2023 journal article

Horizontal Gene Transfer and Loss of Serotype-Specific Genes in Listeria monocytogenes Can Lead to Incorrect Serotype Designations with a Commonly-Employed Molecular Serotyping Scheme

Microbiology Spectrum.

By: P. Brown n , Z. Kucerova*, L. Gorski *, Y. Chen *, M. Ivanova *, P. Leekitcharoenphon *, C. Parsons  n, J. Niedermeyer n, J. Jackson  n, S. Kathariou  n

Ed(s): K. Chousalkar

author keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; PCR; serotype; foodborne pathogens; horizontal gene transfer
MeSH headings : Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Aged; Listeria monocytogenes / genetics; Serogroup; Serotyping; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Listeriosis
TL;DR: Serotyping remains extensively employed in Listeria epidemiologic investigations, and a multiplex PCR-based serotyping scheme is widely used, however, the PCR gene targets can be lost or gained via horizontal gene transfer, leading to novel PCR profiles without known serotype designations or to incorrect serotype assignments. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
Source: ORCID
Added: December 7, 2022

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen responsible for severe illness (listeriosis), especially in pregnant women and their fetuses, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. Three serotypes, 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b, account for most human listeriosis, with certain serotype 4b clonal complexes (CCs) overrepresented in human disease.