Genomic insights into persistence of Listeria species in the food processing environment

Palaiodimou, Lydia, Fanning, Séamus and Fox, Edward M. (2021) Genomic insights into persistence of Listeria species in the food processing environment. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 131 (5). pp. 2082-2094. ISSN 1364-5072

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15089

Abstract

Aims: Listeria species may colonize and persist in food processing facilities for prolonged periods of time, despite hygiene interventions in place. To understand the genetic factors contributing to persistence of Listeria strains, this study undertook a comparative analysis of seven persistent and six presumed non-persistent strains, isolated from a single food processing environment, to identify genetic markers correlating to promoting persistence of Listeria strains, through whole genome sequence analysis. Methods and Results: A diverse pool of genetic markers relevant to hygiene tolerance was identified, including disinfectant resistance markers qacH, emrC and the efflux cassette bcrABC. Both persistent and presumed non-persistent cohorts encoded a range of stress resistance markers, including heavy metal resistance, oxidative and pH stress, although trends were associated with each cohort (e.g., qacH and cadA1C resistance was more frequently found in persistent isolates). Persistent isolates were more likely to contain mutations associated with attenuated virulence, including a truncated InlA. Plasmids and transposons were widespread between cohorts. Conclusions: Results suggest that no single genetic marker identified was universally responsible for a strain's ability to persist. Persistent strains were more likely to harbour mutation associated with hypovirulence. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides additional insights into the distribution of genetic elements relevant to persistence across Listeria species, as well as strain virulence potential.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Listeria; Food safety; Disinfection; Virulence; Plasmids
Subjects: C500 Microbiology
Department: Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Applied Sciences
Depositing User: Elena Carlaw
Date Deposited: 26 Mar 2021 09:23
Last Modified: 25 Oct 2021 08:30
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/45796

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