Chemical mutagenesis of Listeria monocytogenes for increased tolerance to benzalkonium chloride shows independent genetic underpinnings and off-target antibiotic resistance.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially fatal foodborne pathogen commonly found in food processing facilities, creates a significant economic burden that totals more than $2 billion annually in the United States due to outbreaks. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), including benzalkonium chloride (BAC), are among the most widely used sanitizers to inhibit the growth and spread of L. monocytogenes from food processing facilities. However, resistance to QACs has been increasing in L. monocytogenes and different genetic mechanisms conferring resistance have been discovered. Here, we used ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) to chemically mutagenize the BAC-susceptible strain, L. monocytogenes FSL-N1-304. We isolated two mutants with increased tolerance to BAC compared to the parental strain. Next, we

SUBMITTER: Bechtel TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11259264 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature