Plants as a realized niche for Listeria monocytogenes

In this review, we summarize current data providing direct or indirect evidence that plants can serve as habitats forListeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of the food-borne life-threatening disease listeriosis. The mechanisms involved in the complex interplay between plants and this bacterium are addressed, and whether this pathogen elicits an immune response in plants is discussed. The combination of plant intrinsic factors, extrinsic biotic factors, and abiotic environmental factors draws the boundaries of plant habitat colonization byL. monocytogenes. AbstractListeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen. It is the causative agent of listeriosis, the leading cause of bacterial-linked foodborne mortality in Europe and elsewhere. Outbreaks of listeriosis have been associated with the consumption of fresh produce including vegetables and fruits. In this review we summarize current data providing direct or indirect evidence that plants can serve as habitat forL. monocytogenes, enabling this human pathogen to survive and grow. The current knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the interaction of this bacterium with plants is addressed, and whether this foodborne pathogen elicits an immune response in plants is discussed.
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research