Alfort cedex, France; School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ-UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil.
| | - Hélène Bergis
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. Laboratory for Food Safety (Anses, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94702 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
| | - Patricia Ng
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. Laboratory for Food Safety (Anses, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94702 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
| | - Laurent Guillier
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, Risk Assessment Department, France.
| | - Benjamin Félix
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. Laboratory for Food Safety (Anses, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94702 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
| | | | - Nathalie Gnanou Besse
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety. Laboratory for Food Safety (Anses, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94702 Maisons Alfort cedex, France.
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30
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Mao P, Wang Y, Li L, Ji S, Li P, Liu L, Chen J, Sun H, Luo X, Ye C. The Isolation, Genetic Analysis and Biofilm Characteristics of Listeria spp. from the Marine Environment in China. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2166. [PMID: 37764010 PMCID: PMC10535974 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an important pathogen that can cause listeriosis. Despite the growing recognition of Listeria spp. as a foodborne and environmental pathogen, the understanding of its prevalence and characteristics of Listeria spp. in the marine environment remains unknown. In this study, we first investigated the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Listeria species isolated in a coastal city in China. The findings revealed that the sequence type 87 (ST87) L. monocytogenes, a prevalent clinical and seafood strain in China, dominates in recreational beach sands and possesses a notable biofilm-forming capacity in seawater. The presence of ST87 L. monocytogenes in coastal environments indicates the potential health risks for both recreational activities and seafood consumption. Moreover, the ST121 isolates from sand had a versatile plasmid encoding multifunctional genes, including uvrX for UV resistance, gbuC for salt resistance, and npx for oxidative resistance and multiple transposases, which potentially aid in survival under natural environments. Black-headed gulls potentially facilitate the spread of L. monocytogenes, with similar ST35 strains found in gulls and beach sand. As a reservoir of microbes from marine environments and human/animal excrement, coastal sand would play an important role in the spread of L. monocytogenes and is an environmental risk for human listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Changyun Ye
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China; (P.M.); (Y.W.); (L.L.); (S.J.); (P.L.); (L.L.); (J.C.); (H.S.); (X.L.)
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31
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Nogueira R, Cabo ML, García-Sanmartín L, Sánchez-Ruiloba L, Rodríguez-Herrera JJ. Risk factor-based clustering of Listeria monocytogenes in food processing environments using principal component analysis. Food Res Int 2023; 170:112989. [PMID: 37316020 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes has a range of strategies that allow it to persist as biofilms in food processing environments (FPE), making it a pathogen of concern to the food industry. The properties of these biofilms are highly variable among strains, and this significantly affects the risk of food contamination. The present study therefore aims to conduct a proof-of-concept study to cluster strains of L. monocytogenes by risk potential using principal component analysis, a multivariate approach. A set of 22 strains, isolated from food processing environments, were typed by serogrouping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, showing a relatively high diversity. They were characterized in terms of several biofilm properties that might pose a potential risk of food contamination. The properties studied were tolerance to benzalkonium chloride (BAC), the structural parameters of biofilms (biomass, surface area, maximum and average thickness, surface to biovolume ratio and roughness coefficient) measured by confocal laser scanning microscopy and (3) transfer of biofilm cells to smoked salmon. The PCA correlation circle revealed that the tolerance of biofilms to BAC was positively correlated with roughness, but negatively with biomass parameters. On the contrary, cell transfers were not related to three-dimensional structural parameters, which suggests the role of other variables yet unexplored. Additionally, hierarchical clustering grouped strains into three different clusters. One of them included the strains with high tolerance to BAC and roughness. Another one consisted of strains with enhanced transfer ability, whereas the third cluster contained those that stood out for the thickness of biofilms. The present study represents a novel and effective way to classify L. monocytogenes strains according to biofilm properties that condition the potential risk of reaching the consumer through food contamination. It would thus allow the selection of strains representative of different worst-case scenarios for future studies in support of QMRA and decision-making analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Nogueira
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Technology of Marine Products (MICROTEC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marta López Cabo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Technology of Marine Products (MICROTEC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Lucía García-Sanmartín
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Technology of Marine Products (MICROTEC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Lucía Sánchez-Ruiloba
- Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis Facility, Scientific-Technical Support Unit, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Juan José Rodríguez-Herrera
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Technology of Marine Products (MICROTEC), Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (IIM), CSIC, Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain.
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32
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Abou Elez RMM, Elsohaby I, Al-Mohammadi AR, Seliem M, Tahoun ABMB, Abousaty AI, Algendy RM, Mohamed EAA, El-Gazzar N. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum against Listeria monocytogenes isolated from milk, chicken and pregnant women. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1201201. [PMID: 37538844 PMCID: PMC10394229 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1201201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a foodborne pathogen that poses significant risks to public health and food safety. The present study aimed to identify the presence of Listeria spp. in various samples, including pasteurized milk, chicken fillets, and stool samples from pregnant women in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Additionally, the study identified the serotypes, virulence-associated genes, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and biofilm formation in L. monocytogenes isolates. Moreover, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 (L. plantarum) against L. monocytogenes isolates was investigated. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2021 to January 2022 to collect 300 samples of pasteurized milk, chicken fillets, and stool from pregnant women admitted to outpatient clinics of hospitals. The results showed that 32.7% of the samples were positive for Listeria spp., including L. innocua (48.9%), L. monocytogenes (26.5%), L. ivanovii (14.3%), L. grayi (5.1%), and L. welshimeri (5.1%). Among all L. monocytogenes isolates, hlyA, actA, inlC, and inlJ virulence-associated genes were detected. However, the virulence genes plcB, iap, and inlA were found in 10 (38.5%), 8 (30.8%), and 25 (96.2%) isolates, respectively. The L. monocytogenes isolates classified into four serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b), with 1/2a and 4b each identified in 30.8% of the isolates, while 1/2b and 1/2c were identified in 19.2% of the isolates. All L. monocytogenes isolates showed 100% resistance to streptomycin, kanamycin, and nalidix acid, and 92.3% of isolates showed gentamicin resistance. However, all isolates were susceptible to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 20 (76.9%) L. monocytogenes isolates. The biofilm formation ability of 26 L. monocytogenes isolates was evaluated at different incubation temperatures. At 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C, 53.8, 69.2, and 80.8% of the isolates, respectively, were biofilm producers. Furthermore, 23.1% were strong biofilm producers at both 4°C and 25°C, while 34.6% were strong biofilm formers at 37°C. Treating L. monocytogenes isolates with L. plantarum cell-free supernatant (CFS) reduced the number of biofilm-producing isolates to 15.4, 42.3, and 53.8% at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C, respectively. L. plantarum's CFS antibacterial activity was tested against six virulent, MDR, and biofilm-forming L. monocytogenes isolates. At a concentration of 5 μg/mL of L. plantarum CFS, none of the L. monocytogenes isolates exhibited an inhibition zone. However, an inhibition zone was observed against L. monocytogenes strains isolated from pasteurized milk and pregnant women's stools when using a concentration of 10 μg/mL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that L. plantarum CFS induced morphological and intracellular structural changes in L. monocytogenes. In conclusion, this study identified virulent MDR L. monocytogenes isolates with strong biofilm-forming abilities in food products in Egypt, posing significant risks to food safety. Monitoring the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of L. monocytogenes in dairy and meat products is crucial to enhance their safety. Although L. plantarum CFS showed potential antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects against L. monocytogenes isolates, further research is needed to explore its full probiotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M. M. Abou Elez
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice (OHRP), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa Seliem
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Asmaa B. M. B. Tahoun
- Department of Food Hygiene, Safety and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Amira I. Abousaty
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Reem M. Algendy
- Department of Food Hygiene, Safety and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Eman A. A. Mohamed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nashwa El-Gazzar
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Suominen K, Jaakola S, Salmenlinna S, Simola M, Wallgren S, Hakkinen M, Suokorpi A, Rimhanen-Finne R. Invasive listeriosis in Finland: surveillance and cluster investigations, 2011-2021. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e118. [PMID: 37424309 PMCID: PMC10468812 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes may cause serious, life-threatening disease in susceptible persons. We combined data from Finnish national listeriosis surveillance, patient interview responses, and laboratory data of patient samples and compared them to listeria findings from food and food production plants collected as part of outbreak investigations during 2011-2021. The incidence of invasive listeriosis in Finland (1.3/100000 in 2021) is higher than the EU average (0.5/100000 in 2021), and most cases are observed in the elderly with a predisposing condition. Many cases reported consuming high-risk foods as well as improper food storage. Since ongoing patient interviews and whole genome sequencing were introduced, several listeriosis outbreaks were detected and food sources identified. Recommendations about high-risk foods for listeriosis and proper food storage should be better communicated to susceptible people. In Finland, patient interviews and typing and comparing listeria isolates in foods and patient samples are crucial in solving outbreaks and determining measures to control invasive listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Suominen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Jaakola
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saara Salmenlinna
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | - Ruska Rimhanen-Finne
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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Brauge T, Leleu G, Hanin A, Capitaine K, Felix B, Midelet G. Genetic population structure of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from salmon and trout sectors in France. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18154. [PMID: 37483814 PMCID: PMC10362350 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoked salmon and smoked trout are ready-to-eat and potentially contaminated with the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes making them high risk for the consumer. This raises questions about the presence of hypervirulent or persistent strains in the salmon and trout industries. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of circulating strains in these sectors is essential to evaluate the risk associated with this pathogen and improve food safety. We analyzed the genetic structure of 698 strains of L. monocytogenes isolated from 2006 to 2017 in France, based on their serogroup, lineage and clonal complexes (CCs) determined by Multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Most of the CCs were identified by mapping the strains PFGE profiles and a novel high-throughput real-time PCR method for CC identification. We identified thirteen CCs and one sequence type (ST) with variable distribution in salmon and trout samples (food, environment). The three most prevalent CCs were CC121, CC26 and CC204. Strains from ST191 and CC54 were detected for the first time in these sectors, while less than 0.6% of the isolates belonged to the hyper-virulent CC1, CC6 and CC20. No CC was exclusively associated with the salmon sector. This project allowed us to assess the population diversity of CCs of L. monocytogenes in the salmon and trout industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brauge
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, 62200, Boulogne sur Mer, France
| | - Guylaine Leleu
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, 62200, Boulogne sur Mer, France
| | | | - Karine Capitaine
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Benjamin Felix
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Graziella Midelet
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, 62200, Boulogne sur Mer, France
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Libuit KG, Doughty EL, Otieno JR, Ambrosio F, Kapsak CJ, Smith EA, Wright SM, Scribner MR, Petit III RA, Mendes CI, Huergo M, Legacki G, Loreth C, Park DJ, Sevinsky JR. Accelerating bioinformatics implementation in public health. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001051. [PMID: 37428142 PMCID: PMC10438813 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We have adopted an open bioinformatics ecosystem to address the challenges of bioinformatics implementation in public health laboratories (PHLs). Bioinformatics implementation for public health requires practitioners to undertake standardized bioinformatic analyses and generate reproducible, validated and auditable results. It is essential that data storage and analysis are scalable, portable and secure, and that implementation of bioinformatics fits within the operational constraints of the laboratory. We address these requirements using Terra, a web-based data analysis platform with a graphical user interface connecting users to bioinformatics analyses without the use of code. We have developed bioinformatics workflows for use with Terra that specifically meet the needs of public health practitioners. These Theiagen workflows perform genome assembly, quality control, and characterization, as well as construction of phylogeny for insights into genomic epidemiology. Additonally, these workflows use open-source containerized software and the WDL workflow language to ensure standardization and interoperability with other bioinformatics solutions, whilst being adaptable by the user. They are all open source and publicly available in Dockstore with the version-controlled code available in public GitHub repositories. They have been written to generate outputs in standardized file formats to allow for further downstream analysis and visualization with separate genomic epidemiology software. Testament to this solution meeting the requirements for bioinformatic implementation in public health, Theiagen workflows have collectively been used for over 5 million sample analyses in the last 2 years by over 90 public health laboratories in at least 40 different countries. Continued adoption of technological innovations and development of further workflows will ensure that this ecosystem continues to benefit PHLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G. Libuit
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Emma L. Doughty
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - James R. Otieno
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Frank Ambrosio
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Curtis J. Kapsak
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Emily A. Smith
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Sage M. Wright
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Michelle R. Scribner
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Robert A. Petit III
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
- Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, 208 S College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007, USA
| | - Catarina Inês Mendes
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Marcela Huergo
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Gregory Legacki
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
| | - Christine Loreth
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daniel J. Park
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Joel R. Sevinsky
- Theiagen Genomics, Suite 400, 1745 Shea Center Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129, USA
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36
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Upham JP, Eisebraun M, Fortuna A, Mallo GV. Substituting Allose as the Primary Carbon Source During Enrichment Helps Improve Detection and Isolation of Lineage II Listeria monocytogenes From Food. J Food Prot 2023; 86:100104. [PMID: 37178924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Testing of foods for low levels of the human pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), involves a selective enrichment procedure. A nonpathogenic species of Listeria, L. innocua (Li), is often present in foods and food-manufacturing environments and is an interference organism for Lm detection due to competition during enrichment. The present study investigated whether a novel enrichment strategy incorporating the sugar allose into the secondary enrichment broth (allose method) could improve the detection of Lm from foods when Li is present. First, Canadian food isolates of Listeria spp. were tested to confirm recent reports that lineage II Lm (LII-Lm), but not Li, could metabolize allose. All LII-Lm isolates (n = 81), but not Li (n = 36), possessed the allose genes lmo0734-lmo0739, and could efficiently metabolize allose. Next, smoked salmon was contaminated with mixtures of LII-Lm and Li and tested using different enrichment procedures to compare the ability to recover Lm. Allose broth was more effective than Fraser Broth, with Lm detected in 87% (74 of 85) compared to 59% (50 of 85) of the samples (P < 0.05), following a common preenrichment. When evaluated against a current Health Canada method (MFLP-28), the allose method was more effective, with LII-Lm detected in 88% (57 of 65) compared to 69% (45 of 65) of the samples (P < 0.05). The allose method also remarkably increased the ratio of LII-Lm to Li postenrichment, which improved the ease of obtaining isolated Lm colonies for confirmation tests. Allose may therefore provide a tool for use when the presence of background flora interferes with Lm detection. As this tool is specifically applicable to a subset of Lm, the use of this method modification may provide a working example of tailoring methodology to target the known subtype of the pathogen of interest in an outbreak investigation, or for regular monitoring activities in conjunction with a PCR screen for allose genes on preenrichment cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline P Upham
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Dartmouth Laboratory, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B3B 1Y9.
| | - Mikaela Eisebraun
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Dartmouth Laboratory, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B3B 1Y9
| | - Alex Fortuna
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 0A3
| | - Gustavo V Mallo
- Pathogen Preparedness and Test Development Unit, Public Health Ontario Laboratories, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1M1
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Schiavano GF, Guidi F, Pomilio F, Brandi G, Salini R, Amagliani G, Centorotola G, Palma F, Felici M, Lorenzetti C, Blasi G. Listeria monocytogenes Strains Persisting in a Meat Processing Plant in Central Italy: Use of Whole Genome Sequencing and In Vitro Adhesion and Invasion Assays to Decipher Their Virulence Potential. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1659. [PMID: 37512831 PMCID: PMC10383671 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we used both a WGS and an in vitro approach to study the virulence potential of nine Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) strains belonging to genetic clusters persisting in a meat processing plant in Central Italy. The studied clusters belonged to CC1-ST1, CC9-ST9, and CC218-ST2801. All the CC1 and CC218 strains presented the same accessory virulence genes (LIPI-3, gltA, gltB, and aut_IVb). CC1 and CC9 strains presented a gene profile similarity of 22.6% as well as CC9 and CC218 isolates. CC1 and CC218 showed a similarity of 45.2% of the same virulence profile. The hypervirulent strains of lineage I (CC1 and CC218) presented a greater ability to adhere and invade Caco-2 cells than hypovirulent ones (CC9). CC1 strains were significantly more adhesive and invasive compared with CC9 and CC218 strains, although these last CCs presented the same accessory virulence genes. No statistically significant difference was found comparing CC218 with CC9 strains. This study provided for the first time data on the in vitro adhesiveness and invasiveness of CC218-ST2801 and added more data on the virulence characteristics of CC1 and CC9. What we observed confirmed that the ability of Lm to adhere to and invade human cells in vitro is not always decipherable from its virulence gene profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Fiorella Schiavano
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Bramante, 17, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Guidi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per Listeria Monocytogenes, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Pomilio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per Listeria Monocytogenes, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Brandi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Santa Chiara, 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Romolo Salini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Centro Operativo Veterinario per l'Epidemiologia, Programmazione, Informazione e Analisi del Rischio (COVEPI), National Reference Center for Veterinary Epidemiology, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giulia Amagliani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Santa Chiara, 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Centorotola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Laboratorio Nazionale di Riferimento per Listeria Monocytogenes, Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Palma
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Santa Chiara, 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Martina Felici
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Santa Chiara, 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lorenzetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Gaetano Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Giuliana Blasi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche "Togo Rosati", Via Gaetano Salvemini, 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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38
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Angelidis AS, Grammenou AS, Kotzamanidis C, Giadinis ND, Zdragas AG, Sergelidis D. Prevalence, Serotypes, Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm-Forming Ability of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Bulk-Tank Bovine Milk in Northern Greece. Pathogens 2023; 12:837. [PMID: 37375527 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in bovine bulk-tank milk (BTM) in Greece has not been previously investigated. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in bovine BTM in Greece and to characterize the isolates in terms of carriage of genes encoding for pathogenic determinants, assess the isolates' biofilm-forming ability and determine their susceptibility against 12 antimicrobials. Samples (n = 138) of bovine BTM were obtained from farms located throughout Northern Greece and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively for L. monocytogenes. Five samples (3.6%) tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The pathogen's populations in these positive samples were below 5 CFU/mL. Most isolates belonged to the molecular serogroup "1/2a, 3a". All isolates carried the virulence genes inlA, inlC, inlJ, iap, plcA and hlyA, but actA was detected in only three isolates. The isolates displayed weak to moderate biofilm-forming ability and distinct antimicrobial resistance profiles. All isolates were characterized as multidrug resistant, with resistance to penicillin and clindamycin being a common feature. Considering that L. monocytogenes constitutes a serious public health threat, the key findings of the study, related to the carriage of virulence genes and multidrug resistance, highlight the importance of continued monitoring of the pathogen in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos S Angelidis
- Laboratory of Safety and Quality of Milk and Dairy Products, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Afroditi S Grammenou
- Laboratory of Hygiene of Foods of Animal Origin-Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalampos Kotzamanidis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Nektarios D Giadinis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios G Zdragas
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DIMITRA, Veterinary Research Institute of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thermi, Greece
| | - Daniel Sergelidis
- Laboratory of Hygiene of Foods of Animal Origin-Veterinary Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Myintzaw P, Pennone V, McAuliffe O, Begley M, Callanan M. Association of Virulence, Biofilm, and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes with Specific Clonal Complex Types of Listeria monocytogenes. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1603. [PMID: 37375105 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise classification of foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is a necessity in efficient foodborne disease surveillance, outbreak detection, and source tracking throughout the food chain. In this study, a total of 150 L. monocytogenes isolates from various food products, food processing environments, and clinical sources were investigated for variations in virulence, biofilm formation, and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes based on their Whole-Genome Sequences. Clonal complex (CC) determination based on Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) revealed twenty-eight CC-types including eight isolates representing novel CC-types. The eight isolates comprising the novel CC-types share the majority of the known (cold and acid) stress tolerance genes and are all genetic lineage II, serogroup 1/2a-3a. Pan-genome-wide association analysis by Scoary using Fisher's exact test identified eleven genes specifically associated with clinical isolates. Screening for the presence of antimicrobial and virulence genes using the ABRicate tool uncovered variations in the presence of Listeria Pathogenicity Islands (LIPIs) and other known virulence genes. Specifically, the distributions of actA, ecbA, inlF, inlJ, lapB, LIPI-3, and vip genes across isolates were found to be significantly CC-dependent while the presence of ami, inlF, inlJ, and LIPI-3 was associated with clinical isolates specifically. In addition, Roary-derived phylogenetic grouping based on Antimicrobial-Resistant Genes (AMRs) revealed that the thiol transferase (FosX) gene was present in all lineage I isolates, and the presence of the lincomycin resistance ABC-F-type ribosomal protection protein (lmo0919_fam) was also genetic-lineage-dependent. More importantly, the genes found to be specific to CC-type were consistent when a validation analysis was performed with fully assembled, high-quality complete L. monocytogenes genome sequences (n = 247) extracted from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) microbial genomes database. This work highlights the usefulness of MLST-based CC typing using the Whole-Genome Sequence as a tool in classifying isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Myintzaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Vincenzo Pennone
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia McAuliffe
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co., P61 C996 Cork, Ireland
| | - Máire Begley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael Callanan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
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Félix B, Capitaine K, Te S, Felten A, Gillot G, Feurer C, van den Bosch T, Torresi M, Sréterné Lancz Z, Delannoy S, Brauge T, Midelet G, Leblanc JC, Roussel S. Identification by High-Throughput Real-Time PCR of 30 Major Circulating Listeria monocytogenes Clonal Complexes in Europe. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0395422. [PMID: 37158749 PMCID: PMC10269651 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03954-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous bacterium that causes a foodborne illness, listeriosis. Most strains can be classified into major clonal complexes (CCs) that account for the majority of outbreaks and sporadic cases in Europe. In addition to the 20 CCs known to account for the majority of human and animal clinical cases, 10 CCs are frequently reported in food production, thereby posing a serious challenge for the agrifood industry. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid and reliable method to identify these 30 major CCs. The high-throughput real-time PCR assay presented here provides accurate identification of these 30 CCs and eight genetic subdivisions within four CCs, splitting each CC into two distinct subpopulations, along with the molecular serogroup of a strain. Based on the BioMark high-throughput real-time PCR system, our assay analyzes 46 strains against 40 real-time PCR arrays in a single experiment. This European study (i) designed the assay from a broad panel of 3,342 L. monocytogenes genomes, (ii) tested its sensitivity and specificity on 597 sequenced strains collected from 24 European countries, and (iii) evaluated its performance in the typing of 526 strains collected during surveillance activities. The assay was then optimized for conventional multiplex real-time PCR for easy implementation in food laboratories. It has already been used for outbreak investigations. It represents a key tool for assisting food laboratories to establish strain relatedness with human clinical strains during outbreak investigations and for helping food business operators by improving their microbiological management plans. IMPORTANCE Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is the reference method for Listeria monocytogenes typing but is expensive and takes time to perform, from 3 to 5 days for laboratories that outsource sequencing. Thirty major MLST clonal complexes (CCs) are circulating in the food chain and are currently identifiable only by sequencing. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid and reliable method to identify these CCs. The method presented here enables the rapid identification, by real-time PCR, of 30 CCs and eight genetic subdivisions within four CCs, splitting each CC into two distinct subpopulations. The assay was then optimized on different conventional multiplex real-time PCR systems for easy implementation in food laboratories. The two assays will be used for frontline identification of L. monocytogenes isolates prior to whole-genome sequencing. Such assays are of great interest for all food industry stakeholders and public agencies for tracking L. monocytogenes food contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Félix
- ANSES, European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Karine Capitaine
- ANSES, European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sandrine Te
- ANSES, European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Arnaud Felten
- ANSES, Ploufragan/Plouzané/Niort Laboratory, Viral Genetics and Bio-Security Unit, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Ploufragan, France
| | | | - Carole Feurer
- IFIP–The French Pig and Pork Institute, Department of Fresh and Processed Meat, Le Rheu, France
| | - Tijs van den Bosch
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Department of Bacteriology, Molecular Technology and Antimicrobial Resistance, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Torresi
- National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale” Via Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
| | - Zsuzsanna Sréterné Lancz
- Microbiological National Reference Laboratory, National Food Chain Safety Office, Food Chain Safety Laboratory Directorate, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sabine Delannoy
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, IdentyPath Platform, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thomas Brauge
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Graziella Midelet
- ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products Unit, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Jean-Charles Leblanc
- ANSES, European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sophie Roussel
- ANSES, European Union Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes, Laboratory for Food Safety, Salmonella and Listeria Unit, University of Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Skowron K, Wałecka-Zacharska E. Genomic and pathogenicity islands of Listeria monocytogenes-overview of selected aspects. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1161486. [PMID: 37388250 PMCID: PMC10300472 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1161486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a disease characterized by a high mortality rate (up to 30%). Since the pathogen is highly tolerant to changing conditions (high and low temperature, wide pH range, low availability of nutrients), it is widespread in the environment, e.g., water, soil, or food. L. monocytogenes possess a number of genes that determine its high virulence potential, i.e., genes involved in the intracellular cycle (e.g., prfA, hly, plcA, plcB, inlA, inlB), response to stress conditions (e.g., sigB, gadA, caspD, clpB, lmo1138), biofilm formation (e.g., agr, luxS), or resistance to disinfectants (e.g., emrELm, bcrABC, mdrL). Some genes are organized into genomic and pathogenicity islands. The islands LIPI-1 and LIPI-3 contain genes related to the infectious life cycle and survival in the food processing environment, while LGI-1 and LGI-2 potentially ensure survival and durability in the production environment. Researchers constantly have been searching for new genes determining the virulence of L. monocytogenes. Understanding the virulence potential of L. monocytogenes is an important element of public health protection, as highly pathogenic strains may be associated with outbreaks and the severity of listeriosis. This review summarizes the selected aspects of L. monocytogenes genomic and pathogenicity islands, and the importance of whole genome sequencing for epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Wałecka-Zacharska
- Department of Food Hygiene and Consumer Health, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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42
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Ferri G, Lauteri C, Festino AR, Vergara A. ARGs Detection in Listeria Monocytogenes Strains Isolated from the Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar) Food Industry: A Retrospective Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1509. [PMID: 37375010 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among bacterial foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes represents one of the most important public health concerns in seafood industries. This study was designed as a retrospective study which aimed to investigate the trend of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) circulation in L. monocytogenes isolates identified (in the last 15 years) from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fresh and smoked fillets and environmental samples. For these purposes, biomolecular assays were performed on 120 L. monocytogenes strains collected in certain years and compared to the contemporary scientific literature. A total of 52.50% (95% CI: 43.57-61.43%) of these samples were resistant to at least one antibiotic class, and 20.83% (95% CI: 13.57-28.09%) were classified as multidrug resistant. Concerning ARGs circulation, tetracycline (tetC, tetD, tetK, tetL, tetS), aminoglycoside (aadA, strA, aacC2, aphA1, aphA2), macrolide (cmlA1, catI, catII), and oxazolidinone (cfr, optrA, poxtA) gene determinants were majorly amplified. This study highlights the consistent ARGs circulation from fresh and processed finfish products and environmental samples, discovering resistance to the so-called critical important antimicrobials (CIA) since 2007. The obtained ARGs circulation data highlight the consistent increase in their diffusion when compared to similar contemporary investigations. This scenario emerges as the result of decades of improper antimicrobial administration in human and veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Carlotta Lauteri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Festino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco", University of Teramo, Strada Provinciale 18, Piano d'Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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43
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Lee SH, Lee S, Park SH, Koo OK. Whole-genome sequencing of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from the first listeriosis foodborne outbreak in South Korea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1182090. [PMID: 37333628 PMCID: PMC10272515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1182090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans with severe symptoms. In South Korea, listeriosis had only been reported sporadically among hospitalized patients until the first foodborne outbreak occurred in 2018. In this study, a L. monocytogenes strain responsible for this outbreak (FSCNU0110) was characterized via whole genome sequencing and compared with publicly available L. monocytogenes genomes of the same clonal complex (CC). Strain FSCNU0110 belonged to multilocus sequence typing (MLST)-based sequence type 224 and CC224, and core genome MLST-based sublineage 6,178. The strain harbored tetracycline resistance gene tetM, four other antibiotic resistance genes, and 64 virulence genes, including Listeria pathogenicity island 1 (LIPI-1) and LIPI-3. Interestingly, llsX in LIPI-3 exhibited a characteristic SNP (deletion of A in position 4, resulting in a premature stop codon) that was missing among all CC224 strains isolated overseas but was conserved among those from South Korea. In addition, the tetM gene was also detected only in a subset of CC224 strains from South Korea. These findings will provide an essential basis for assessing the characteristics of CC224 strains in South Korea that have shown a potential to cause listeriosis outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hun Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmi Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hun Park
- Seoul Metropolitan Government Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Kyung Koo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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44
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Lake FB, van Overbeek LS, Baars JJP, Abee T, den Besten HMW. Growth performance of Listeria monocytogenes and background microbiota from mushroom processing environments. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 395:110183. [PMID: 37001480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Interaction between Listeria monocytogenes and resident background microbiota may occur in food processing environments and may influence the survival of this pathogen in a factory environment. Therefore the aim of this study was to characterize the growth performance of microbiota isolated from the processing environments of frozen sliced mushrooms, and to investigate the competitive performance of L. monocytogenes when co-cultured with accompanying environmental microbiota. Acinetobacter, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactococcus and Pseudomonas were the most prominent background microbiota isolated from the processing environment of frozen sliced mushrooms. All individual microbiota strains were able to grow and form biofilm in filter-sterilized mushroom medium, with the mannitol-consumers Raoultella and Ewingella as top performers, reaching up to 9.6 and 9.8 log CFU/mL after 48 h incubation at room temperature. When L. monocytogenes mushroom isolates were co-cultured with the microbiota strains, L. monocytogenes counts ranged from 7.6 to 8.9 log CFU/mL after 24 h of incubation, while counts of the microbiota strains ranged from 5.5 to 9.0 log CFU/mL. Prolonged incubation up to 48 h resulted in further increase of L. monocytogenes counts when co-cultured with non-acidifying species Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter reaching 9.1 to 9.2 log CFU/mL, while a decrease of L. monocytogenes counts reaching 5.8 to 7.7 log CFU/mL was observed in co-culture with Enterobacteriaceae and acidifying Lactococcus representatives. In addition, L. monocytogenes grew also in spent mushroom media of the microbiota strains, except in acidified spent media of Lactococcus strains. These results highlight the competitive ability of L. monocytogenes during co-incubation with microbiota in fresh and in spent mushroom medium, indicative of its invasion and persistence capacity in food processing factory environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank B Lake
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leo S van Overbeek
- Biointeractions and Plant Health, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johan J P Baars
- Plant Breeding, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjakko Abee
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Heidy M W den Besten
- Food Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Knijn A, Michelacci V, Gigliucci F, Tozzoli R, Chiani P, Minelli F, Scavia G, Ventola E, Morabito S. IRIDA-ARIES Genomics, a key player in the One Health surveillance of diseases caused by infectious agents in Italy. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1151568. [PMID: 37361153 PMCID: PMC10289303 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen genomics is transforming surveillance of infectious diseases, deepening our understanding of evolution and diffusion of etiological agents, host-pathogen interactions and antimicrobial resistance. This discipline is playing an important role in the development of One Health Surveillance with public health experts of various disciplines integrating methods applied to pathogen research, monitoring, management and prevention of outbreaks. Especially with the notion that foodborne diseases may not be transmitted by food only, the ARIES Genomics project aimed to deliver an Information System for the collection of genomic and epidemiological data to enable genomics-based surveillance of infectious epidemics, foodborne outbreaks and diseases at the animal-human interface. Keeping in mind that the users of the system comprised persons with expertise in a wide variety of domains, the system was expected to be used with a low learning curve directly by the persons target of the analyses' results, keeping the information exchange chains as short as possible. As a result, the IRIDA-ARIES platform (https://irida.iss.it/) provides an intuitive web-based interface for multisectoral data collection and bioinformatic analyses. In practice, the user creates a sample and uploads the Next-generation sequencing reads, then an analysis pipeline is launched automatically performing a series of typing and clustering operations fueling the information flow. Instances of IRIDA-ARIES host the Italian national surveillance system for infections by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and the surveillance system for infections by Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). As of today, the platform does not provide tools to manage epidemiological investigations but serves as an instrument of aggregation for risk monitoring, capable of triggering alarms on possible critical situations that might go unnoticed otherwise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Knijn
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Tasneem M, Gupta SD, Momin MB, Hossain KM, Osman TB, Rabbi MF. In silico annotation of a hypothetical protein from Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e unfolds a toxin protein of the type II secretion system. Genomics Inform 2023; 21:e7. [PMID: 37037465 PMCID: PMC10085738 DOI: 10.5808/gi.22071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne intracellular pathogen that is widespread in the environment. The functions of hypothetical proteins (HP) from various pathogenic bacteria have been successfully annotated using a variety of bioinformatics strategies. In this study, a HP Imo0888 (NP_464414.1) from the Listeria monocytogenes EGD-e strain was annotated using several bioinformatics tools. Various techniques, including CELLO, PSORTb, and SOSUIGramN, identified the candidate protein as cytoplasmic. Domain and motif analysis revealed that the target protein is a PemK/MazF-like toxin protein of the type II toxin-antitoxin system (TA) which was consistent with BLASTp analysis. Through secondary structure analysis, we found the random coil to be the most frequent. The Alpha Fold 2 Protein Structure Prediction Database was used to determine the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the HP using the template structure of a type II TA PemK/MazF family toxin protein (DB ID_AFDB: A0A4B9HQB9) with 99.1% sequence identity. Various quality evaluation tools, such as PROCHECK, ERRAT, Verify 3D, and QMEAN were used to validate the 3D structure. Following the YASARA energy minimization method, the target protein's 3D structure became more stable. The active site of the developed 3D structure was determined by the CASTp server. Most pathogens that harbor TA systems create a crucial risk to human health. Our aim to annotate the HP Imo088 found in Listeria could offer a chance to understand bacterial pathogenicity and identify a number of potential targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisha Tasneem
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Shipan Das Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Monira Binte Momin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Modasser Hossain
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnim Binta Osman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Fazley Rabbi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali 3814, Bangladesh
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
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Moabelo KC, Gcebe N, Gana J, Ngoshe YB, Adesiyun AA. Contamination of beef and beef products by
Listeria
spp. and molecular characterization of
L. monocytogenes
in Mpumalanga, South Africa. J Food Saf 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
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48
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Kayode AJ, Okoh AI. Antimicrobial-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods: Implications for Food Safety and Risk Assessment. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061346. [PMID: 36981271 PMCID: PMC10048454 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an existential threat to the health sector, with far-reaching consequences in managing microbial infections. In this study, one hundred and ninety-four Listeria monocytogenes isolates were profiled for susceptibility using disc diffusion techniques. Possible foodborne listeriosis risk associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) foods (RTEF) and the risk of empirical treatment (EMPT) of L. monocytogenes infections, using multiple antimicrobial resistance indices (MARI) and antimicrobial resistance indices (ARI), respectively, were investigated. Twelve European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) prescribed/recommended antimicrobials (EPAS) for the treatment of listeriosis and ten non-prescribed antimicrobials (non-PAS)] were evaluated. Antimicrobial resistance > 50% against PAs including sulfamethoxazole (61.86%), trimethoprim (56.19%), amoxicillin (42.27%), penicillin (41.24%), and erythromycin (40.21%) was observed. Resistance > 50% against non-PAS, including oxytetracycline (60.89%), cefotetan (59.28%), ceftriaxone (53.09%), and streptomycin (40.21%) was also observed. About 55.67% and 65.46% of the isolates had MARI scores ranging from 0.25-0.92 and 0.30-0.70 for EPAs and non-PAs, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the MARI scores of the isolates for EPAs and non-PAs (means of 0.27 ± 0.21 and 0.31 ± 0.14, respectively). MARI/ARI scores above the Krumperman permissible threshold (>0.2) suggested a high risk/level of antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes. The MARI risks of the non-success of empirical treatment (EMPT) attributed to EPAs and non-PAs were generally high (55.67% and 65.463%, respectively) due to the antimicrobial resistance of the isolates. MARI-based estimated success and non-success of EMPT if EUCAST-prescribed antimicrobials were administered for the treatment of listeriosis were 44.329% and 55.67%, respectively. The EMPT if non-prescribed antimicrobials were administered for the treatment of listeriosis was 34.53% and 65.46%, respectively. This indicates a potentially high risk with PAs and non-PAs for the treatment of L. monocytogenes infection. Furthermore, ARI scores ≤ 0.2 for EPAs were observed in polony, potato chips, muffins, and assorted sandwiches, whereas ARI scores for non-PAs were >0.2 across all the RTE food types. The ARI-based estimate identified potential risks associated with some RTE foods, including fried fish, red Vienna sausage, Russian sausage, fruit salad, bread, meat pies, fried chicken, cupcakes, and vetkoek. This investigation identified a high risk of EMPT due to the presence of antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes in RTE foods, which could result in severe health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeoye John Kayode
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Center, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Center, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Kawacka I, Pietrzak B, Schmidt M, Olejnik-Schmidt A. Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Meat Products and Processing Environment in Poland Are Sensitive to Commonly Used Antibiotics, with Rare Cases of Reduced Sensitivity to Ciprofloxacin. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030821. [PMID: 36983976 PMCID: PMC10051045 DOI: 10.3390/life13030821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global health problem, causing not only an increased mortality rate of bacterial infections but also economic losses due to, among other reasons, the need for longer hospital stays. Listeria monocytogenes is one of the foodborne pathogens with the ability to induce a serious illness called listeriosis, with approximately 20-30% fatal outcomes. The treatment regimen of listeriosis in humans includes the administration of antibiotics (in most cases, ampicillin or trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole in case of allergies to β-lactams), so the resistance of this pathogen to antibiotics can potentially lead to increased mortality. The antibiotic sensitivity status of n = 153 L. monocytogenes isolates originating from meat food samples (raw and processed) and meat-processing environment (both contacting and non-contacting with food) collected between October 2020 and November 2021 in Poland was examined in this study. Susceptibility to antibiotics was determined using the disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar plates. All collected samples were susceptible to 9 antibiotics: ampicillin (10 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), erythromycin (15 µg), gentamicin (10 µg), penicillin (10 IU), streptomycin (10 µg), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (1.25/23.75 µg), tetracycline (30 µg) and vancomycin (30 µg). Some of the isolates (n = 10; 6.5%) showed reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (5 µg), which was classified as an intermediate response. All these ten isolates were collected from surfaces contacting with food in food-processing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kawacka
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Pietrzak
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Schmidt
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Olejnik-Schmidt
- Department of Food Biotechnology and Microbiology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 48, 60-627 Poznan, Poland
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50
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Characterization and Antibiotic Resistance of Listeria monocytogenes Strains Isolated from Greek Myzithra Soft Whey Cheese and Related Food Processing Surfaces over Two-and-a-Half Years of Safety Monitoring in a Cheese Processing Facility. Foods 2023; 12:foods12061200. [PMID: 36981126 PMCID: PMC10048787 DOI: 10.3390/foods12061200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Listeriosis is a serious infectious disease with one of the highest case fatality rates (ca. 20%) among the diseases manifested from bacterial foodborne pathogens in humans, while dairy products are often implicated as sources of human infection with Listeria monocytogenes. In this study, we characterized phenotypically and genetically by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) 54 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from Myzithra, a traditional Greek soft whey cheese (48 isolates), and swabs collected from surfaces of a cheese processing plant (six isolates) in the Epirus region of Greece. All but one strain of L. monocytogenes belonged to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) serogroups IIa (16.7%) and IIb (81.5%), corresponding to serotypes 1/2a, 3a and 1/2b, 3b, 7, respectively. The latter was identified as a PCR-serogroup IVb strain (1.8%) of serotypes 4b, 4d, 4e. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of five sequence types (STs) and clonal complexes (CCs); ST1, ST3, ST121, ST 155, ST398 and CC1, CC3, CC121, CC155, CC398 were thus detected in 1.9, 83.3, 11.0, 1.9, and 1.9% of the L. monocytogenes isolates, respectively. Antibiograms of the pathogen against a panel of seven selected antibiotics (erythromycin, tetracycline, benzylpenicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and meropenem) showed that 50 strains (92.6%), the six surface isolates also included, were intermediately resistant to ciprofloxacin and susceptible to the rest of the six antimicrobial agents tested, whereas strong resistance against the use of a single from three implicated antibiotics was recorded to four strains (7.4%) of the pathogen isolated from Myzithra cheese samples. Thence, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for erythromycin (MIC = 0.19 μg/mL), ciprofloxacin (MIC ≥ 0.19 μg/mL), and meropenem (MIC = 0.64 μg/mL), and finally, just one strain was deemed resistant to the latter antibiotic. The phylogenetic positions of the L. monocytogenes strains and their genetic variability were determined through WGS, whilst also stress response and virulence gene analysis for the isolates was conducted. Findings of this work should be useful as they could be utilized for epidemiological investigations of L. monocytogenes in the food processing environment, revealing possible contamination scenarios, and acquired antimicrobial resistance along the food production chain.
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