Listeria monocytogenes: antibiotic resistance in food production

Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2011 May;8(5):569-78. doi: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0718. Epub 2010 Dec 18.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic human pathogen that causes listeriosis, a disease that mainly affects the immunocompromised, the elderly, infants, and pregnant women. Listeriosis has become increasingly common in the last 25 years since the first foodborne outbreak was noted. Treatment for listeriosis currently consists primarily of supportive therapy in conjunction with the use of intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotics have been commercially available for over 60 years for treatment of a myriad of clinical diseases. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics have been developing over this same period. This review seeks to elucidate the extent of antibiotic resistance in L. monocytogenes, the possible transmission mechanisms, and contributing factors to distribution of antibiotic resistance among Listeria species, and possible control strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Female
  • Food Contamination / prevention & control
  • Food Microbiology*
  • Foodborne Diseases / epidemiology
  • Foodborne Diseases / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Listeria monocytogenes / drug effects*
  • Listeria monocytogenes / pathogenicity
  • Listeriosis / epidemiology
  • Listeriosis / prevention & control*
  • Listeriosis / transmission
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents