Population Genomic Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes From Food Reveals Substrate-Specific Genome Variation.

ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenes is the major causative agent of the foodborne illness listeriosis. Listeriosis presents as flu-like symptoms in healthy individuals, and can be fatal for children, elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Estimates suggest that L. monocytogenes results in ∼1,600 illnesses and ∼260 deaths annually in the United States. L. monocytogenes can survive and persist in a variety of harsh environments, including conditions encountered in production of fermented dairy products such as cheese. For instance, microbial growth is often limited in soft cheese fermentation because of harsh pH, water content, and salt concentrations. However, L. monocytogenes has caused a number of deadly listeriosis outbreaks through the contamination o

SUBMITTER: Bechtel TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7902062 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature