Pathogenicity analysis of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from food

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular pathogen capable of permeating three host barriers (intestinal, placental and blood-brain barrier) and for penetration into various types of mammalian cells due to a number of virulence factors. This microorganism is the etiological factor of listeriosis. This disease, along with the advent of the ready-to-eat food era, has become a serious food hazard for humans, especially for those at high risk, such as pregnant women, the elderly or immunocompromised. Due to the high mortality induced by L. monocytogenes and the fact that the bacterium belongs to a highly heterogeneous species, there is a need for thorough pathogenicity analyzes of environmental, clinical and food isolates.The project aims to compare the genomic analysis of food strains of L. monocytogenes with traditional studies determining the haemolytic avtivity and invasiveness of the above strains to human placental cells. The project will allow to assess the heterogeneity occurring within this type of L. monocytogenes isolates and to understand pathogen virulence mechanisms to improve prevention and treatment.