An island getaway: Why some Listeria strains survive good food hygiene standards

(University of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna) researchers from Vetmeduni Vienna have now shown that certain Listeria strains -- figuratively speaking -- take refuge on an island. An 'islet' of two genes located in one area of the genome increases the bacteria's survival under alkaline and oxidative stress conditions. The researchers were able to identify the two genes as a functional unit termed a 'stress survival islet'. Understanding this genetic 'lifesaver' can help develop new strategies for food safety.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news