Genomic characterization of clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates from Lithuania, 2016 to 2021

Listeria monocytogenes is a saprophytic gram-positive bacterium, and an opportunistic foodborne pathogen that can produce listeriosis in humans and animals. The incidence of listeriosis has been rising globally, and despite antimicrobial treatment, the mortality rates for the most severe forms remain high. The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic susceptibility and genomic characterisation of invasive L. monocytogenes isolates from 2016 to 2021.