The Saprophytic Lifestyle of Listeria monocytogenes and Entry Into the Food-Processing Environment

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an environmentally adapted saprophyte that can change into a human and animal bacterial pathogen with zoonotic potential through several regulatory systems. In this review, the focus is on the occurrence of Listeria sensu stricto and sensu lato in different ecological niches, the detection methods, and their analytical limitations. It also highlights the occurrence of L. monocytogenes genotypes in the environment (soil, water, and wildlife), reflects on the molecular determinants of L. monocytogenes for the saprophytic lifestyle and the potential for antibiotic resistance. In particular, the strain-specific properties with which some genotypes circulate in wastewater, surface water, soil, wildlife, and agricultural environments are of particular interest for the continuously updating risk analysis.

A novel variant of theListeria monocytogenestype VII secretion system EssC component is associated with an Rhs toxin

“…L. monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that is found in water, soil and decomposing vegetation (23). From here it can make its way into to food chain, where its ability to resist low pH and high salt contribute to its survival in food.…”

Characterization of the growth behavior ofListeria monocytogenesinListeriasynthetic media

“…It can survive as a saprophyte on decaying plant material, in soil or in wastewater. L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species can also enter food processing facilities and food chains, for instance due to contaminated water or raw materials (Lourenco et al ., 2022). Several recent outbreaks of L. monocytogenes were associated with contaminated fruits and vegetables, such as melons, apples or mushrooms, or contaminated meat products (Matle et al ., 2020; Lachmann et al ., 2021; Townsend et al ., 2021).…”

First case of aorto‑bi‑iliac endograft thrombotic infection by Listeria monocytogenes: A case report

“…Listeria spp whose genus currently includes 28 species and six subspecies are Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria (1). Listeria species are separated into two phenotypically and genotypically distinct groups: Listeria sensu lato and Listeria sensu strict; this latter category includes Listeria monocytogenes, a small Gram-positive intracellular bacillus, which is widespread in the environment.…”

“…Farm animals can lead to the spread of L monocytogenes in the agricultural environment and consequently of his entry in the food chain if hygienic requirements are not respected (1). Indeed, L. monocytogenes is responsible for both foodborne diseases with mild gastroenteritis (non-invasive listeriosis) and life-threatening systemic infections (invasive listeriosis; e.g., sepsis and meningitis) (2).…”

“…monocytogenes has also been associated with primary aortitis (only a few cases reported in the literature) and serious vascular and graft infections in immunocompromised hosts, patients with malignancy or previously treated aneurysms (3)(4)(5)(6). Infections of L. monocytogenes may be resistant to several antibiotics such as cephalosporins, first generation quinolones, sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, oxacillin, and lincosamides but seem to respond well to others such as penicillins, trimethoprim, aminoglycosides, macrolides, and vancomycin (1).…”