Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
L. Monocytogenes (l + monocytogene)
Terms modified by L. Monocytogenes Selected AbstractsVirulence factor p60 of Listeria monocytogenes modulates innate immunity by inducing tumor necrosis factor ,FEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Hiroshi Sashinami Abstract We investigated the effect of p60, a virulence factor of Listeria monocytogenes, on host immune response in vitro and in vivo. Administration of p60 before a sublethal infection with L. monocytogenes enhanced innate host resistance in naïve mice. Mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells produced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, in response to stimulation with recombinant p60. Toll-like receptor 4 may be involved in TNF-, production from RAW264.7 cells and enhanced host resistance induced by p60 administration. Our findings demonstrated that p60 modulates innate immune responses against L. monocytogenes infection. [source] Listeria monocytogenes: epidemiology, human disease, and mechanisms of brain invasionFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Douglas A. Drevets Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterium that has predilection for causing central nervous systemic infections in humans and domesticated animals. This pathogen can be found worldwide in the food supply and most L. monocytogenes infections are acquired through ingestion of contaminated food. The main clinical syndromes caused by L. monocytogenes include febrile gastroenteritis, perinatal infection, and systemic infections marked by central nervous system infections with or without bacteremia. Experimental infection of mice has been used for over 50 years as a model system to study the pathogenesis of this organism including the mechanisms by which it invades the brain. Data from this model indicate that a specific subset of monocytes, distinguished in part by high expression of the Ly-6C antigen, become parasitized in the bone marrow and have a key role in transporting intracellular bacteria across the blood-brain barriers and into the central nervous system. This Minireview will summarize recent epidemiologic and clinical information regarding L. monocytogenes as a human pathogen and will discuss current in vitro and in vivo data relevant to the role of parasitized monocytes and the pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie its formidable ability to invade the central nervous system. [source] Heteroduplex mobility assay for the identification of Listeria sp. and Listeria monocytogenes strains: application to characterisation of strains from sludge and food samplesFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003N Garrec Abstract One hundred and ten Listeria sp. isolates from sewage sludge were identified according to phenotypic and genotypic methods. The Listeria sp. strains isolated from five types of sludge from three sewage treatment plants in Angers (France) and the surrounding area included L. monocytogenes (55.5%), L. innocua (29.1%), L. seeligeri (13.6%) and L. welshimeri (1.8%). The majority of L. monocytogenes strains belonged to serotypes 4b, 1/2b and 1/2a. Moreover, a heteroduplex mobility assay based on the 16S rRNA sequences was tested for its ability to identify the six species of the genus Listeria. This study, performed on 283 Listeria sp. strains from human, food and sewage sludge samples, showed that all the species were distinguishable from one another. L. innocua and L. seeligeri showed respectively three and two distinct banding patterns. Within L. monocytogenes, four groups (I,IV) were defined. The majority of food and environmental isolates were clustered in group I and it is noteworthy that group IV clustered epidemiologic isolates and strains belonging to serotypes 4b, 1/2a and 1/2b. [source] Roles of endogenous cytokines in liver apoptosis of mice in lethal Listeria monocytogenes infectionFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2000Tomisato Miura Abstract Various bacterial pathogens have been identified as mediators of apoptosis. Apoptosis reportedly shows both detrimental and beneficial effects on biological functions. We studied the role of liver apoptosis in lethal Listeria monocytogenes infection and the regulation of apoptosis by endogenous cytokines during infection. Apoptosis was observed in the spleen but not in the liver of infected mice, whereas the induction of liver necrosis was evident by rising levels of serum aminotransferases in these animals. Apoptosis was detected in the liver of L. monocytogenes -infected mice which had been treated with monoclonal antibody (mAb) against tumor necrosis factor-, (TNF-,) or interleukin-6 (IL-6), or in TNF-,,/, mice, but not in ,- interferon (IFN-,),/, mice or mice which had been treated with mAb against IL-4 or IL-10. Augmentation of liver apoptosis in mice treated with mAb against TNF-, or IL-6 or in TNF-,,/, mice correlated with the increase in bacterial numbers in the organ, while no augmentation of apoptosis was observed in the liver of IFN-,,/, mice irrespective of the marked increase in bacterial numbers in the organs, indicating that augmentation of liver apoptosis may not be merely due to the increase in bacterial growth in the organs. These results suggest that TNF-, and IL-6 may play an important role in protecting the liver from apoptosis in lethal L. monocytogenes infection. [source] Viability of Listeria monocytogenes in co-culture with Acanthamoeba spp.FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Alisha Akya Abstract Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen, ubiquitous in the environment, and can grow and survive under a wide range of environmental conditions. It contaminates foods via raw materials or food-processing environments. However, the current knowledge of its ecology and, in particular, the mode of environmental survival and transmission of this intracellular pathogen remains limited. Research has shown that several intracellular pathogens are able to survive or replicate within free-living amoebae. To examine the viability of L. monocytogenes in interaction with Acanthamoeba spp., bacteria were co-cultured with three freshly isolated amoebae, namely Acanthamoeba polyphaga, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba lenticulata. The survival of bacteria and amoebae was determined using culture techniques and microscopy. Under the experimental conditions used, all amoebae were able to eliminate bacteria irrespective of the hly gene. Bacteria did not survive or replicate within amoeba cells. However, extra-amoebic bacteria grew saprophytically on materials released from amoebae, which may play an important role in the survival of bacteria under extreme environmental conditions. [source] Listeria monocytogenes response regulators important for stress tolerance and pathogenesisFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2001Birgitte H. Kallipolitis Abstract Environmental sensing by two-component signal transduction systems is likely to play a role for growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes both during transmission in food products and within a host organism. Two-component systems typically consist of a membrane-associated sensor histidine kinase and a gene regulatory protein, the response regulator (RR). We have identified seven putative RR genes in L. monocytogenes LO28 by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotide primers. By insertional inactivation we obtained data suggesting that three of the putative RRs contribute to the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes in mice. Strikingly, the mutants that were attenuated in virulence also had a decreased ability to grow in the presence of various stress conditions potentially encountered in an infection process. Thus, our data point to a connection between the ability of the putative two-component systems to sense and respond to certain environmental stimuli, and the virulence of L. monocytogenes. [source] Listeriolysin O: a key protein of Listeria monocytogenes with multiple functionsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2006Samer Kayal Abstract Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are produced by a large number of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. Most of these single-chain proteins are secreted in the extracellular medium. Among the species producing CDCs, only two species belonging to the genus Listeria (Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii) are able to multiply intracellularly and release their toxins in the phagosomal compartment of the infected host cell. This review provides an updated overview on the importance of listeriolysin O (LLO) in the pathogenicity of L. monocytogenes, focusing mainly on two aspects: (1) the structure,function relationship of LLO and (2) its role in intra- and extracellular signalling. We first examine the specific sequence determinants, or protein domains, that make this cytolysin so well adapted to the intracellular lifestyle of L. monocytogenes. The roles that LLO has in cellular signalling events in the context of relations to pathogenesis are also discussed. [source] Importance of murine V,1+,, T cells expressing interferon-, and interleukin-17A in innate protection against Listeria monocytogenes infectionIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Satoru Hamada Summary Murine ,, T cells participate in the innate immune response against infection by an intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. V,1+,, T cells coexpressing V,6 are a major ,, T-cell subpopulation induced at an early stage of L. monocytogenes infection in the livers of infected mice. To investigate the protective role of the V,6/V,1+,, T cells against L. monocytogenes infection, V,1 gene-deficient (V,1,/,) mice were analysed because these mice selectively lacked a V,6/V,1+,, T-cell subpopulation in the L. monocytogenes -infected liver. The V,1,/, mice showed increased bacterial burden in the liver and spleen, and decreased survival rate at an early stage of L. monocytogenes infection when compared to wild-type mice. Histological examination showed abscess-like lesions and unorganized distribution of macrophages in the liver of the V,1,/, mice but not in the wild-type mice after L. monocytogenes infection. The V,6/V,1+,, T cells produced interferon-, and interleukin-17A. All the results suggest that murine V,6/V,1+,, T cells control the innate protective response against L. monocytogenes infection through production of the proinflammatory cytokines interferon-, and interleukin-17A in the infected liver. [source] Early bacterial dependent induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in epithelial cells upon transfer of CD45RBhigh CD4+ T cells in a model for experimental colitisINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 12 2007Gerard Dijkstra MD Abstract Background: Both the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as the molecular details governing its mucosal induction remain unclear. Methods: In the present study we evaluated the role of the residing intestinal microflora in the induction of epithelial iNOS upon transfer of CD45RBhigh CD4+ T cells to SCID mice. CB-17 SCID mice were reared with conventional flora (CNV) or germfree CB-17 SCID mice were monoassociated with Helicobacter muridarum, act A(,) mutant Listeria monocytogenes, segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), or Ochrobactrum anthropi. Results: Within 2 weeks CNV SCID mice injected with CD45RBhigh CD4+ T cells showed a focal, epithelial iNOS expression on the apical site of villi that preceded the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and cytokine production followed by extension of this expression to the entire surface along the whole crypt axis as the colitis progressed. SCID mice monoassociated with H. muridarum developed a severe colitis and showed high epithelial iNOS expression. CNV-SCID mice without T cells and SCID mice monoassociated with SFB did not show any iNOS expression, whereas SCID mice monoassociated with act A(,) mutant L. monocytogenes and O. anthropi showed some scattered epithelial iNOS staining on the apical site of a few villi, but none of these mice developed colitis. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the expression of epithelial iNOS is highly bacterium-specific and correlates with the severity of disease, suggesting an important role for this enzyme in the development of IBD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007) [source] Antimicrobial activity of nisin incorporated in pectin and polylactic acid composite films against Listeria monocytogenesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Tony Jin Summary An extruded composite food packaging film containing pectin, polylactic acids (PLAs) and nisin was developed to inhibit Listeria monocytogenes. The mechanical properties and surface structure of the film were also examined. Cells of L. monocytogenes were reduced by 2.1, 4.5 and 3.7 log units mL,1 by the pectin plus PLA (pectin/PLA) film containing nisin (1000 IU mL,1 of tested liquid) in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth, liquid egg white and orange juice, respectively, after 48 h at 24 °C. Pectin played an important roll in embedding nisin into the film. The pectin/PLA film had a similar stiffness but lower tensile strength, elongation and fracture energy than the pure PLA film. These data suggested that nisin incorporated into the pectin/PLA film was an effective approach to reducing L. monocytogenes in a typical growth medium (e.g. BHI broth) as well as in foods (e.g. orange juice and liquid egg). [source] Adhesion of Listeria monocytogenes to materials commonly found in domestic kitchensINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2008Pilar Teixeira Summary The aim of this work was to investigate the adhesion of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313 to glass, granite, marble, polypropylene from a bowl (PPb), polypropylene from a cutting board (PPcb) and stainless steel (SS), which are materials commonly used in kitchens. Marble and granite were chosen because they are applied as kitchen bench covers and pavements in many countries and there are no literature reports on their behaviour in terms of microbial adhesion. The effect of surface hydrophobicity and roughness on the adhesion process was also analysed. The results showed that the highest extent of adhesion of L. monocytogenes occurred to stainless steel, followed by glass and in less extent to the other materials studied. However, it was not possible to establish a correlation between surface hydrophobicity or roughness and the extent of adhesion of L. monocytogenes. The adherence of L. monocytogenes should be dependent on other factors, like the presence of exopolymers and surface charge. [source] Incidence and sources of Listeria monocytogenes in a traditional hot-smoked rainbow trout processing plant in Turkey,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 11 2007Duygu K Summary In recent years, microbial fish safety is getting a close attention from regulatory agencies and consumers. Therefore, fish farm raising rainbow trout and affiliated slaughterhouse and smoking plants were evaluated for the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes. Samples including raw fish, swabbings of equipment or other surfaces, as well as processing water, salt, fish feed and fish samples taken after various stages of processing were collected from thirty different locations in the plant. For the detection of L. monocytogenes, both conventional and Listeria Rapid Test (LRT) were used. L. monocytogenes was detected in thirty out of sixty samples (50%) by LRT, while it was detected in thirty-four out of sixty samples (57%) by conventional method. No L. monocytogenes was detected from raw fish, smoked fish (before handling) and processing water, but it was detected in all environmental samples including swabbings of equipment or other surfaces and smoked fish samples after filleting. [source] Microbiological analysis of composts produced on South Carolina poultry farmsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010M.W. Shepherd Jr Abstract Aims:, The purpose of this study was to determine whether the methods used in compost operations of small and medium-sized poultry forms resulted in the production of an amendment free of foodborne pathogens. Methods and Results:, Nine compost heaps on five South Carolina poultry farms were surveyed at different stages of the composting process. Compost samples were analysed for coliforms and enriched for Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. The waste materials and composting practices differed among the surveyed farms. On two farms, new materials were added to heaps that had previously completed the active composting phase. Five compost heaps did not reach an internal temperature of 55°C, and c. 62% of all internal samples in the first composting phase contained moisture contents <40%. Escherichia coli was detected in 63% of the surface samples (n = 38) and 9·8% of the internal samples (n = 82) from the first composting phase, as compared with 16·7% of the surface samples (n = 12) and 0% internal samples (n = 24) from the second composting phase. Salmonella was detected in 26 and 6·1% of all surface and internal samples collected from heaps in the first composting phase, respectively, but was absent in all compost samples undergoing a second composting phase. The predominant Salmonella serotypes were Thompson, Montevideo and Anatum. Neither E. coli O157:H7 nor L. monocytogenes was detected in any of the samples. Conclusions:, Our results indicate that the conditions at the compost surface are suitable for pathogen survival, and the complete composting process can result in the elimination of pathogens in poultry wastes. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This research provides information regarding the effectiveness of the composting practices and microbiological quality of poultry compost produced by small- and medium-sized farms. Ensuring the safety of compost that may be applied to soils should be an integral part of preharvest food safety programme. [source] Typing of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated in Italy by inlA gene characterization and evaluation of a new cost-effective approach to antisera selection for serotypingJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010M. Tamburro Abstract Aims:, In this study, 105 Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from humans, foods and environmental samples were characterized using several typing methods. Moreover, serotyping procedure was evaluated, and a cost-effective methodological approach based on preliminary PCRs screening was proposed. Methods and Results:, The isolates were analysed by conventional serotyping, multiplex-PCRs for serogroup and lineage identification and PCR,RFLP of inlA gene to identify potentially noninvasive L. monocytogenes. Among the strains, only the serotypes 1/2a, 1/2c, 1/2b, 4b and 3a were identified. The isolates were classified into serogroups I (58·10%), II (22·85%), III (12·38%) and IV (6·67%). Among clinical strains, lineage I was more represented (68·75%) than lineage II; whereas, lineage II was more associated with food (90·24%) and environmental (85·72%) isolates. Most of food (89·02%) and environmental (85·71%) isolates were classified into truncated InlA profiles, whereas the 93·75% of clinical strains were associated with a complete form of the protein. Conclusion:, Molecular techniques were sensitive and specific for classifying strains into serogroup and lineage and in agreement with the serotyping. Moreover, a preliminary PCRs-based screening was proposed to select only the necessary antisera by a flow chart; this methodological approach allows cost saving up to 42%. Our results further suggest the role of InlA protein in human listeriosis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals, and a correlation between truncated protein and serotype. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study further validates molecular methods for L. monocytogenes analysis and proposed a new cost-effective approach for serotyping. It could help to improve a national surveillance network for L. monocytogenes infections in Italy. [source] Cloning and comparison of phylogenetically related chitinases from Listeria monocytogenes EGD and Enterococcus faecalis V583JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009J.J. Leisner Abstract Aims:, To compare enzymatic activities of two related chitinases, ChiA and EF0361, encoded by Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively. Methods and Results:, The chiA and EF0361 genes were amplified by PCR, cloned and expressed with histidine tags, allowing easy purification of the gene products. ChiA had a molecular weight as predicted from the amino acid sequence, whereas EF0361 was 1840 Da lower than expected because of C-terminal truncation. The ChiA and EF0361 enzymes showed activity towards 4-nitrophenyl N,N,-diacetyl-,- d -chitobioside with Km values of 1·6 and 2·1 mmol l,1, respectively, and kcat values of 21·6 and 6·5 s,1. The enzymes also showed activity towards 4-nitrophenyl ,- d - N, N,, N,-triacetylchitotriose and carboxy-methyl-chitin-Remazol Brilliant Violet but not towards 4-nitrophenyl N- acetyl-,- d -glucosaminide. Chitinolytic specificities of the enzymes were supported by their inactivity towards the substrates 4-nitrophenyl ,- d -cellobioside and peptidoglycan. The pH and temperature profiles for catalytic activities were relatively similar for both the enzymes. Conclusion:, The ChiA and EF0361 enzymes show a high degree of similarity in their catalytic activities although their hosts share environmental preferences only to some extent. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study contributes to an understanding of the chitinolytic activities by L. monocytogenes and Ent. faecalis. Detailed information on their chitinolytic systems will help define potential reservoirs in the natural environment and possible transmission routes into food-manufacturing plants. [source] The growth limits of a large number of Listeria monocytogenes strains at combinations of stresses show serotype- and niche-specific traitsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2008S. Van Der Veen Abstract Aims:, The aim of this study was to associate the growth limits of Listeria monocytogenes during exposure to combined stresses with specific serotypes or origins of isolation, and identify potential genetic markers. Methods and Results:, The growth of 138 strains was assessed at different temperatures using combinations of low pH, sodium lactate, and high salt concentrations in brain heart infusion broth. None of the strains was able to grow at pH , 4·4, aw , 0·92, or pH , 5·0 combined with aw , 0·94. In addition, none of the strains grew at pH , 5·2 and NaLac , 2%. At 30°C, the serotype 4b strains showed the highest tolerance to low pH and high NaCl concentrations at both pH neutral (pH 7·4) and mild acidic conditions (pH 5·5). At 7°C, the serotype 1/2b strains showed the highest tolerance to high NaCl concentrations at both pH 7·4 and 5·5. Serotype 1/2b meat isolates showed the highest tolerance to low pH in the presence of 2% sodium lactate at 7°C. ORF2110 and gadD1T1 were identified as potential biomarkers for phenotypic differences. Conclusions:, Differences in growth limits were identified between specific L. monocytogenes strains and serotypes, which could in some cases be associated with specific genetic markers. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Our data confirm the growth limits of L. monocytogenes as set out by the European Union for ready-to-eat foods and provides an additional criterion. The association of L. monocytogenes serotypes with certain stress responses might explain the abundance of certain serotypes in retail foods while others are common in clinical cases. [source] Isolation and partial characterization of a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus K23-2 isolated from KimchiJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008M.S. Shin Abstract Aims:, Screening and partial characterization of a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus K23-2 isolated from Kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable. Methods and Results:, A total of 1000 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from various Kimchi samples and screened for the production of bacteriocin. Pediocin K23-2, a bacteriocin produced by the Pediococcus pentosaceus K23-2 strain, showed strong inhibitory activity against Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteriocin activity remained unchanged after 15 min of heat treatment at 121°C or exposure to organic solvents; however, it diminished after treatment with proteolytic enzymes. The bacteriocin was maximally produced at 37°C, when the pH of the culture broth was maintained at 5·0 during the fermentation, although the optimum pH for growth was 7·0. The molecular weight of the bacteriocin was about 5 kDa according to a tricine SDS-PAGE analysis. Conclusions:,Pediococcus pentosaceus K23-2 isolated from Kimchi produces a bacteriocin, which shares similar characteristics to the Class IIa bacteriocins. The bacteriocin is heat stable and shows wide antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, especially L. monocytogenes. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Pediocin K23-2 and pediocin K23-2-producing P. pentosaceus K23-2 could potentially be used in the food and feed industries as natural biopreservatives, and for probiotic application to humans or livestock. [source] Investigation into the effect of detergents on disinfectant susceptibility of attached Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008J.T. Walton Abstract Aims:, Investigate the effect of detergent treatment on susceptibility of attached Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes to subsequent disinfectant treatment. Methods and Results:, Plate counts show that E. coli attached to stainless steel surfaces became significantly more susceptible to benzalkonium chloride (BAC) after treatment with sodium alkyl sulfate (SAS) and fatty alcohol ethoxylate (FAE). No change in susceptibility was observed with Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). L. monocytogenes became significantly less susceptible to BAC after treatment with SAS and SDS yet no change in susceptibility was observed with FAE. Flow cytometry using the fluoresceine propidium iodide revealed significant increases in cell membrane permeability of both organisms by SAS and FAE, although the effect was much greater in E. coli. No change was observed with SDS. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography showed that both organisms became less hydrophobic following treatment with SAS and SDS but FAE had no effect. Conclusions:, In E. coli, detergents that increase susceptibility to BAC increase membrane permeability. In L. monocytogenes, detergents that reduce susceptibility to BAC lower cell surface hydrophobicity. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Detergents can influence the sensitivity of pathogenic food borne micro-organisms to BAC. [source] Influence of temperature on biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes on various food-contact surfaces: relationship with motility and cell surface hydrophobicityJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008G. Di Bonaventura Abstract Aims:, To assess the ability of Listeria monocytogenes to form biofilm on different food-contact surfaces with regard to different temperatures, cellular hydrophobicity and motility. Methods and Results:, Forty-four L. monocytogenes strains from food and food environment were tested for biofilm formation by crystal violet staining. Biofilm levels were significantly higher on glass at 4, 12 and 22°C, as compared with polystyrene and stainless steel. At 37°C, L. monocytogenes produced biofilm at significantly higher levels on glass and stainless steel, as compared with polystyrene. Hydrophobicity was significantly (P < 0·05) higher at 37°C than at 4, 12 and 22°C. Thirty (68·2%) of 44 strains tested showed swimming at 22°C and 4 (9·1%) of those were also motile at 12°C. No correlation was observed between swimming and biofilm production. Conclusions:,L. monocytogenes can adhere to and form biofilms on food-processing surfaces. Biofilm formation is significantly influenced by temperature, probably modifying cell surface hydrophobicity. Significance and Impacts of the Study:, Biofilm formation creates major problems in the food industry because it may represent an important source of food contamination. Our results are therefore important in finding ways to prevent contamination because they contribute to a better understanding on how L. monocytogenes can establish biofilms in food industry and therefore survive in the processing environment. [source] Response of Listeria monocytogenes to liquid smokeJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008M. Guilbaud Abstract Aims:, To investigate the effect of liquid smoke on growth, survival, proteomic pattern and haemolytic potential of Listeria monocytogenes. Methods and Results:, Growth and survival curves were recorded in brain,heart infusion broth supplemented with three concentrations of liquid smoke. L. monocytogenes growth was inhibited in the presence of 15 ,g ml,1 phenol while a rapid decrease in cell viability occurred in the presence of 30 ,g ml,1 phenol. The proteome of L. monocytogenes cytosoluble proteins was slightly modified after 2-h incubation with 30 ,g ml,1 phenol but no protein already characterized in response to other known stresses was induced, except the protease ClpP. Liquid smoke inhibited the haemolytic potential without affecting hly gene expression, showing a potential inhibition of protein activity or stability. Conclusions:, The presence of liquid smoke in a rich medium strongly affected growth and survival of L. monocytogenes. Brief smoke stress affected the metabolic pathways and inhibited the haemolytic activity of L. monocytogenes. Significance and Impact of Study:, This study is a first step in the investigation of the influence of a smoked product on L. monocytogenes strains. [source] Listeria monocytogenes in spontaneous abortions in humans and its detection by multiplex PCRJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007S. Kaur Abstract Aim: To assess the extent of Listeria monocytogenes in causation of human spontaneous abortions by isolation methods and PCR analysis for the presence of virulence-associated genes. Methods and Results: A total of 305 samples comprising blood, urine, placental bits, faecal and vaginal swabs were collected from 61 patients with spontaneous abortions. Listeria spp. were isolated from 10 samples collected from nine (14·8%) patients. Confirmation of these isolates was based on biochemical tests, haemolysis on blood agar, CAMP test, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) assay followed by in vivo pathogenicity tests and multiplex PCR to detect virulence-associated genes (prfA, plcA, hlyA, actA and iap). Three isolates were confirmed as L. monocytogenes. Of these, two isolates turned out to be pathogenic and found to posses all five genes. However, the remaining two haemolytic L. monocytogenes isolates lacking the plcA gene and activity in the PI-PLC assay were found to be nonpathogenic by in vivo tests. Conclusions: The occurrence of pathogenic L. monocytogenes in cases of spontaneous abortions was 3·3%. It seems that the plcA gene and its expression have an important role as essential virulence determinants in pathogenic Listeria spp. Significance and Impact of the Study: The recovery of pathogenic L. monocytogenes isolates from cases of spontaneous abortion indicates the significance of listeric infection in pregnant women. [source] Viable but non-culturable Listeria monocytogenes on parsley leaves and absence of recovery to a culturable stateJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2007N. Dreux Abstract Aims:, To investigate the presence of viable but non-culturable Listeria monocytogenes during survival on parsley leaves under low relative humidity (RH) and to evaluate the ability of L. monocytogenes to recover from VBNC to culturable state under satured humidity. Methods and Results:, Under low RH (47,69%) on parsley leaves, the initial number of L. monocytogenes populations counted on non selective media (109 L. monocytogenes per leaf on TSA) was reduced by 6 log10 scales in 15 days, whereas number of viable L. monocytogenes counted under the microscope was reduced by 3,4 log10 scales, indicating the presence of VBNC cells. This was demonstrated on three L. monocytogenes strains (EGDe, Bug 1995 and LmP60). Changing from low to 100% RH permitted an increase of the culturable counts of L. monocytogenes and this growth was observed only when residual culturable cells were present. Moreover, VBNC L. monocytogenes inoculated on parsley leaves did not become culturable after incubation under 100% RH. Conclusions:, Dry conditions induced VBNC L. monocytogenes on parsley leaves but these VBNC were likely unable to recover culturability after transfer to satured humidity. Significance and Impact of Study:, Enumeration on culture media presumably under-estimates the number of viable L. monocytogenes on fresh produce after exposure to low RH. [source] Combined effect of mild heat and acetic acid treatment for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in an asparagus pureeJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2006J.-H. Shin Abstract Aims:, This study was conducted to validate combined heat and acid treatments for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium in an acidified brine containing, or pickled, asparagus model food. Methods and Results:, A mixture of three strains of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium were inoculated onto pickled asparagus samples. Combinations of various concentrations of acetic acid [0%, 0·25%, 0·5%, 0·75%, 1%, 1·5% and 2% (v/v)] and various temperatures (40°C, 50°C, 60°C and 75°C) were investigated. Following treatment, asparagus samples were stored at room temperature and enumerated at 0, 0·5, 1, 2 and 3 days. Heat and acetic acid treatments were synergistic. The inhibitory effects of these combined treatments on the tested foodborne pathogens were also effective during storage. Loss of green colour in the pickled asparagus significantly increased with increasing concentrations of acetic acid. Conclusions:, Using a combination of mild heat and acetic acid treatments can successfully control E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium in pickled asparagus, combinations of heat and acid are synergistic and effective treatments can be selected to reduce adverse effect on colour which occur during product storage. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Mild heating plus acetic acid treatment are synergistic, so combined treatments can be developed, which would lower the temperature and amount of acetic acid required for minimally processed vegetables while maintaining pathogen control. [source] An updated review of Listeria monocytogenes in the pork meat industry and its productsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006D. Thévenot Abstract Pork meat and processed pork products have been the sources of outbreaks of listeriosis in France and in other European countries during the last decade. The aim of this review is to understand how contamination, survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes can occur in pork meat products. This study discusses the presence of L. monocytogenes in raw pork meat, in the processing environment and in finished products. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes generally increases from the farm to the manufacturing plants and this mainly due to cross-contamination. In many cases, this pathogen is present in raw pork meat at low or moderate levels, but foods involved in listeriosis outbreaks are those in which the organism has multiplied to reach levels significantly higher than 1000 CFU g,1. In such cases, L. monocytogenes has been able to survive and/or to grow despite the hurdles encountered during the manufacturing and conservation processes. Accordingly, attention must be paid to the design of food-processing equipment and to the effectiveness of the cleaning and disinfecting procedures in factories. Finally, the production of safe pork meat products is based on the implementation of general preventive measures such as Good Hygiene Practices, Good Manufacturing and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. [source] Decrease of enteric micro-organisms from rural sewage sludge during their composting in straw mixtureJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2005A.-M. Pourcher Abstract Aims:, To study the decrease of enteric micro-organisms including viable nematode eggs, enteroviruses, faecal indicators (Escherichia coli and enterococci) and pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp. and Clostridium perfringens) of a rural sewage sludge when it is composted for 7 months in mixture with straw. Methods and Results:, Numbers of the test organisms and the physico-chemical parameters were measured on a monthly basis on the mixture, on the compost after being turned, and on the pile in three positions representing the part by which air is incoming, the bottom of the pile and the part through which air is outgoing. The lowest temperature in the pile was observed at the bottom, where it did not exceed 50°C against 66°C in the two other areas. There were no significant differences between the three areas in terms of micro-organism survival. Infectious enteroviruses were inactivated rapidly and were not found after the first turning whereas some genomes were detected until after the third turning. Escherichia coli and enterococci presented a similar survival rate and their number decreased by 4 log10 whereas Salmonella decayed at a greater rate than L. monocytogenes. The numbers of C. perfringens decreased gradually to reach a final concentration in the mature compost of about 102 CFU g,1 dry matter (d.m.), which was similar to that of the faecal indicators. Conclusions:, The hygienic effect of sludge composting in mixture with straw results in a significant reduction of enteric micro-organisms, the concentration of the faecal indicators in the final product being <64 most probable number g,1 d.m. The concentrations of Salmonella, enteroviruses and viable nematode eggs in the final product were not detectable which is in accordance with the French legislation. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The results which pointed out the different behaviour of the test micro-organisms reflect the difficulty to propose a relevant indicator of hygienization. Otherwise, they show that composting is an efficient means for hygienization of sludge of rural wastewater treatment, where the straw is available close to their place of production. [source] Growth inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by a nonbacteriocinogenic Carnobacterium piscicolaJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005L. Nilsson Abstract Aims:, This study elucidates the mechanisms by which a nonbacteriocinogenic Carnobacterium piscicola inhibits growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Methods and Results:,Listeria monocytogenes was exposed to live cultures of a bacteriocin-negative variant of C. piscicola A9b in co-culture, in a diffusion chamber system, and to a cell-free supernatant. Suppression of maximum cell density (0,3·5 log units) of L. monocytogenes was proportional to initial levels of C. pisciola (103,107 CFU ml,1). Cell-to-cell contact was not required to cause inhibition. The cell-free C. piscicola supernatant caused a decrease in L. monocytogenes maximum cell density, which was abolished by glucose addition but not by amino acid, vitamin or mineral addition. The fermentate also gave rise to a longer lag phase and a reduction in growth rate. These effects were independent of glucose and may have been caused by acetate production by C. piscicola. 2D gel-electrophoretic patterns of L. monocytogenes exposed to C. piscicola or to L. monocytogenes fermentate did not differ. Treatment with C. piscicola fermentate resulted in down-regulation (twofold) of genes involved in purine- or pyrimidine metabolism, and up-regulation (twofold) of genes from the regulon for vitamin B12 biosynthesis and propanediol and ethanolamine utilization. Conclusions:, A nonbacteriocinogenic C. piscicola reduced growth of L. monocytogenes partly by glucose depletion. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Understanding the mechanism of microbial interaction enhances prediction of growth in mixed communities as well as use of bioprotective principles for food preservation. [source] Direct detection of bacterial pathogens in representative dairy products using a combined bacterial concentration-PCR approachJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004K.A. Stevens Abstract Aims:, To develop a simple, rapid method to concentrate and purify bacteria and their nucleic acids from complex dairy food matrices in preparation for direct pathogen detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods and Results:, Plain non-fat yogurt and cheddar cheese were each seeded with Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella enterica serovar. Enteritidis in the range of 101,106 CFU per 11-g sample. Samples were then processed for bacterial concentration using high-speed centrifugation (9700 g) followed by DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and amplicon confirmation by hybridization. Bacterial recoveries after centrifugation ranged from 53 to >100% and 71 to >100% for serovar. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes, respectively, in the non-fat yogurt samples; and from 77 to >100% and 69 to >100% for serovar. Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes, respectively, in the cheddar cheese samples. There were no significant differences in recovery efficiency at different inocula levels, and losses to discarded supernatants were always <5%, regardless of dairy product or pathogen. Conclusions:, When followed by pathogen detection using PCR and confirmation by amplicon hybridization, detection limits of 103 and 101 CFU per 11-g sample were achieved for L. monocytogenes and serovar. Enteritidis, respectively, in both product types and without prior cultural enrichment. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study represents progress toward the rapid and efficient direct detection of pathogens from complex food matrices at detection limits approaching those that might be anticipated in naturally contaminated products. [source] Relationship between inactivation kinetics of a Listeria monocytogenes suspension by chlorine and its chlorine demandJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004R. Virto Abstract Aims:, Chlorine demand by Listeria monocytogenes cells and inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine (0·6,1·0 mg l,1) at different temperatures (4, 20 and 30°C) have been investigated in a batch reactor. Methods and Results:, Chlorine demand depended on the microbial concentration and was independent on the initial chlorine concentration and temperature. Chlorine decay was modelled by the addition of two first-order decay equations. Inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine depended on the initial microbial concentration, initial chlorine concentration and temperature. A mathematical model based on a biphasic inactivation properly described survival curves of L. monocytogenes and a tertiary model was developed that satisfactorily predicted the inactivation of L. monocytogenes by different concentrations of initial chlorine at different temperatures. Conclusions:, Both available chlorine decay and inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine were biphasic and can be modelled by a two-term exponential model. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The biphasic nature of survival curves of L. monocytogenes did not reflect the effect of a change of available chlorine concentration during the treatment. The microbial inactivation was caused by successive reactions that occur after the consumption of the chlorine by the bacterial cell components. [source] The diversity of Listeria monocytogenes strains from 10 Icelandic sheep farmsJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2004K.B. Gudmundsdottir Abstract Aims:, The purpose of this study was to examine the diversity of Listeria monocytogenes strains from healthy sheep, winter feed and environment of sheep farms in Iceland. Methods and Results:, A total of 104 L. monocytogenes isolates from animals, winter feed and environment on 10 Icelandic sheep farms were compared by serotyping, ribotyping, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with ApaI and AscI. The isolates were divided into 24 genotypes, all identified as serovars 1/2a, 1/2b, or 4b. Nine genotypes were detected on more than one farm. On three of the farms there seemed to be a dominant strain of L. monocytogenes. Isolates from incidents of listeriosis in animals occurring on two of the farms belonged to the genotype most commonly found on the particular farm. Nine of the 24 genotypes found on the sheep farms have been associated with disease in animals and/or humans elsewhere in Iceland. Conclusions:, Certain strains of L. monocytogenes seem to be widely distributed on Icelandic sheep farms. On some farms there appears to be a dominant strain of L. monocytogenes. Incidents of listeriosis in animals may tend to be associated with strains commonly found on the farm. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study demonstrates the diversity of L. monocytogenes present in healthy sheep and their environment. [source] Effects of high-pressure processing on Listeria monocytogenes, spoilage microflora and multiple compound quality indices in chilled cold-smoked salmonJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004R. Lakshmanan Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) on Listeria monocytogenes, microbial and chemical changes and shelf-life in chilled cold-smoked salmon (CSS). Methods and Results:, First, challenge tests with L. monocytogenes were carried out using HPP of the product at 0·1 (control), 150, 200 and 250 MPa. Secondly, storage trials with the naturally contaminated product and HPP at 0·1 (control) and 200 MPa were realized. Shelf-life, microbial changes and chemical changes were determined and existing predictive models and multiple compound quality indices evaluated. HPP with 250 MPa did not inactivate L. monocytogenes but significant lag phases of 17 and 10 days were observed at ca 5 and 10°C, respectively. HPP with 200 MPa had a marked effect on both colour and texture of CSS. Conclusions:, High-pressure processing was unable to prevent growth of L. monocytogenes or spoilage of chilled CSS. Existing mathematical models allowed growth rates of L. monocytogenes and shelf-life of samples without high-pressure treatments to be predicted. Significance and Impact of the Study:, High-pressure processing seems more appropriate for new types of salmon products than for a classical product like CSS where consumers expect specific quality attributes. [source] | ||||||||||||||||