Identification of virulence genes and characterization of antimicrobial resistance on strains of Listeria spp. isolated from environment, food and human infection

Abstract

Listeriosis is caused by microorganisms from the genus Listeria, considered as foodborne pathogens, which presence is an indicative of poor hygiene conditions. L. monocytogenes is the most studied specie of the genus for causing disease in human. However, atypical strains from other species of the genus carrying virulence genes specific to L. monocytogenes have been isolated and can represent a risk to human health. Objective: To identify virulence genes and characterize antimicrobial resistance profile of strains of Listeria monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. seeligeri and L. welshimeri originated from human infection, environment and food. Material and Methods: For this study, 30 strains of Listeria spp. previously isolated will be characterized for the presence of L. monocytogenes virulence genes by PCR and DNA sequencing and for the antimicrobial resistance profile by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Expected Results: This study intends to detect the virulence genes among environmental strains of L. monocytogenes, L. innocua and L. seeligeri, as well as in the strains of human origin, and to infer about the pathogenic potential of the first to human. Moreover, it is expected to characterize the antimicrobial resistance profile of the strains that can present importance to the clinic in addition to being environmental reservoirs. (AU)