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Gana J, Gcebe N, Pierneef RE, Chen Y, Moerane R, Adesiyun AA. Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates Obtained from the Beef Production Chain in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1003. [PMID: 38792832 PMCID: PMC11123765 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12051003] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics analysis for the genomic characterization of 60 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes obtained from the beef production chain (cattle farms, abattoirs, and retail outlets) in Gauteng province, South Africa. The sequence types (STs), clonal complexes (CCs), and the lineages of the isolates were determined using in silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We used BLAST-based analyses to identify virulence and antimicrobial genes, plasmids, proviruses/prophages, and the CRISPR-Cas system. The study investigated any association of the detected genes to the origin in the beef production chain of the L. monocytogenes isolates. Overall, in 60 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes, there were seven STs, six CCs, forty-four putative virulence factors, two resistance genes, one plasmid with AMR genes, and three with conjugative genes, one CRISPR gene, and all 60 isolates were positive for proviruses/prophages. Among the seven STs detected, ST204 (46.7%) and ST2 (21.7%) were the most prominent, with ST frequency varying significantly (p < 0.001). The predominant CC detected were CC2 (21.7%) and CC204 (46.7%) in lineages I and II, respectively. Of the 44 virulence factors detected, 26 (across Listeria Pathogenicity Islands, LIPIs) were present in all the isolates. The difference in the detection frequency varied significantly (p < 0.001). The two AMR genes (fosX and vga(G)) detected were present in all 60 (100%) isolates of L. monocytogenes. The only plasmid, NF033156, was present in three (5%) isolates. A CRISPR-Cas system was detected in six (10%), and all the isolates carried proviruses/prophages. The source and sample type significantly affected the frequencies of STs and virulence factors in the isolates of L. monocytogenes. The presence of fosX and vga(G) genes in all L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from the three industries of the beef production chain can potentially cause therapeutic implications. Our study, which characterized L. monocytogenes recovered from the three levels in the beef production chain, is the first time genomics was performed on this type of data set in the country, and this provides insights into the health implications of Listeria.
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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; (J.G.); (R.M.)
- Department of Agricultural Education, Federal College of Education, Kontagora 923101, Niger State, Nigeria
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Bacteriology Department, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
| | - Rian Edward Pierneef
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Microbiome@UP, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Yi Chen
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Dr. Room 4E-007/Mailstop HFS-710, College Park, MD 20740, USA;
| | - Rebone Moerane
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (J.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Abiodun Adewale Adesiyun
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa; (J.G.); (R.M.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 685509, Trinidad and Tobago
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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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