A European-wide dataset to uncover adaptive traits of Listeria monocytogenes to diverse ecological niches

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a ubiquitous bacterium that causes listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. In the nature-to-human transmission route, Lm can prosper in various ecological niches. Soil and decaying organic matter are its primary reservoirs. Certain clonal complexes (CCs) are over-represented in food production and represent a challenge to food safety. To gain new understanding of Lm adaptation mechanisms in food, the genetic background of strains found in animals and environment should be investigated in comparison to that of food strains. Twenty-one partners, including food, environment, veterinary and public health laboratories, constructed a dataset of 1484 genomes originating from Lm strains collected in 19 European countries. This dataset encompasses a large number of CCs occurring worldwide, covers many diverse habitats and is balanced between ecological compartments and geographic regions. The dataset presented here will contribute to improve our understanding of Lm ecology and should aid in the surveillance of Lm. This dataset provides a basis for the discovery of the genetic traits underlying Lm adaptation to different ecological niches.

Characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes Isolates from Hunted Game and Game Meat from Finland

“…L. monocytogenes is a ubiquitous bacterium that can survive in a variety of environments and grow at low temperatures, e.g., in cold-stored foods [ 4 ]. Soil and decaying organic material are important sources of L. monocytogenes , and mammals and birds can spread this pathogen through faecal shedding [ 5 ]. L. monocytogenes- contaminated food is an important source attributed to human infections [ 6 ].…”

“…Over 95% of the human and food strains are linked to four (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b) serotypes. Genetically, L. monocytogenes can be divided into four phylogenetic lineages (Lin), six serogroups (SGs), multiple clonal complexes (CCs), and sequence types (STs) [ 2 , 5 ]. Most clinical strains found in humans belong to Lin I (SGs IIb and IVb) and II (SG IIa) [ 20 ], whereas food strains more frequently belong to SG IIa [ 21 , 22 ].…”

Listeria monocytogenes: Investigation of Fitness in Soil Does Not Support the Relevance of Ecotypes

“…The 97 strains isolated from the environment and primary farm production were part of the strain collection ( Félix et al, 2022 ) built in the frame of the European project ‘‘LISTADAPT’’ (Adaptive traits of Listeria monocytogenes to its diverse ecological niches). 1 In all, strains were selected from farm animals (bovine, ovine, caprine, and pigs), wild animals (deer, badger, slugs, dolphin, wild boar, fox, and roe deer) and soil.…”

“…1 In all, strains were selected from farm animals (bovine, ovine, caprine, and pigs), wild animals (deer, badger, slugs, dolphin, wild boar, fox, and roe deer) and soil. They were selected to be representative of the major CCs or STs found in the LISTADAPT collection ( Félix et al, 2022 ). In order to maximize the genetic diversity, at least two to four strains were selected per CC and ST with the greatest geographical breadth and the highest degree of ST diversity within each CC ( Supplementary Table 1 ).…”

Retrospective Investigation of the Whole Genome of the Hypovirulent Listeria monocytogenes Strain of ST201, CC69, Lineage III, Isolated from a Piglet with Fatal Neurolisteriosis

“…Listeria monocytogenes , a facultative, intracellular, potentially fatal foodborne pathogen, the causative agent for both human and animal listeriosis, is prevalent worldwide. This pathogen is widely spread and can be found in different natural, farm and food industry environments, causing infection through contaminated food, meat, seafood, dairy products, water, and livestock feed [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Listeriosis mainly affects high-risk groups of the human population, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, newborns, transplant patients, and immunocompromised patients.…”