Listeria monocytogenes Genome sequencing and assembly. Listeria monocytogenes

The first objective of this project was to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) and subsequent genomic analysis to characterize and subtype Listeria monocytogenes isolates recovered from two poultry further processing plants. Results provide insight about L. monocytogenes found in poultry processing plants, including potentially high rates of ABR, stress-resistance, and sanitizer-resistance genes, and can be used to evaluate current and devise more effective L. monocytogenes control methods. The second objective of this project was to identify genes significantly positively or negatively associated with repeated isolation in these facilities. These genes can potentially be used to further understanding of L. monocytogenes persistence in food processing environments, as markers to differentiate persistent and transient strains, or to improve the methods used to clean and sanitize food processing environments.