Epidemiology of Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in foods, animals and human origin from Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) Score Greater than 1 and Shortened Ampicillin Use Predict Death and One-Year Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Non-Perinatal Invasive Listeriosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 118 Consecutive Cases

Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness with a high mortality rate, especially in vulnerable populations. It accounts for 19% of foodborne deaths, with invasive cases having a mortality rate of up to 44%, leading to conditions like meningitis, bacteremia, and meningoencephalitis. However, the prognostic factors remain unclear. This study examines the hospital outcomes of invasive listeriosis and identifies risk factors for in-hospital and one-year mortality. We analyzed the electronic medical records of 118 hospitalized patients with non-perinatal, culture-proven invasive listeriosis collected over a 21-year period. The in-hospital mortality rate was 36.4%, with only 33.1% surviving one year and 22.0% surviving two years. The key findings indicate that a quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score of ≥2 (OR 106.59, p < 0.001), respiratory failure (OR 7.58, p = 0.031), and shorter ampicillin duration (OR 0.53, p = 0.012) independently predicted poorer in-hospital outcomes. Additionally, a qSOFA score of ≥2 (OR 8.46, p < 0.001) and shorter ampicillin duration (OR 0.65, p < 0.001) were linked to higher one-year mortality. This study is the first to identify a qSOFA score of ≥2 as a significant marker for high-risk invasive listeriosis patients, with poorer outcomes linked to a qSOFA score of ≥2, respiratory failure, and shorter ampicillin use.

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in food products in South Korea

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause deadly severe listeriosis. While systematic review and meta-analysis are powerful tools for comprehensive analysis by pooling every related study, these approaches to L.monocytogenes contamination food have yet to be studied in South Korea. We aimed to identify high-risk L.monocytogenes foods in South Korea through a prevalence survey of retail food products for the first time. A total of 13,684 samples of 59 articles were used for meta-analysis through the systematic review, and the results were synthesized using a random-effects model considering the heterogeneity. The overall pooled prevalence was 2.26 % (95 % CI: 1.44-3.52 %). Among nine food categories, meat exhibited the highest prevalence at 8.32 % (95 % CI: 4.42-12.14 %) after sample size restriction. Specifically, a post-hoc sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the prevalence difference among subgroups and the source of heterogeneity. Intriguingly, the analysis revealed chicken as the primary contributor to the elevated prevalence of L.monocytogenes, a key factor deriving the observed heterogeneity. This study carries significant implications for public health and food safety in Korea. Furthermore, knowledge of differences in prevalence levels in various foods will be able to be used as a predictive guideline for foodborne outbreaks.

Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in Poultry Meat in Jiading District, Shanghai

To investigate the distribution, contamination status, and antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes in four types of retail poultry meat, including chicken, duck, goose, and pigeon, sold in Jiading District, Shanghai, a total of 236 retail poultry meat samples were collected, and L. monocytogenes isolates were obtained for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing against 14 common antibiotics. Forty-one L. monocytogenes isolates were detected from the 236 retail poultry meat samples, with detection rates of 24.47%, 19.44%, 14.75%, and 4.44% in chicken, goose, duck, and pigeon meat, respectively. Among refrigerated, frozen, and room temperature samples, refrigerated poultry had the highest detection rate at 25.40%, while frozen poultry had the lowest at 13.33%. The detection rate of L. monocytogenes in chicken meat differed significantly between the storage temperatures, while no significant differences were found for other poultry types. No significant differences in detection rates were observed between different retail locations or packaging methods. Isolates exhibited complete resistance to cefoxitin (FOX) and increasing resistance over time to tetracycline (TET) and clindamycin (CLI), while low levels of resistance were found for penicillin (PEN), oxacillin (OXA), and erythromycin (ERY). Resistance to ERY and TET suggests the potential for multidrug resistance. Significant differences in antibiotic resistance profiles were observed among L. monocytogenes from the various poultry types. In summary, contamination status and antibiotic resistance profiles differed among retail chicken, duck, goose, and pigeon meat sold and the resistance rate of strains continues to increase in Jiading District, Shanghai. Targeted control measures should be implemented to reduce the emergence of resistant strains, as retail conditions had minimal impact on L. monocytogenes prevalence in poultry meat.

Genomic epidemiology of the clinically dominant clonal complex 1 in the Listeria monocytogenes population in the UK

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen, typically affecting the elderly, immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the population structure of L. monocytogenes clonal complex 1 (CC1) in the UK and describe the genomic epidemiology of this clinically significant CC. We interrogated a working dataset of 4073 sequences of L. monocytogenes isolated between January 2015 and December 2020 from human clinical specimens, food and/or food-production environments. A minimum spanning tree was reconstructed to determine the population structure of L. monocytogenes in the UK. Subsequent analysis focused on L. monocytogenes CC1, as the cause of the highest proportion of invasive listeriosis in humans. Sequencing data was integrated with metadata on food and environmental isolates, and information from patient questionnaires, including age, sex and clinical outcomes. All isolates either belonged to lineage I (n=1299/4073, 32%) or lineage II (n=2774/4073, 68%), with clinical isolates from human cases more likely to belong to lineage I (n=546/928, 59%) and food isolates more likely to belong to lineage II (n=2352/3067, 77%). Of the four largest CCs, CC1 (n=237) had the highest proportion of isolates from human cases of disease (CC1 n=160/237, 67.5 %; CC121 n=13/843, 2 %; CC9 n=53/360, 15 %; CC2 n=69/339, 20%). Within CC1, most cases were female (n=95/160, 59%, P=0.01771) and the highest proportion of cases were in people >60 years old (39/95, 41%, P=1.314×10-6) with a high number of them aged 20-39 years old (n=35/95, 37%) most linked to pregnancy-related listeriosis (n=29/35, 83%). Most of the male cases were in men aged over 60 years old (40/65, 62%), and most of the fatal cases in both males and females were identified in this age group (42/55, 76%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed 23 5 SNP single linkage clusters comprising 80/237 (34 %) isolates with cluster sizes ranging from 2 to 19. Five 5 SNP clusters comprised isolates from human cases and an implicated food item. Expanding the analysis to 25 SNP single linkage clusters resolved an additional two clusters linking human cases to a potential food vehicle. Analysis of demographic and clinical outcome data identified CC1 as a clinically significant cause of invasive listeriosis in the elderly population and in women of child-bearing age. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the population structure of CC1 in the UK comprised small, sparsely populated genomic clusters. Only clusters containing isolates from an implicated food vehicle, or food processing or farming environments, were resolved, emphasizing the need for clinical, food and animal-health agencies to share sequencing data in real time, and the importance of a One Health approach to public-health surveillance of listeriosis.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Campylobacter Species Contamination in Poultry, Meat, and Processing Environments in South Korea

Campylobacter spp. constitute a significant global threat as a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, with poultry meat as a prominent reservoir for these pathogens. South Korea is known for its diverse poultry consumption habits, and continuous outbreaks make it a matter of concern to perform a meta-analysis to identify the primary source of contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of Campylobacter in various poultry and meat types while also considering the importance of environmental factors in South Korea. The meta-analysis revealed that duck meat exhibited the highest prevalence of Campylobacter, with a pooled estimate of 70.46% (95% CI: 42.80% to 88.38%), followed by chicken meat at a pooled prevalence of 36.17% (95% CI: 26.44% to 47.91%). Additionally, our analysis highlighted the predominance of C. jejuni and C. coli in South Korea. These findings underscore the importance of implementing rigorous food safety measures and establishing robust surveillance programs in the poultry industry to mitigate the risk of Campylobacter-related foodborne illnesses associated with meat consumption in South Korea.

Microbiological quality of hospital-prepared blenderised tube feeding

BACKGROUND

Contaminated blenderised tube feeding (BTF) causes numerous infections in patients with deficient immune systems. The microbial quality of BTF should be thoroughly monitored to reduce the risks of microbial agents and prevent food safety problems such as food poisoning and food-borne illnesses. The aim of this study was to survey the contamination rate of BTF samples prepared in the teaching hospitals in Mashhad, Iran.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 24 samples of BTF prepared in four teaching hospitals in Mashhad city; the samples were collected randomly. Then specific culture media were used for detected and counted Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, coliforms and Escherichia coli. The final confirmation of the isolates was performed using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The total bacterial count was determined in the BTF samples and compared with the Food and Drug Administration medical food standards; 91.6% of the samples had 5.2 ± 0.1 log CFU/ml microbial bacterial contamination considering the standard range. The mean prevalence of contamination in these samples was measured for coliforms 4.9 ± 0.17 log CFU/ml, B. cereus 3.6 ± 0.16 log CFU/ml, S. aureus 3.7 ± 0.15 log CFU/ml and C. perfringens 4.7 ± 0.08 log CFU/ml (p < 0.05). Moreover, E. coli 11 (45.8%), Salmonella spp. 9 (37.5%) and L. monocytogenes 17 (70.8%) samples were detected.

CONCLUSION

Given the high consumption of BTF and the transmission of food contamination to hospitalised patients, it is essential to improve the hygienic conditions at the site of BTF preparation to prevent re-contamination.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in South-East Asia; a one-health approach of human-animal-food-environment

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne intracellular pathogen. The pathogen is the primary cause of human Listeriosis. The main source of human Listeriosis is through consumption of contaminated food products. Other modes of transmission include zoonotic and vertical transmission. The disease often presents in a mild form, but severe and fatal cases, as well as outbreaks, may occur. Despite these challenges, there has been little attempt at enumerating the burden of the disease in countries of Southeast Asia (SEA) and some developing countries. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in SEA using one health approach through a systematic review and meta-analysis (SR&MA) of the existing literature. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, an a priori protocol for the SR&MA was developed and registered in PROSPERO (ID=CRD42021288903). A systematic search of four electronic databases was performed for relevant citations. The identified publications were screened, and 17 studies were included in the review from where data was extracted. The pooling of the prevalence estimate (with the 95% confidence interval [CI]) was done using the random effect model by employing the double transformed arcsine method using MetaXL software. The overall determined prevalence for L. monocytogenes in SEA (in food, animal, and environmental sources) was 16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10–23). Further subgroup analysis revealed ready-to-eat food of vegetable origin with the highest prevalence of 21% (CI: 6–41). Also, seven virulence genes were identified to be prevalent in the subregion. The commonest identification method was found to be the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The knowledge of the high prevalence of L. monocytogenes in SEA is relevant for informed decision making by clinicians, public health practitioners, and policymakers. To achieve the goal of the effective control and prevention of the disease in the subregion.

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Using one-health approach, the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in the Southeast Asia was systematically evaluated.

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Estimate prevalence for food, environment and animal sources were pooled using the random effect model.

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L. monocytogenes was reported to be hyper-endemic in SEA with food being the predominant source.

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Prevalent L. monocytogenes virulent genes, high risk food sources, and commonly used detection methods were identified.

Anti-Restriction Gene Homologs Are Highly Represented in Methicillin-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST239 and ST398: Implications for Resistance Gene Acquisitions

Multidrug resistance is commonly acquired by transferring DNA from one bacterium to another. However, the mechanisms that enhance the acquisitions of foreign genes are poorly understood, as well as the dynamics of their transmission between hosts in different environments. Here, genomic approaches were applied to evaluate the enrichment of the S. aureus chromosome with resistance traits in groups of genomes with or without anti-restriction genes and to analyze some evolutionary aspects of these acquisitions. Furthermore, the role played by an anti-restriction gene in improving multiresistance in MRSA was investigated by molecular cloning. A strong association was observed between the presence of anti-restriction gene homologs and patterns of multidrug resistance. Human isolates, mainly ST239-SCCmecIII, carry ardA-H1, and from animal sources, mainly CC398, carry ardA-H2. Increased DNA transfer was observed for clones that express the ardA-H1 allele, corroborating its role in promoting gene transfer. In addition, ardA-H1 was expressed in the dsDNA format in the BMB9393 strain. The evolution of successful multidrug-resistant MRSA lineages of the ST239 and ST398 was initiated not only by the entry of the mec cassette but also by the acquisition of anti-restriction gene homologs. Understanding the mechanisms that affect DNA transfer may provide new tools to control the spread of drug resistance.

Cocaine esterase occurrence in global wastewater microbiomes and potential for biotransformation of novel psychoactive substances

The analysis of drugs in wastewater for forensic purposes has been constantly increasing and the investigation of the potential interaction between drugs or metabolites and sewage microbiota is important. The results demonstrated that cocaine esterase genes were widely distributed in 1142 global wastewater samples collected from 64 countries and linked to several bacterial species. In addition, in silico predictions indicated that carfentanil, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, 5F-MDMB-PICA, MDMB-4en-PINACA and mitragynine might also undergo microbial hydrolysis, in a similar fashion of cocaine degradation by cocaine esterase. In conclusion, it was demonstrated the microbial potential to hydrolyze drugs of abuse in wastewater environments, contributing to the critical evaluation of potential metabolites as biomarkers for microbial and human transformation of drugs in wastewater.

A vigilant observation to pregnancy associated listeriosis in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The burden of human listeriosis, an emerging food-borne illness would be higher in Africa due to poor food processing practices. The severity of the disease and the high case fatality rate make human listeriosis an important public health problem. Besides, pregnant women and their fetuses are at higher risk of gaining human listeriosis. Thus, we planned to estimate the pooled prevalence of pregnancy-associated human listeriosis in Africa. Primary studies were exhaustively searched using PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and University of Gondar online research repository. Observational studies (cross-sectional) revealing the pregnancy-associated human listeriosis were incorporated. Eligible studies were selected and critically appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal checklist. The required data were extracted and exported to Stata version 14 for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of pregnancy-associated human listeriosis in Africa was estimated using a weighted inverse random effect model. Sensitivity and sub-group analysis were conducted for evidence of heterogeneity. Among 639 reviewed articles, 5 articles were eligible with total study participants of 621. The pooled prevalence of pregnancy-associated listeriosis was found to be 5.17% (95% CI, 1.51, 8.82). The pooled level resistance of isolates was high. Cotrimoxazole and erythromycin were the relative choices of antibiotics for pregnancy-associated listeriosis in Africa. The burden of pregnancy-associated listeriosis in Africa was higher with an increased level of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we recommend due attention to the deadly emerging disease in terms of health educations and the role of food hygiene particularly for risk groups, pregnant women. The antibiotics of choice should be after performing drug susceptibility test.

A global perspective of antibiotic-resistant Listeria monocytogenes prevalence in assorted ready to eat foods: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods remains consistently under-reported globally. Nevertheless, several independent studies conducted to investigate have elucidated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of L. monocytogenes in RTE-associated foods and their antibiotic resistance profiles. Given the rapid increase in consumption of RTE foods of both animal and plant origin, it is imperative to know the prevalence deductive data focusing on how much of L. monocytogenes is present in RTE foods, which is critical for food safety managers and retailers to assess the possible risk posed to end-users. In addition, valuable insight and another angle to the depth of the problem, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize available data regarding the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis study of L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics to determine the extent of L. monocytogenes contamination in RTE foods and antibiotic resistance profiles. The primary search terms, also known as keywords used, were restricted to peer-reviewed and review articles, and databases, including Google Scholars, Science-Direct, and Scopus, were searched. The inclusion of articles meeting eligibility criteria published between 2010 and 2020 after title, abstract, and full article screening. Data analysis was performed at multiple stages using quantitative meta-analysis reviews.

RESULTS

L. monocytogenes pooled proportion/prevalence was highest in chicken products determined at (22%) followed by various but uncategorized RTE foods at 21%. Regarding antibiotic resistance, profiling's highest pooled prevalence resistance was observed in penicillin at 80% resistance, followed by cephalosporin at 47%.

CONCLUSION

Within its limitations, this study has attempted to provide insight into the pooled proportion/prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile at the global level. Determining the proportion/prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods across the globe and antibiotic resistance profile is essential for providing quality food and reducing public health problems due to unsuccessful treatment of foodborne illness. This study provides insight into the pooled prevalence of L. monocytogenes in RTE foods and the antibiotic resistance profile. The results of this study partly endeavored to help appropriate authorities strengthen their preventive measures on specific RTE foods that are most likely to be contaminated with L. monocytogenes and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Extraintestinal infection of Listeria monocytogenes and susceptibility to spontaneous abortion during pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is one of the most important zoonotic bacteria that is transmitted to humans through infected animal products and is the cause of human listeriosis. Pregnant women and immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to the bacterium than healthy people. Recent studies have reported extensive evidence on the role of L. monocytogenes infection and the risk of spontaneous abortion.

AIM

To evaluate the possible connection with L. monocytogenes in the risk of spontaneous abortion in pregnancy.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review using several databases to search the relevant case-control studies on the association between L. monocytogenes infection and spontaneous abortion. Finally, the impact of infection with L. monocytogenes and risk of spontaneous abortion was assessed via odds ratio at corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

In the present study, we evaluated the data of 4059 pregnant women who had a spontaneous abortion, and interestingly their colonization rate of L. monocytogenes was about 20.5%.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, based on statistical analysis, we found that there is a significant relationship between the infection with L. monocytogenes and spontaneous abortion.

Foodborne pathogens in the omics era

Outbreaks and deaths related to Foodborne Diseases (FBD) occur constantly in the world, as a result of the consumption of contaminated foodstuffs with pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Clostridium spp. and Campylobacter spp. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main omic techniques applied in foodborne pathogen and to demonstrate their functionalities through the food chain and to guarantee the food safety. The main techniques presented are genomic, transcriptomic, secretomic, proteomic, and metabolomic, which together, in the field of food and nutrition, are known as "Foodomics." This review had highlighted the potential of omics to integrate variables that contribute to food safety and to enable us to understand their application on foodborne diseases. The appropriate use of these techniques had driven the definition of critical parameters to achieve successful results in the improvement of consumers health, costs and to obtain safe and high-quality products.

Prevalence, genotyping and antibiotic resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli in fresh beef and chicken meats marketed in Zanjan, Iran

Background and Objectives:

The aim of present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, characterization and antimicrobial resistance of their serotypes and genotyping profiles in fresh beef and poultry meats marketed in Zanjan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 90 (45 chicken and 45 beef) samples were collected from January to June 2018 focusing on retail meat stores of Zanjan city, Iran. Foodborne pathogen detection and antimicrobial resistance of isolates performed by PCR and disc diffusion methods, respectively. Simplex PCR method was used for screening hly and uidA genes in L. monocytogenes and E. coli isolates, respectively.

Results:

Findings revealed high contamination in beef and chicken meats with E. coli (68.89% and 88.89%, respectively) and L. monocytogenes (53.33% and 46.67%, respectively). The most likelihood of E. coli isolates belonged to E. coli 13479 serotype. All L. monocytogenes isolates from beef and chicken meat samples had high similarity with serotypes L. monocytogenes strain NCTC 10357 and strain MF 4545, respectively. Multi drug resistance (MDR) was seen in both L. monocytogenes and E. coli isolates.

Conclusion:

This study shows an insight of the current status of beef and chicken meat contamination maketed in Zanjan, Iran with E. coli and L. monocytogenes isolates (high contamination rate), their genotypic profile, epidemiological relationship and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that should be considered as a significant public health concern in Zanjan, Iran.

First Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a Buffalo Aborted Foetus in Campania Region (Southern Italy)

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is the causative agent of listeriosis in both animals and humans, representing one of the most severe food-borne diseases in humans. Out of 13 serotypes, only three (i.e., 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b) are responsible for 95% of human outbreaks of listeriosis. Ruminants have been hypothesised to represent the main natural reservoir for this pathogen and to be involved in the transmission of Listeria to humans. During pregnancy, listeriosis in ruminants cause various reproductive disorders as well as abortion. However, little is known about abortion due to LM in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). In this study, we report for the first time the detection of LM in a water buffalo foetus in the region of Campania, Italy. Complete necropsy was performed, and samples and swabs from the abomasum, kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen were collected. Microbiological and molecular analyses were carried out to detect bacterial, viral, and protozoarian abortive pathogens. The results revealed the presence of LM in the liver, lungs, and abomasum, and no other agent was detected. Isolation was confirmed by biochemical and molecular tests. Molecular serotype characterisation was performed, and serogroup IVb was identified. In conclusion, because of the zoonotic implications of our findings, this report highlights the importance of including LM in the diagnostic panel in cases of bubaline abortion.

Multiplex PCR for the Identification of Pathogenic Listeria in Flammulina velutipes Plant Based on Novel Specific Targets Revealed by Pan-Genome Analysis

Listeria spp. is an important foodborne disease agent, often found in the fresh mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) and its production environment. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex PCR for rapid identification of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii, and nonpathogenic Listeria in F. velutipes plants. Pan-genome analysis was first used to identify five novel Listeria-specific targets: one for the Listeria genus, one for L. monocytogenes, and three for L. ivanovii. Primers for the novel targets were highly specific in individual reactions. The detection limits were 10³-10⁴ CFU/mL, meeting the requirements of molecular detection. A mPCR assay for the identification of pathogenic Listeria, with primers targeting the novel genes specific for Listeria genus (LMOSLCC2755_0944), L. monocytogenes (LMOSLCC2755_0090), and L. ivanovii (queT_1) was then designed. The assay specificity was robustly verified by analyzing nonpathogenic Listeria and non-Listeria spp. strains. The determined detection limits were 2.0 × 10³ CFU/mL for L. monocytogenes and 3.4 × 10³ CFU/mL for L. ivanovii, for pure culture analysis. Further, the assay detected 7.6 × 10⁴ to 7.6 × 10⁰ CFU/10 g of pathogenic Listeria spiked into F. velutipes samples following 4-12 h enrichment. The assay feasibility was evaluated by comparing with a traditional culture-based method, by analyzing 129 samples collected from different F. velutipes plants. The prevalence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes was 58.1% and 41.1%, respectively. The calculated κ factors for Listeria spp., L. monocytogenes, and L. ivanovii were 0.97, 0.97, and 1, respectively. The results of the novel mPCR assay were highly consistent with those of the culture-based method. The new assay thus will allow rapid, specific, and accurate detection and monitoring of pathogenic Listeria in food and its production environment.

Infectious bovine abortions: observations from an organized dairy herd

Abortions in dairy animals can be caused by several infectious agents. Identification of the actual causal agent(s) is important for formulating suitable control strategies. A 3-year (2016-2018) longitudinal study was conducted in a dairy farm following an abortion storm in the mid- to late gestations. The investigation focused on the seven major infectious abortifacient in cattle, viz. bovine alphaherpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), Neospora caninum, Brucella abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira Hardjo, and Listeria monocytogenes. High seroprevalence was observed for BVDV (79.4%), Leptospira (70.5%), BoHV-1 (53.5%), and Brucella (45.0%) at the beginning of the investigation (August 2016). The incidence proportion increased for BVDV, Leptospira, and Brucella in the following years of the investigation. A strong association of Brucella seropositivity with history of abortion (OR = 3.27) was recorded. Incidence of BoHV-1 reduced during the period of study coincident with systematic IBR inactivated marker vaccination of the herd. Sixty-four abortion cases were investigated for the identification of causative agent(s) by microbial culture, serological (ELISA), and molecular detection (PCR/ real-time PCR). Antibodies to BVDV, Brucella, BoHV-1, Leptospira, Neospora, and Coxiella were detected in 63, 61, 56, 35, 5, and 6 aborting cattle, respectively. Real-time PCR/PCR of clinical specimens detected DNA of Brucella, BoHV-1, Coxiella, Leptospira, and Listeria in 34, 13, 12, 9, and 4 abortion cases, respectively. BVDV and Neospora were not detected in any specimen samples. Brucella abortus isolated from the farm was determined as ST1 by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). DNA of multiple agents were detected in 21 of the 64 cases (43.75%). Overall, the data suggests, Brucella was the major causative agent, although multiple causative agents circulated in the farm.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Serotyping, and Molecular Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Pregnant Women with a History of Abortion

Background:

Listeria monocytogenes show high mortality among pregnant women and newborns. This study aimed to detect L. monocytogenes in pregnant women with a history of abortion and assess the serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and its resistance genes.

Methods:

Overall, 400 vaginal swabs were taken from pregnant women with a history of abortion in the past few years in a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2015–2018. Antibiotics susceptibility to a panel of 10 antibiotics was determined using the standard disk diffusion method and the isolates serotyped by the agglutination method. The antimicrobial-resistant isolates were also screened for the presence of tetM, ermB and dfrD genes by PCR.

Results:

Overall, 22 L. monocytogenes isolates were identified. High rates of resistance were observed for trimethoprim (50%; n=11), sulphamethoxazole (50%; n=11), tetracycline (45.45%; n=10) and gentamicin (36.36%; n=8). From 22 L. monocytogenes isolates, 13 (59.10 %), 5 (22.73%), 3 (13.63%) and 1 (4.54%) belonged to serotypes 4b, 1/2a, 1/2b, and 3c, respectively. The genetic determinant tetM was detected in 70% of the tetracycline-resistant isolates. Out of 11 trimethoprim-resistant isolates, 27.27% isolates contained dfrD. Moreover, the ermB gene was found in 83.33% of the erythromycin-resistant isolates.

Conclusion:

Ampicillin and partly penicillin consider to be suitable antimicrobial agents to treat human listeriosis. Moreover, due to resistance against many antibiotics, it is necessary to continue monitoring and managing antimicrobial resistance.

Review on Major Food-Borne Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens

Food-borne microorganisms are major pathogens affecting food safety and cause human illness worldwide as a result of consumption of foodstuff, mainly animal products contaminated with vegetative pathogens or their toxins. Most of these microbes have zoonotic importance resulting in significant impact on both public health and economic sectors. Bacteria are the causative agents of two-thirds of human food-borne diseases worldwide with high burden in developing countries. Hence, the objectives of this review paper are to highlight the background of food-borne bacterial pathogens and to review common major food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Food animals are the major reservoirs of many food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens, and food products of animal origin are the main vehicles of transmission. Meat, dairy products, and eggs are the main ways by which people are exposed to zoonotic bacteria. S. aureus, Salmonella species, Campylobacter species, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli are the major zoonotic bacterial pathogens which are the causative agents of food-borne illness and death in the world associated with consumption of contaminated animal products. Production of toxins and structural virulent factors are responsible for the pathogenesis of these bacteria. These major zoonotic bacteria cause human infections which are characterized mainly by gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other agent-specific symptoms. Some bacteria may cause severe complications. Conventional (culturing), serological, and molecular techniques are important for detection of these common zoonotic bacteria and their toxins in food. Good hygiene, GMP, sanitation in operating procedures, and implementation of standardized HACCP and pasteurization procedures are effective methods for the control and prevention. Currently, the emergence of multidrug-resistant zoonotic bacteria associated with consumption of contaminated animal products is a great concern for the public health, and there should be coordinated surveillance and monitoring system for food-borne zoonotic bacterial pathogens particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia.

Listeria monocytogenes in poultry: Detection and strain characterization along an integrated production chain in Italy

In this study, thirteen batches of broiler chicken from an integrated Italian poultry company were investigated for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. The prevalence was evaluated in faeces samples at farm level and after transport, caecal contents and carcass neck skin from 2 slaughterhouses (M1 and M2), for a total of 2080 samples, throughout a 27-month period. No positive results were recorded in faeces, while the overall prevalence of contamination in carcass neck skin was 26.7%. Then, 123 isolates out of 139 positive skin samples, with the prevalent serotypes 4b (76%) and 1/2b (94%) from slaughterhouses M1 and M2 respectively, were PFGE characterized, showing the presence of 18 different pulsotypes and 8 genetic clusters. The same pulsotypes were found in carcasses from different farms, but slaughtered in the same abattoir, highlighting the environmental origin of contamination. The persistence of the pathogen over long time seemed to be very likely, considering that undistinguishable pulsotypes were found in carcasses slaughtered in the same slaughterhouse after periods up to 18 months long. The implementation of cleaning and sanitation at slaughterhouse level could represent the main factor for the control of such pathogen in the poultry meat processing line.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Listeria species in food, animal and human specimens in Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Listeria species isolated from foods and food processing environments, animal and human specimens in Iran. A systematic review of the papers published in Persian and English languages up to 20th May 2019 and indexed in the Scientific Information Database, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases using related keywords was conducted. Eligible articles were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and meta-analysis using random-effects or fixed-effects models. A total of 27 articles were found reporting antibiotic resistance patterns of different Listeria species using disk diffusion method. Among Listeria species, Listeria monocytogenes resistance to commonly used antibiotics i.e. penicillin, ampicillin and gentamicin was as follows: 34.5%, 26.4%, 8.9% in isolates from foods and food processing environments, 47.1%, 29.5%, 9.2% in isolates from animal specimens and 56.8%, 29.5%, 32.4% in human strains, respectively. A high prevalence of L. monocytogenes strains resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and gentamicin was observed in Iran. Our findings suggested that trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin and ciprofloxacin can be used as alternatives in the treatment of human listeriosis in Iran due to their low resistance rates.