Permanent colonization of creek sediments, creek water and limnic water plants by fourListeriaspecies in low population densities

Abstract

During a 1-year longitudinal study, water, sediment and water plants from two creeks and one pond were sampled monthly and analyzed for the presence of Listeria species. A total of 90 % of 30 sediment samples, 84 % of 31 water plant samples and 67 % of 36 water samples were tested positive. Generally, most probable number counts ranged between 1 and 40 g were detected. Species differentiation based on FT-IR spectroscopy and multiplex PCR of a total of 1220 isolates revealed L. innocua (46 %), L. seeligeri (27 %), L. monocytogenes (25 %) and L. ivanovii (2 %). Titers and species compositions were similar during all seasons. While the species distributions in sediments and associated Ranunculus fluitans plants appeared to be similar in both creeks, RAPD typing did not provide conclusive evidence that the populations of these environments were connected. It is concluded that (i) the fresh-water sediments and water plants are year-round populated by Listeria, (ii) no clear preference for growth in habitats as different as sediments and water plants was found and (iii) the RAPD-based intraspecific biodiversity is high compared to the low population density.Keywords: biodiversity; fresh water; Listeria monocytogenes; Listeria spp.; sediment; water plants.Dedication: This work is dedicated to the memory of Professor Peter Böger. His continuous support and thoughtful guidance over many years encouraged the senior author to aim at an academic career in microbial ecology and evolutionary biology.

Listeria monocytogenes in Irrigation Water: An Assessment of Outbreaks, Sources, Prevalence, and Persistence

“…Listeria spp. are ubiquitous in the environment, and frequently, they can be isolated from soil, water, decaying vegetation, and animal sources [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Thus, it is not surprising that L. monocytogenes can be detected in the farm environment and, ultimately, contaminate raw agricultural commodities [ 51 ].…”

“…As the need for additional irrigation water sources grows, multiple surveys have evaluated watersheds for the presence and prevalence of Listeria spp. around the globe, such as the central coast of California [ 10 ], New York State [ 11 , 12 , 20 ], the Mid-Atlantic, USA [ 74 ], Canada [ 24 , 42 ], Germany [ 37 ], Austria [ 38 ], South Africa [ 8 ], Demark [ 75 ], and India [ 47 ]. Across these varying environments, the occurrence of L. monocytogenes ranged from 0% to 67%, with sample sizes ranging from 26 to 1405 water samples included in the studies.…”

“…Across these varying environments, the occurrence of L. monocytogenes ranged from 0% to 67%, with sample sizes ranging from 26 to 1405 water samples included in the studies. The authors of these studies attributed the frequency at which the pathogen was present to factors such as temperature, season, and water parameters, e.g., chemical oxygen demand, surrounding ecosystems, including urbanization, agricultural animals and their contaminated manures, and the degree of human activity [ 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 20 , 24 , 37 , 38 , 41 , 47 , 75 ]. Location, quantity and volume of samples, and the factors attributed that are associated with L. monocytogenes prevalence, from these studies, are described in Table 1 .…”

“…These factors may influence the amount of stress experienced by the Listeria cells, thus influencing their ability to survive and move through the different parts of the food chain [ 76 ]. Although multiple studies of L. monocytogenes in water environments have been published [ 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 20 , 24 , 37 , 38 , 42 , 47 , 75 ], only three of them quantified levels in the water samples collected. Lang-Halter et al (2016) [ 37 ], Sharma et al (2020) [ 74 ], and Achemafour et al (2021) [ 77 ] reported low levels in surface water creeks, ponds, tidal brackish river, four non-tidal fresh rivers, and a tidal fresh river, with MPN values ranging from <0.3–>110 MPN/g and <0.03–>11 MPN/100 mL, respectively.…”

“…Although multiple studies of L. monocytogenes in water environments have been published [ 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 20 , 24 , 37 , 38 , 42 , 47 , 75 ], only three of them quantified levels in the water samples collected. Lang-Halter et al (2016) [ 37 ], Sharma et al (2020) [ 74 ], and Achemafour et al (2021) [ 77 ] reported low levels in surface water creeks, ponds, tidal brackish river, four non-tidal fresh rivers, and a tidal fresh river, with MPN values ranging from <0.3–>110 MPN/g and <0.03–>11 MPN/100 mL, respectively. Studies that provide an indication of the level of L. monocytogenes can be used to evaluate potential risks associated with irrigation water and irrigated products.…”