Presence and virulence characterization of Listeria monocytogenes from fish samples in the Black Sea, Turkey

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes characterized by a high mortality rate in humans is a bacterium caused listeriosis and found in various amounts of aquatic products. The aim of this research was to investigate the presence, serotype distribution, virulence factor genes, and antibiotic susceptibility of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from a total of 500 fish samples of whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus) (n:243) and striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) (n:257) caught in the Black Sea between the years 2013-2014. Only one (0.2%) L. monocytogenes strain (striped red mullet) was isolated according to the cultural method (EN ISO 11290-1) and confirmed by PCR analysis. The L. monocytogenes strain was identified as serogroup 4b-4d-4e. Furthermore, the strain harboured hlyA, inlA, inlC, inlJ, plcA, plcB, prfA, mpl, actA, monoA-B, flaA, lip 1-2a, fri, iap, gtcA genes except dltA gene. On the other hand, L. monocytogenes strain susceptibility to ampicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, trimetophrim/sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin G was evaluated with disc-diffusion method. According to the results, serogroup 4b-4d-4e isolated from striped red mullet was found to be unique to raw fish and susceptible to all tested antibiotics. In addition, it is considered that carrying out this research in different seas and with different fish species would be appropriate for determining the prevalence and virulence characteristics of L. monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes from Marine Fish and the Seafood Market Environment in Northern Greece: Prevalence, Molecular Characterization, and Antibiotic Resistance

“…In cases where the fish-rearing areas receive livestock effluents, the possibility of the occurrence of this pathogen in the seawater is augmented, resulting in the contamination of the aquatic animals and seafood produced there [13]. In addition, seasonal variations can play a vital role in the appearance and diversity of pathogenic bacteria in general and specifically of Listeria monocytogenes [15,16]. A crucial factor in the interaction of Listeria monocytogenes with seafood is the species and type of fish that came in contact with the pathogen.…”

“…A crucial factor in the interaction of Listeria monocytogenes with seafood is the species and type of fish that came in contact with the pathogen. Listeria monocytogenes is usually isolated from coastal waters and rarely from deeper waters, an observation suggesting that fish living offshore are less likely to be infected with Listeria monocytogenes compared to those living in coastal areas [16]. Also, the eating habits of marine animals affect contamination with a pathogenic bacterium or the multiplication of it.…”

Bacterial Skin Microbiota of Seabass from Aegean Fish Farms and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Psychrotrophic Pseudomonas

“…Seafood, especially fish, is an increasingly important component of human diets. Thus, aquaculture is an important source of food suitable for human consumption [1], and could provide a sustainable supply of affordable seafood to an increasing global population. Mediterranean marine aquaculture grew exponentially during the last decades of the 20th century, though at a slower pace over the past 20 years or so [2].…”

“…1 = MIC ≥ 8 µg/mL indicates antimicrobial resistance according to CLSI and EUCAST; 2 = MIC ≥ 16 µg/mL indicates antimicrobial resistance according to CLSI; 3 = MIC ≥ 2 µg/mL indicates antimicrobial resistance according to EUCAST.…”