<i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> serotype 4b strains demonstrate a fitness advantage over strains of serotypes 1/2a and 4b-v1 on cantaloupe rind and flesh at different temperatures.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen implicated in several produce-related outbreaks. In nature, it is saprophytic and is isolated from agricultural areas and surface waters. The ability of the pathogen to grow at cold temperatures results in population growth when contaminated foods are stored in the refrigerator. Most L. monocytogenes outbreaks are caused by serotypes 1/2a and 4b. In the last decade, several produce-related outbreaks have been caused by an atypical serotype 4b subtype termed 4b-v1, specifically strains of sequence type (ST) 382. ST382 strains are overrepresented in environmental isolates. This study asked if strains of ST382 displayed better fitness on produce by growing to higher levels on cantaloupe surfaces when inoculated as strain mixtures. S

SUBMITTER: Gorski L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12403597 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature