Short-term genome evolution of Listeria monocytogenes in a non-controlled environment
Author Information
Author(s): Orsi Renato H, Borowsky Mark L, Lauer Peter, Young Sarah K, Nusbaum Chad, Galagan James E, Birren Bruce W, Ivy Reid A, Sun Qi, Graves Lewis M, Swaminathan Bala, Wiedmann Martin
Primary Institution: Cornell University
Hypothesis
How does the genome of Listeria monocytogenes evolve in a non-controlled environment over time?
Conclusion
The study shows that a specific L. monocytogenes strain persisted in a food processing facility for at least 12 years, with limited genomic diversification primarily involving plasmid gain or loss and prophage diversification.
Supporting Evidence
- The study sequenced genomes from both a 1988 sporadic listeriosis case and a 2000 outbreak.
- Identical prophage sequences were found in both the 1988 and 2000 human-food isolate pairs.
- Limited diversification was observed in the genomic backbone, with significant changes in prophage sequences.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how a germ called Listeria changes over time in a food factory. They found that it can stick around for a long time without changing much, except for some small changes.
Methodology
Full genome analyses were performed on four Listeria monocytogenes isolates from human and food sources linked to listeriosis cases.
Limitations
The genomes have not been fully closed and include gaps, which may limit the detection of additional differences.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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