Insights into the genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes from bivalves

Abstract

In the present study, 30 L. monocytogenes strains isolated from bivalves purchased in Poland were characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The Core Genome Multilocus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) analysis revealed that the most frequent serogroups were IIa; sequence types (ST) were ST101, ST21 and ST325; and clonal complexe (CC) were CC101. Despite differential genotypic subtypes, most strains had similar antimicrobial resistance profiles. Most strains had genetic determinants of resistance to many groups of antibiotics; aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides, macrolides, peptides, phosphotic acids and sulfonamides. Phenotypic resistance analyzes showed that most strains were resistant to fosfomycin, additionally, resistance to lincomycin and tetracycline was observed in some strains. Almost all L. monocytogens strains classified as biofilm producers, which is related to the presence of genetic determinants (e.g. actA, prfA, dltA, fbpA, luxS). The findings of our study emphasize the potential risk to human health posed by L. monocytogenes strains obtained from bivalve mollusks. Additional investigations, particularly focusing on biofilm, may enhance our comprehension of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the remarkable ability of L. monocytogenes to remain on the shells of bivalves.

Keywords: Bivalves; Listeria; Listeria monocytogenes; WGS.