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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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Pan X, Shen J, Hong Y, Wu Y, Guo D, Zhao L, Bu X, Ben L, Wang X. Comparative Analysis of Growth, Survival, and Virulence Characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Imported Meat. Microorganisms 2024; 12:345. [PMID: 38399749 PMCID: PMC10891628 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020345] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen with worldwide prevalence. Understanding the variability in the potential pathogenicity among strains of different subtypes is crucial for risk assessment. In this study, the growth, survival, and virulence characteristics of 16 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from imported meat in China (2018-2020) were investigated. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) and lag phase (λ) were evaluated using the time-to-detection (TTD) method and the Baranyi model at different temperatures (25, 30, and 37 °C). Survival characteristics were determined by D-values and population reduction after exposure to heat (60, 62.5, and 65 °C) and acid (HCl, pH = 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5). The potential virulence was evaluated via adhesion and invasion to Caco-2 cells, motility, and lethality to Galleria mellonella. The potential pathogenicity was compared among strains of different lineages and subtypes. The results indicate that the lineage I strains exhibited a higher growth rate than the lineage II strains at three growth temperatures, particularly serotype 4b within lineage I. At all temperatures tested, serotypes 1/2a and 1/2b consistently demonstrated higher heat resistance than the other subtypes. No significant differences in the log reduction were observed between the lineage I and lineage II strains at pH 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5. However, the serotype 1/2c strains exhibited significantly low acid resistance at pH 2.5. In terms of virulence, the lineage I strains outperformed the lineage II strains. The invasion rate to Caco-2 cells and lethality to G. mellonella exhibited by the serotype 4b strains were higher than those observed in the other serotypes. This study provides meaningful insights into the growth, survival, and virulence of L. monocytogenes, offering valuable information for understanding the correlation between the pathogenicity and subtypes of L. monocytogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinye Pan
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (X.P.); (Y.H.); (X.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Jinling Shen
- Technology Center for Animal Plant and Food Inspection and Quarantine of Shanghai Customs, Shanghai 200135, China; (J.S.); (D.G.); (L.Z.)
| | - Yi Hong
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (X.P.); (Y.H.); (X.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Yufan Wu
- Centre of Analysis and Test, School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China;
| | - Dehua Guo
- Technology Center for Animal Plant and Food Inspection and Quarantine of Shanghai Customs, Shanghai 200135, China; (J.S.); (D.G.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lina Zhao
- Technology Center for Animal Plant and Food Inspection and Quarantine of Shanghai Customs, Shanghai 200135, China; (J.S.); (D.G.); (L.Z.)
| | - Xiangfeng Bu
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (X.P.); (Y.H.); (X.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Leijie Ben
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (X.P.); (Y.H.); (X.B.); (L.B.)
| | - Xiang Wang
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China; (X.P.); (Y.H.); (X.B.); (L.B.)
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Nonno R, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Fox E, Gosling R(B, Gil BM, Møretrø T, Stessl B, da Silva Felício MT, Messens W, Simon AC, Alvarez‐Ordóñez A. Persistence of microbiological hazards in food and feed production and processing environments. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8521. [PMID: 38250499 PMCID: PMC10797485 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8521] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes (in the meat, fish and seafood, dairy and fruit and vegetable sectors), Salmonella enterica (in the feed, meat, egg and low moisture food sectors) and Cronobacter sakazakii (in the low moisture food sector) were identified as the bacterial food safety hazards most relevant to public health that are associated with persistence in the food and feed processing environment (FFPE). There is a wide range of subtypes of these hazards involved in persistence in the FFPE. While some specific subtypes are more commonly reported as persistent, it is currently not possible to identify universal markers (i.e. genetic determinants) for this trait. Common risk factors for persistence in the FFPE are inadequate zoning and hygiene barriers; lack of hygienic design of equipment and machines; and inadequate cleaning and disinfection. A well-designed environmental sampling and testing programme is the most effective strategy to identify contamination sources and detect potentially persistent hazards. The establishment of hygienic barriers and measures within the food safety management system, during implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points, is key to prevent and/or control bacterial persistence in the FFPE. Once persistence is suspected in a plant, a 'seek-and-destroy' approach is frequently recommended, including intensified monitoring, the introduction of control measures and the continuation of the intensified monitoring. Successful actions triggered by persistence of L. monocytogenes are described, as well as interventions with direct bactericidal activity. These interventions could be efficient if properly validated, correctly applied and verified under industrial conditions. Perspectives are provided for performing a risk assessment for relevant combinations of hazard and food sector to assess the relative public health risk that can be associated with persistence, based on bottom-up and top-down approaches. Knowledge gaps related to bacterial food safety hazards associated with persistence in the FFPE and priorities for future research are provided.
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Guidi F, Centorotola G, Chiaverini A, Iannetti L, Schirone M, Visciano P, Cornacchia A, Scattolini S, Pomilio F, D'Alterio N, Torresi M. The Slaughterhouse as Hotspot of CC1 and CC6 Listeria monocytogenes Strains with Hypervirulent Profiles in an Integrated Poultry Chain of Italy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1543. [PMID: 37375045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, very few studies are available regarding the diversity of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) clonal complexes (CCs) and sequence types (ST) in poultry and on the related typing of isolates using whole genome sequencing (WGS). In this study, we used a WGS approach to type 122 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from chicken neck skin samples collected in two different slaughterhouses of an integrated Italian poultry company. The studied strains were classified into five CCs: CC1-ST1 (21.3%), CC6-ST6 (22.9%), CC9-ST9 (44.2%), CC121-ST121 (10.6%) and CC193-ST193 (0.8%). CC1 and CC6 strains presented a virulence gene profile composed of 60 virulence genes and including the Listeria Pathogenicity Island 3, aut_IVb, gltA and gltB. According to cgMLST and SNPs analysis, long-term persistent clusters belonging to CC1 and CC6 were found in one of the two slaughterhouses. The reasons mediating the persistence of these CCs (up to 20 months) remain to be elucidated, and may involve the presence and the expression of stress response and environmental adaptation genes including heavy metals resistance genes (cadAC, arsBC, CsoR-copA-copZ), multidrug efflux pumps (mrpABCEF, EmrB, mepA, bmrA, bmr3, norm), cold-shock tolerance (cspD) and biofilm-formation determinants (lmo0673, lmo2504, luxS, recO). These findings indicated a serious risk of poultry finished products contamination with hypervirulent L. monocytogenes clones and raised concern for the consumer health. In addition to the AMR genes norB, mprF, lin and fosX, ubiquitous in L. monocytogenes strains, we also identified parC for quinolones, msrA for macrolides and tetA for tetracyclines. Although the phenotypical expression of these AMR genes was not tested, none of them is known to confer resistance to the primary antibiotics used to treat listeriosis The obtained results increase the data on the L. monocytogenes clones circulating in Italy and in particular in the poultry chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Guidi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Centorotola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alexandra Chiaverini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Luigi Iannetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Schirone
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Pierina Visciano
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini, 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cornacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Silvia Scattolini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Pomilio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Torresi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections upon ingestion with contaminated food. Clinically, listerial disease, or listeriosis, most often presents as bacteremia, meningitis or meningoencephalitis, and pregnancy-associated infections manifesting as miscarriage or neonatal sepsis. Invasive listeriosis is life-threatening and a main cause of foodborne illness leading to hospital admissions in Western countries. Sources of contamination can be identified through international surveillance systems for foodborne bacteria and strains' genetic data sharing. Large-scale whole genome studies have increased our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of L. monocytogenes, while recent pathophysiological investigations have improved our mechanistic understanding of listeriosis. In this article, we present an overview of human listeriosis with particular focus on relevant features of the causative bacterium, epidemiology, risk groups, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel M Koopmans
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - José A Vázquez-Boland
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School (Biomedical Sciences), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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6
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Listeria monocytogenes-How This Pathogen Uses Its Virulence Mechanisms to Infect the Hosts. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121491. [PMID: 36558825 PMCID: PMC9783847 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeriosis is a serious food-borne illness, especially in susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and elderlies. The disease can occur in two forms: non-invasive febrile gastroenteritis and severe invasive listeriosis with septicemia, meningoencephalitis, perinatal infections, and abortion. Expression of each symptom depends on various bacterial virulence factors, immunological status of the infected person, and the number of ingested bacteria. Internalins, mainly InlA and InlB, invasins (invasin A, LAP), and other surface adhesion proteins (InlP1, InlP4) are responsible for epithelial cell binding, whereas internalin C (InlC) and actin assembly-inducing protein (ActA) are involved in cell-to-cell bacterial spread. L. monocytogenes is able to disseminate through the blood and invade diverse host organs. In persons with impaired immunity, the elderly, and pregnant women, the pathogen can also cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, which results in the invasion of the central nervous system and fetus infection, respectively. The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology of listeriosis and L. monocytogenes virulence mechanisms that are involved in host infection, with a special focus on their molecular and cellular aspects. We believe that all this information is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes infection.
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7
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Sibanda T, Buys EM. Listeria monocytogenes Pathogenesis: The Role of Stress Adaptation. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081522. [PMID: 36013940 PMCID: PMC9416357 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive stress tolerance responses are the driving force behind the survival ability of Listeria monocytogenes in different environmental niches, within foods, and ultimately, the ability to cause human infections. Although the bacterial stress adaptive responses are primarily a necessity for survival in foods and the environment, some aspects of the stress responses are linked to bacterial pathogenesis. Food stress-induced adaptive tolerance responses to acid and osmotic stresses can protect the pathogen against similar stresses in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and, thus, directly aid its virulence potential. Moreover, once in the GIT, the reprogramming of gene expression from the stress survival-related genes to virulence-related genes allows L. monocytogenes to switch from an avirulent to a virulent state. This transition is controlled by two overlapping and interlinked transcriptional networks for general stress response (regulated by Sigma factor B, (SigB)) and virulence (regulated by the positive regulatory factor A (PrfA)). This review explores the current knowledge on the molecular basis of the connection between stress tolerance responses and the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes. The review gives a detailed background on the currently known mechanisms of pathogenesis and stress adaptation. Furthermore, the paper looks at the current literature and theories on the overlaps and connections between the regulatory networks for SigB and PrfA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulani Sibanda
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
- Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo P.O. Box AC939, Zimbabwe
| | - Elna M. Buys
- Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
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8
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Muchaamba F, Eshwar AK, Stevens MJA, Stephan R, Tasara T. Different Shades of Listeria monocytogenes: Strain, Serotype, and Lineage-Based Variability in Virulence and Stress Tolerance Profiles. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:792162. [PMID: 35058906 PMCID: PMC8764371 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.792162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a public health and food safety challenge due to its virulence and natural stress resistance phenotypes. The variable distribution of L. monocytogenes molecular subtypes with respect to food products and processing environments and among human and animal clinical listeriosis cases is observed. Sixty-two clinical and food-associated L. monocytogenes isolates were examined through phenome and genome analysis. Virulence assessed using a zebrafish infection model revealed serotype and genotype-specific differences in pathogenicity. Strains of genetic lineage I serotype 4b and multilocus sequence type clonal complexes CC1, CC2, CC4, and CC6 grew and survived better and were more virulent than serotype 1/2a and 1/2c lineage II, CC8, and CC9 strains. Hemolysis, phospholipase activity, and lysozyme tolerance profiles were associated with the differences observed in virulence. Osmotic stress resistance evaluation revealed serotype 4b lineage I CC2 and CC4 strains as more osmotolerant, whereas serotype 1/2c lineage II CC9 strains were more osmo-sensitive than others. Variable tolerance to the widely used quaternary ammonium compound benzalkonium chloride (BC) was observed. Some outbreak and sporadic clinical case associated strains demonstrated BC tolerance, which might have contributed to their survival and transition in the food-processing environment facilitating food product contamination and ultimately outbreaks or sporadic listeriosis cases. Genome comparison uncovered various moderate differences in virulence and stress associated genes between the strains indicating that these differences in addition to gene expression regulation variations might largely be responsible for the observed virulence and stress sensitivity phenotypic differences. Overall, our study uncovered strain and genotype-dependent variation in virulence and stress resilience among clinical and food-associated L. monocytogenes isolates with potential public health risk implications. The extensive genome and phenotypic data generated provide a basis for developing improved Listeria control strategies and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Muchaamba
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Athmanya K Eshwar
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc J A Stevens
- 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
| | - Taurai Tasara
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Lakicevic BZ, Den Besten HMW, De Biase D. Landscape of Stress Response and Virulence Genes Among Listeria monocytogenes Strains. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:738470. [PMID: 35126322 PMCID: PMC8811131 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.738470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic microorganism Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitous and responsible for listeriosis, a disease with a high mortality rate in susceptible people. It can persist in different habitats, including the farm environment, the food production environments, and in foods. This pathogen can grow under challenging conditions, such as low pH, low temperatures, and high salt concentrations. However, L. monocytogenes has a high degree of strain divergence regarding virulence potential, environmental adaption, and stress response. This review seeks to provide the reader with an up-to-date overview of clonal and serotype-specific differences among L. monocytogenes strains. Emphasis on the genes and genomic islands responsible for virulence and resistance to environmental stresses is given to explain the complex adaptation among L. monocytogenes strains. Moreover, we highlight the use of advanced diagnostic technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing, to fine-tune quantitative microbiological risk assessment for better control of listeriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brankica Z. Lakicevic
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Brankica Z. Lakicevic,
| | | | - Daniela De Biase
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
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10
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Moura A, Lefrancq N, Wirth T, Leclercq A, Borges V, Gilpin B, Dallman TJ, Frey J, Franz E, Nielsen EM, Thomas J, Pightling A, Howden BP, Tarr CL, Gerner-Smidt P, Cauchemez S, Salje H, Brisse S, Lecuit M. Emergence and global spread of Listeria monocytogenes main clinical clonal complex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj9805. [PMID: 34851675 PMCID: PMC8635441 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj9805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes clonal complex 1 (Lm-CC1) is the most prevalent clonal group associated with human listeriosis and is strongly associated with cattle and dairy products. Here, we analyze 2021 isolates collected from 40 countries, covering Lm-CC1 first isolation to present days, to define its evolutionary history and population dynamics. We show that Lm-CC1 spread worldwide from North America following the Industrial Revolution through two waves of expansion, coinciding with the transatlantic livestock trade in the second half of the 19th century and the rapid growth of cattle farming and food industrialization in the 20th century. In sharp contrast to its global spread over the past century, transmission chains are now mostly local, with limited inter- and intra-country spread. This study provides an unprecedented insight into L. monocytogenes phylogeography and population dynamics and highlights the importance of genome analyses for a better control of pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Moura
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center Listeria, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Noémie Lefrancq
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Wirth
- Institut Systématique Evolution Biodiversité (ISYEB),Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université des Antilles, EPHE, Paris, France
- PSL University, EPHE, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Leclercq
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center Listeria, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Vítor Borges
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Brent Gilpin
- Christchurch Science Centre, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Joachim Frey
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eelco Franz
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Juno Thomas
- Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Arthur Pightling
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Infectious Diseases Department, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl L. Tarr
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Simon Cauchemez
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Henrik Salje
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, CNRS UMR 2000, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Brisse
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Inserm U1117, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, National Reference Center and WHO Collaborating Center Listeria, 75015 Paris, France
- Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, APHP, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
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11
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Bagatella S, Tavares-Gomes L, Oevermann A. Listeria monocytogenes at the interface between ruminants and humans: A comparative pathology and pathogenesis review. Vet Pathol 2021; 59:186-210. [PMID: 34856818 DOI: 10.1177/03009858211052659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is widely distributed in the environment as a saprophyte, but may turn into a lethal intracellular pathogen upon ingestion. Invasive infections occur in numerous species worldwide, but most commonly in humans and farmed ruminants, and manifest as distinct forms. Of those, neuroinfection is remarkably threatening due to its high mortality. Lm is widely studied not only as a pathogen but also as an essential model for intracellular infections and host-pathogen interactions. Many aspects of its ecology and pathogenesis, however, remain unclear and are rarely addressed in its natural hosts. This review highlights the heterogeneity and adaptability of Lm by summarizing its association with the environment, farm animals, and disease. It also provides current knowledge on key features of the pathology and (molecular) pathogenesis of various listeriosis forms in naturally susceptible species with a special focus on ruminants and on the neuroinvasive form of the disease. Moreover, knowledge gaps on pathomechanisms of listerial infections and relevant unexplored topics in Lm pathogenesis research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bagatella
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leticia Tavares-Gomes
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Oevermann
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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In vitro virulence potential, surface attachment and transcriptional response of sublethally injured Listeria monocytogenes following exposure to peracetic acid. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 88:e0158221. [PMID: 34731051 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01582-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The disinfectant Peracetic acid (PAA) can cause high levels of sublethal injury to L. monocytogenes. This study aims to evaluate phenotypic and transcriptional characteristics concerning surface attachment and virulence potential of sublethally injured L. monocytogenes ScottA and EGDe after exposure to 0.75 ppm PAA for 90 min at 4°C and subsequent incubation in TSBY at 4°C. Results showed that injured L. monocytogenes cells (99% of total population) were able to attach (after 2 and 24h) on stainless steel coupons at 4°C and 20°C. In vitro virulence assays using human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells showed that injured L. monocytogenes could invade host cells but could not proliferate intracellularly. In vitro virulence response was strain-dependent; injured ScottA was more invasive than EGDe. Assessment of PAA-injury at the transcriptional level showed upregulation of genes (motB, flaA) involved in flagellum motility and surface attachment. The transcriptional response of L. monocytogenes EGDe and ScottA was different; only injured ScottA demonstrated upregulation of the virulence genes inlA and plcA. Downregulation of the stress-related genes fri and kat, and upregulation of lmo0669 was observed in injured ScottA. The obtained results indicate that sublethally-injured L. monocytogenes cells may retain part of their virulence properties as well as their ability to adhere on food processing surfaces. Transmission to food products and introduction of these cells in the food chain is therefore a plausible scenario that is worth taking into consideration in terms of risk assessment. Importance L. monocytogenes is the causative agent of listeriosis a serious food-borne illness. Antimicrobial practices, such as disinfectants used for the elimination of this pathogen in food industry can produce a sublethally injured population fraction. Injured cells of this pathogen, that may survive an antimicrobial treatment, may pose a food safety-risk. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding how sublethal injury may impact important cellular traits and phenotypic responses of this pathogen is limited. This work suggests that sublethally injured L. monocytogenes cells maintain the virulence and surface attachment potential and highlights the importance of the occurrence of sublethally injured cells regarding food safety.
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Virulence Pattern Analysis of Three Listeria monocytogenes Lineage I Epidemic Strains with Distinct Outbreak Histories. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081745. [PMID: 34442824 PMCID: PMC8399138 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081745] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Strains of the food-borne pathogen Listeria (L.) monocytogenes have diverse virulence potential. This study focused on the virulence of three outbreak strains: the CC1 strain PF49 (serovar 4b) from a cheese-associated outbreak in Switzerland, the clinical CC2 strain F80594 (serovar 4b), and strain G6006 (CC3, serovar 1/2a), responsible for a large gastroenteritis outbreak in the USA due to chocolate milk. We analysed the genomes and characterized the virulence in vitro and in vivo. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a high conservation of the major virulence genes. Minor deviations of the gene contents were found in the autolysins Ami, Auto, and IspC. Moreover, different ActA variants were present. Strain PF49 and F80594 showed prolonged survival in the liver of infected mice. Invasion and intracellular proliferation were similar for all strains, but the CC1 and CC2 strains showed increased spreading in intestinal epithelial Caco2 cells compared to strain G6006. Overall, this study revealed long-term survival of serovar 4b strains F80594 and PF49 in the liver of mice. Future work will be needed to determine the genes and molecular mechanism behind the long-term survival of L. monocytogenes strains in organs.
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Use of Bacteriophage Amended with CRISPR-Cas Systems to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in the Bacterial Foodborne Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030308. [PMID: 33802904 PMCID: PMC8002625 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial foodborne pathogen and the causative agent of the disease listeriosis, which though uncommon can result in severe symptoms such as meningitis, septicemia, stillbirths, and abortions and has a high case fatality rate. This pathogen can infect humans and other animals, resulting in massive health and economic impacts in the United States and globally. Listeriosis is treated with antimicrobials, typically a combination of a beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside, and L. monocytogenes has remained largely susceptible to the drugs of choice. However, there are several reports of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in both L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species. Given the dire health outcomes associated with listeriosis, the prospect of antimicrobial-resistant L. monocytogenes is highly problematic for human and animal health. Developing effective tools for the control and elimination of L. monocytogenes, including strains with antimicrobial resistance, is of the utmost importance to prevent further dissemination of AMR in this pathogen. One tool that has shown great promise in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens is the use of bacteriophages (phages), which are natural bacterial predators and horizontal gene transfer agents. Although native phages can be effective at killing antibiotic-resistant pathogens, limited host ranges and evolved resistance to phages can compromise their use in the efforts to mitigate the global AMR challenge. However, recent advances can allow the use of CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) to selectively target pathogens and their AMR determinants. Employment of CRISPR-Cas systems for phage amendment can overcome previous limitations in using phages as biocontrol and allow for the effective control of L. monocytogenes and its AMR determinants.
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