Oxygen Restriction Increases Listeria monocytogenes Infectivity
Author Information
Author(s): Bo Andersen Jens, Roldgaard Bent B, Christensen Bjarke Bak, Licht Tine Rask
Primary Institution: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark
Hypothesis
Does the physiological state of Listeria monocytogenes prior to ingestion influence its ability to cause infection?
Conclusion
Oxygen-restricted Listeria monocytogenes is significantly more infectious than those grown without oxygen restriction.
Supporting Evidence
- Oxygen-restricted Listeria was found in the jejunum of all guinea pigs dosed.
- Fecal concentrations of Listeria were significantly higher in animals dosed with oxygen-restricted bacteria.
- Approximately 100-fold increased invasiveness was observed in Caco-2 cells for oxygen-restricted Listeria.
Takeaway
If Listeria bacteria grow without oxygen, they are less likely to make you sick than if they grow with limited oxygen.
Methodology
The study used Caco-2 cells for in vitro assays and guinea pigs for in vivo infection studies, comparing Listeria grown under oxygen-restricted and unrestricted conditions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in animal model selection and environmental conditions during experiments.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully translate to human infections due to differences in animal models.
Participant Demographics
Male and female Hartley guinea pigs weighing approximately 275 g.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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