Effect of Flagella on Initial Attachment of Listeria monocytogenes to Stainless Steel

At 22°C a flagellin mutant of Listeria monocytogenes was found to attach to stainless steel at levels 10-fold lower than wild-type cells, even under conditions preventing active motility. At 37°C, when flagella are not produced, attachment of both strains was identical. Therefore, flagella per se facilitate the early stage of attachment.