Microevolution and Gain or Loss of Mobile Genetic Elements of Outbreak-Related Listeria monocytogenes in Food Processing Environments Identified by Whole Genome Sequencing Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyses have been instrumental in traceback investigations of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). To demonstrate how long-read sequencing analysis can capture and describe relationships among isolates from clinical, food, and environmental sources, we analyzed 366 long-read- and shotgun-sequenced isolates from 16 Lm outbreak strains associated with cantaloupe, leafy green, stone fruit, caramel apple, mung bean sprout, multiple cheese products, multiple ice cream products, and their production environments. The analyses demonstrated that outbreak strains could be distributed in different areas and zones of food production environments through persistent or repeated contamination. Multi-strain and multi-clone contamination were common. Further, WG

SUBMITTER: Yang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7272582 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature