Comparison of recombinant and synthetic listeriolysin- O peptide- based indirect ELISA vis-à-vis cultural isolation for detection of listeriosis in caprine and ovine species.

The present study evaluated the comparative serodiagnostic efficacy of recombinant listeriolysin-O (rLLO) and synthetic LLO- 2 peptide-based indirect ELISA vis-à-vis cultural isolation using samples (n = 1326; blood, sera, vaginal swabs, and rectal swabs) collected from caprines (n = 350) and ovines (n = 50) having reproductive and/or nervous system disorders and/or healthy animals. On screening the test sera by rLLO- based ELISA, the antibodies against LLO (ALLO) were observed in 17.71% of the caprines and 2% of the ovines, respectively, while synthetic LLO-2- based ELISA revealed ALLO in 6.86% of caprines and not in ovines. Moreover, the adsorption of positive test sera with streptolysin-O (SLO) resulted in a significant reduction (7.43%; p < 0.05) in the seropositivity with rLLO- based ELISA, whereas LLO-2- based ELISA revealed marginal reduction (4.29%; p > 0.05) in the seropositivity. Overall, the seropositivity with LLO-2 synthetic peptide revealed comparatively less cross-reactivity in comparison to rLLO. The cultural isolation yielded five pathogenic L. monocytogenes isolates and three non-pathogenic Listeria spp. from caprine samples; however, Listeria spp. could not be recovered from any of the ovine samples. Further, on comparing seropositivity with the isolation study results, it was found that two out of the five animals from which pathogenic L. monocytogenes isolated were also found seropositive in both the ELISAs even after adsorption with SLO. Interestingly, rLLO- based ELISA detected antibodies against unadsorbed caprine sera even in those samples from which non-pathogenic Listeria spp. were isolated, whereas antibodies were not detected in LLO-2 peptide-based ELISA. In conclusion, it could be inferred that the synthetic LLO-2 peptide serves as a non- cross-reactive, ideal diagnostic antigen in serodiagnosis of capro-ovine listeriosis.

Bovine Lactoferrin can Decrease the In Vitro Biofilm Production and Show Synergy with Antibiotics Against Listeria and Escherichia coli Isolates.

BACKGROUND: Bovine Lactoferrin (bLf) has been reported as antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anticancer protein. Escherichia coli and Listeria spp. are food-borne bacteria that can produce illness in human being and mammals, the emergent antimicrobial drug resistance has been reported in these pathogens. OBJECTIVE: The aim for this study was to evaluate the bLf effect on in vitro biofilm production and the synergic effect of antibiotics on E. coli and Listeria isolates. METHODS: E. coli and Listeria specimens were isolated from bovine carcasses and slaughterhouses surfaces, respectively. Biofilm formation was analyzed with or without bLf, incubated for 48 h and spectrophotometry, cell viability was analyzed by colony-forming unit (CFU) and the synergistic effect of bLf with ampicillin, oxytetracycline, and streptomycin was evaluated through the fractional concentration index (FCI). RESULTS: Our results show that a low bLf concentration (0.8 µM) can diminish the in vitro biofilm production in Listeria isolates; also improves the in vitro oxytetracycline and streptomycin activity against E. coli, and ampicillin activity against Listeria isolates. CONCLUSION: bLf can affect the biofilm production in Listeria isolates from slaughterhouses surfaces and shown synergic effect with ampicillin. Also has a synergic effect with oxytetracycline and streptomycin against E. coli isolates from bovine carcasses.

Listeria spp. em queijos Minas Frescal e avaliação das condições higiênicossanitárias de produção e comercialização em Viçosa, MG, Brasil / Listeria spp. in Minas Frescal cheeses and assessement of hygienic-sanitary conditions of production and commercialization in Viçosa, MG, Brazil

A produção de queijo Minas Frescal em propriedades rurais é uma atividade econômica importante em Minas Gerais. Entretanto, a presença de micro-organismos patogênicos compromete a segurança desses produtos, coloca a saúde pública em risco e ameaça esta atividade. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de Listeria spp. em queijos Minas Frescal, as condições de produção e comercialização desses produtos e relacioná-las à presença desses micro-organismos. Foram coletadas 161 amostras, 81 em agroindústrias e 80 em seus pontos de venda. Foram utilizados métodos analíticos oficiais estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento para detecção e diferenciação das espécies de Listeria. A adoção das boas práticas durante a fabricação e a comercialização foi mensurada mediante avaliação in loco direcionada por listas de verificação pré-elaboradas. Constatou-se Listeria spp. em 14 amostras (8,7%) provenientes de oito das doze agroindústrias estudadas, quatro inspecionadas e quatro não inspecionadas. L. monocytogenes foi isolada em duas amostras. O percentual de atendimento às boas práticas de fabricação variou entre 28,3% e 51,1% e diversas irregularidades foram observadas durante a comercialização dos queijos. Os resultados indicam risco potencial do consumo deste tipo de produto e a necessidade de adoção das boas práticas de fabricação e comercialização para prevenir contaminações.

The production of Minas Frescal cheese on rural properties is an important economic activity in Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms compromises the safety of these products, puts public health at risk and threatens this activity. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the conditions of production and commercialization of the Minas Frescal cheese produced in family agroindustries of Viçosa, MG and to connect them to presence of Listeria spp. A total of 161 samples of Minas Frescal cheese were collected, 81 which were in agroindustries and 80 in their respective market. Were adopted official analytical methods established by the Agriculture Ministry for the detection and differentiation of Listeria spp. The conditions of manufacture and commercialization were evaluated through observations directed by pre-elaborated checklists. Listeria spp. was detected in 14 samples (8.7%) from eight different establishment, four inspected and four non-inspected. L. monocytogenes was isolated in two samples. The compliance with good manufacturing practices ranged from 28.3% to 51.1% and several irregularities were observed during the marketing of the cheeses. These results indicate the potential risk of consumption of this product and the need to prevent contamination of this product in manufacturing and marketing stages.

Detecção de Listeria spp de importância em saúde pública em diferentes pontos da obtenção do leite e da elaboração de queijos tipo Minas Frescal / Detection of Listeria spp important in public health from different points of milk obtaining and elaboration of Minas Frescal cheese

Queijos tipo Minas frescal podem veicular microrganismos patogênicos. Este estudo objetivou isolar Listeria spp. e identificar as espécies L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii e L. monocytogenes na obtenção do leite e na elaboração de queijos tipo Minas frescal e detectar a presença de genes de virulência. Foram realizadas coletas em cinco pequenas propriedades rurais produtoras deste tipo de queijo em Jaboticabal-São Paulo. Foram coletadas amostras de suabes de fezes bovinas, amostras de mãos de ordenhador, balde de ordenha, leite, água, superfície de elaboração de queijos, mãos de manipulador do queijo, peneiras, bandejas, fôrmas e escumadeiras. O gênero Listeria spp. teve alta prevalência nas amostras, entretanto, nenhuma das espécies pesquisadas foi identificada. Assim, conclui-se que a presença de Listeria spp. em alta percentagem representa potencial risco de contaminação de Queijos tipo Minas frescal e exige uma vigilância contínua para a presença deste gênero.

Resultados das conformidades e não conformidades dos parâmetros microbiológicos de queijo Minas Artesanal Canastra / Conformity and non-conformity results of the microbiological parameters of Minas Artesanal Canastra cheese

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a qualidade microbiológica do Queijo Minas Artesanal produzido por queijarias certificadas da microrregião Canastra durante os anos de 2016 e 2017, utilizando os resultados das análises microbiológicas do queijo nestes anos. Foram encontradas não conformidades nos queijos estudados em 7,84% das amostras para Coliformes totais, 3,92% para coliformes termotolerantes e 9,8% para Staphylococcus coagulase positivo, porém nenhuma análise apresentou presença de Listeria spp. ou Salmonella spp. Apesar das principais bactérias patogênicas não terem sido encontradas, as não conformidades indicam a necessidade da orientação do produtor sobre as Boas Práticas de Fabricação e de Ordenha. Além disto, é imprescindível a orientação sobre as exigências do órgão fiscalizador e a realização da análise do queijo periodicamente, tornando possível o acompanhamento da qualidade do queijo produzido na região e a correção das não conformidades encontradas.

Pesquisa de microrganismos patogênicos em produtos cárneos de estabelecimentos certificados pelo Serviço de Inspeção Municipal de Rio Verde – GO / Research of pathogenic microrganisms in meat products from certified establishments by the Rio Verde Municipal Inspection Service - GO

A incidência e a quantidade dos microrganismos patogênicos, presentes na carne, varia de acordo com as condições de manejo durante a criação e com os cuidados higiênicos nas operações de abate dos animais e posterior manipulação das carcaças. Neste sentido, este trabalho promoveu uma análise microbiológica de microrganismos patogênicos presentes em quibe cru e cortes de frango temperado produzidos no município de Rio Verde, Goiás. No diagnóstico, foram encontradas prevalências de Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus e Listeria spp, comprovando as falhas presentes na manipulação. Concluindo que há falhas e necessidades de adequações técnicas, como adequação na legislação vigente à realidade dos municípios.

Ocorrência de Listeria spp. e aspectos microbiológicos em queijos coalho comercializados em retalho no comércio varejista de Arapiraca–AL / Occurrence of Listeria spp. and microbiological aspects in coalho cheeses commercialized in the retail trade of Arapiraca–AL

Objetivou-se determinar a frequência de L. monocytogenes (LM) e aspectos microbiológicos em queijos coalho comercializados sob fracionamento em estabelecimentos varejistas no município de Arapiraca - AL. Foram realizadas análises de Listeria spp. e pesquisa de LM em caso de positividade conforme a ISO 11290-1, coliformes a 45°C, mesófilos e psicrotróficos em 25 amostras de queijo coalho. Dentre as 25 amostras colhidas, 7/25 (28%) apresentaram resultado positivo para a contaminação por Listeria spp. Dessas, 2/7 (28,5%) tiveram positividade confirmada através dos testes bioquímicos para LM. Além disso, a qualidade higiênico-sanitária dos produtos nesse estudo, demonstram a necessidade de uma maior atenção dos órgãos ligados à saúde pública visando combater a LM, possibilitar melhores condições de higiene e evitar contaminação cruzada.

Prevalence of plasmid-borne benzalkonium chloride resistance cassette bcrABC and cadmium resistance cadA genes in nonpathogenic Listeria spp. isolated from food and food-processing environments.

The sixty-seven nonpathogenic Listeria spp. strains isolated from food and food processing environments in Poland were examined for the presence of benzalkonium chloride (BC) resistance cassette (bcrABC) and four different variants of cadmium resistance determinants (cadA1-cadA4). All the strains were phenotypically resistant to cadmium and 22 among them were also resistant to BC. PCR-based analysis revealed that bcrABC cassette was harbored by 95.5% of the strains phenotypically resistant to BC. All of them harbored also either cadA1 or cadA2 genes (none carried cadA3 or cadA4), which corresponded to the presence of plasmids with two restriction patterns. The strains resistant to cadmium but susceptible to BC harbored only the cadA1 gene variant. DNA-DNA hybridization analysis showed that all the identified bcrABC, cadA1 and cadA2 genes were located within plasmids, classified into 11 groups of RFLP profiles. Only one of the plasmids - pLIS1 of Listeria welshimeri (carrying bcrABC and cadA2) - was capable of efficient conjugal transfer from nonpathogenic Listeria isolates to a pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes strain. Analysis of the complete nucleotide sequence of pLIS1 (the first sequenced plasmid of L. welshimeri species) revealed the presence of genes involved in plasmid replication, stabilization and transfer as well as genes conferring resistance phenotypes. Comparative analysis showed that pLIS1 genome is highly similar to a group of plasmids originating from L. monocytogenes strains. A common feature of pLIS1 and its relatives, besides the presence of the resistance genes, is the presence of numerous transposable elements (TEs). The analysis revealed the important role of TEs in both promoting genetic rearrangements within Listeria spp. plasmids and the acquisition of resistance determinants.

Listeria goaensis sp. nov.

Two Listeria-like isolates obtained from mangrove swamps in Goa, India were characterized using polyphasic combinations of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and whole-genome sequence (WGS)-based approaches. The isolates presented as short, non-spore-forming, Gram-positive rods, that were non-motile, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive and exhibited α-haemolysis on 5 % sheep- and horse-blood agar plates. The 16S rRNA gene sequences exhibited 93.7-99.7 % nucleotide identity to other Listeria species and had less than 92 % nucleotide identity to species of closely related genera, indicating that the isolates are de facto members of the genus Listeria. Their overall fatty acid composition resembled that of other Listeria species, with quantitative differences in iso C15 : 0, anteiso C15 : 0, iso C16 : 0, C16 : 0, iso C17 : 0 and anteiso C17 : 0 fatty acid profiles. Phylogeny based on 406 core coding DNA sequences grouped these two isolates in a monophyletic clade within the genus Listeria. WGS-based average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values were lower than the recommended cut-off values of 95 and 70 %, respectively, to the other Listeria species, indicating that they are founding members of a novel Listeria species. We suggest the name Listeriagoaensis sp. nov. be created and the type strain is ILCC801T (=KCTC 33909;=DSM 29886;=MCC 3285).

[A Listeria breast abscess in a man]. / Un abcès du sein à Listeria chez un homme.

INTRODUCTION: Listeriosis is a food-borne illness leading to bacteriemia or central nervous system infection especially in pregnant women or high-risk patients. It is rarely a localized infection. Breast contamination has rarely been reported in lactating women. We report a breast abscess in man. CASE REPORT: A 80 year old man, hypertensive and arrhythmic, was explored for weakness and dehydration. Type 2 diabetes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were diagnosed. Clinical examination disclosed a breast abcess related to L monocytogenes infection. Histopathological study also revealed a breast subcutaneous infiltration by chronic lymphocytic leukemia. CONCLUSION: Listeriosis sometimes uncover an unknown immunosuppression, especially in the elderly. Breast is a non-sterile tissue containing a stable microbiome partly from digestive origin. It can thereby be contaminated by Listeria. The specific cutaneous infiltrate of chronic lymphocytic leukemia can create the conditions for a local infection.

Analysis of Listeria using exogenous volatile organic compound metabolites and their detection by static headspace-multi-capillary column-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (SHS-MCC-GC-IMS).

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium and an opportunistic food-borne pathogen which poses significant risk to the immune-compromised and pregnant due to the increased likelihood of acquiring infection and potential transmission of infection to the unborn child. Conventional methods of analysis suffer from either long turn-around times or lack the ability to discriminate between Listeria spp. reliably. This paper investigates an alternative method of detecting Listeria spp. using two novel enzyme substrates that liberate exogenous volatile organic compounds in the presence of α-mannosidase and D-alanyl aminopeptidase. The discriminating capabilities of this approach for identifying L. monocytogenes from other species of Listeria are investigated. The liberated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are detected using an automated analytical technique based on static headspace-multi-capillary column-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (SHS-MCC-GC-IMS). The results obtained by SHS-MCC-GC-IMS are compared with those obtained by the more conventional analytical technique of headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The results found that it was possible to differentiate between L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii, based on their VOC response from α-mannosidase activity.

Comparative diagnostic efficacy of recombinant LLO and PI-PLC-based ELISAs for detection of listeriosis in animals.

The present study for the first time evaluates the serodiagnostic efficacy of two recombinant antigens namely, listeriolysin O (rLLO) and phosphatidyl-inositol phospholipase C (rPI-PLC). Indirect ELISA with the above recombinant antigens was used on samples collected from bovines (n=106), goats (n=138) and pigs (n=92) having either a history of abortion, emaciation and/or apparently healthy animals. Isolation of Listeria was attempted from the blood samples using USDA-FSIS method. On screening of test sera by rLLO-based ELISA, antibodies against anti-listeriolysin O (ALLO) were observed in goats (22.46%), bovines (15.10%) and pigs (16.31%). As advocated, after adsorption of positive serum samples with streptolysin O (SLO), the seropositivity for ALLO was marginally reduced (p>0.05) in goats (21.73%) and bovines (10.38%), whereas, in pigs the reduction (5.43%) was significant (p<0.05). On the contrary, rPI-PLC-based ELISA revealed higher non-specific seropositivity for antilisterial antibodies in goats (45.65%), bovines (31.13%) and pigs (8.69%). Further, on comparing the seropositivity with isolation rate, of the 16 animals that were culturally-positive for L. monocytogenes, 15 showed ALLO positivity in unadsorbed as well as SLO-adsorbed sera by rLLO-based ELISA, however, rPI-PLC-based ELISA could detect seropositivity in only 5 animals. Moreover, rPI-PLC-based ELISA also showed seropositivity in those animals (7/30) that were culturally positive for other Listeria spp. In conclusion, rLLO can serve as a better antigen than rPI-PLC in ELISA for the serodiagnosis of listeriosis in animals; however, prior adsorption of test sera with SLO is required to avoid false positive results.

Performance of two alternative methods for Listeria detection throughout Serro Minas cheese ripening

ABSTRACT The ability of pathogens to survive cheese ripening is a food-security concern. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of two alternative methods of analysis of Listeria during the ripening of artisanal Minas cheese. These methods were tested and compared with the conventional method: Lateral Flow System™, in cheeses produced on laboratory scale using raw milk collected from different farms and inoculated with Listeria innocua; and VIDAS®-LMO, in cheese samples collected from different manufacturers in Serro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. These samples were also characterized in terms of lactic acid bacteria, coliforms and physical-chemical analysis. In the inoculated samples, L. innocua was detected by Lateral Flow System™ method with 33% false-negative and 68% accuracy results. L. innocua was only detected in the inoculated samples by the conventional method at 60-days of cheese ripening. L. monocytogenes was not detected by the conventional and the VIDAS®-LMO methods in cheese samples collected from different manufacturers, which impairs evaluating the performance of this alternative method. We concluded that the conventional method provided a better recovery of L. innocua throughout cheese ripening, being able to detect L. innocua at 60-day, aging period which is required by the current legislation.

Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphate Aldolase, a Novel Immunogenic Surface Protein on Listeria Species.

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous food-borne pathogen, and its presence in food or production facilities highlights the importance of surveillance. Increased understanding of the surface exposed antigens on Listeria would provide potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In the present work, using mass spectrometry and genetic cloning, we show that fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) class II in Listeria species is the antigen target of the previously described mAb-3F8. Western and dot blot assays confirmed that the mAb-3F8 could distinguish all tested Listeria species from close-related bacteria. Localization studies indicated that FBA is present in every fraction of Listeria cells, including supernatant and the cell wall, setting Listeria spp. as one of the few bacteria described to have this protein on their cell surface. Epitope mapping using ORFeome display and a peptide membrane revealed a 14-amino acid peptide as the potential mAb-3F8 epitope. The target epitope in FBA allowed distinguishing Listeria spp. from closely-related bacteria, and was identified as part of the active site in the dimeric enzyme. However, its function in cell surface seems not to be host cell adhesion-related. Western and dot blot assays further demonstrated that mAb-3F8 together with anti-InlA mAb-2D12 could differentiate pathogenic from non-pathogenic Listeria isolated from artificially contaminated cheese. In summary, we report FBA as a novel immunogenic surface target useful for the detection of Listeria genus.

Occurrence, Persistence, and Virulence Potential of Listeria ivanovii in Foods and Food Processing Environments in the Republic of Ireland.

The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of L. ivanovii in foods and food processing environments in Ireland, to track persistence, and to characterize the disease causing potential of the isolated strains. A total of 2,006 samples (432 food samples and 1,574 environmental swabs) were collected between March 2013 and March 2014 from 48 food business operators (FBOs) belonging to different production sectors (dairy, fish, meat, and fresh-cut vegetable). Six of the forty-eight FBOs had samples positive for L. ivanovii on at least one sampling occasion. L. ivanovii was present in fifteen samples (fourteen environmental samples and one food sample). All but one of those positive samples derived from the dairy sector, where L. ivanovii prevalence was 1.7%. Six distinguishable pulsotypes were obtained by PFGE analysis, with one pulsotype being persistent in the environment of a dairy food business. Sequence analysis of the sigB gene showed that fourteen isolates belonged to L. ivanovii subsp. londoniensis, while only one isolate was L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii. Cell invasion assays demonstrated that the majority of L. ivanovii strains were comparable to L. monocytogenes EGDe in their ability to invade CACO-2 epithelial cells whilst four isolates had significantly higher invasion efficiencies.

Single-Digit Pathogen and Attomolar Detection with the Naked Eye Using Liposome-Amplified Plasmonic Immunoassay.

We introduce an enzyme-free plasmonic immunoassay with a binary (all-or-none) response. The presence of a single pathogen in the sample results in a chemical cascade reaction leading to a large red to dark-blue colorimetric shift visible to the naked eye. The immediate and amplified response is initiated by a triggered breakdown of cysteine-loaded nanoliposomes and subsequent aggregation of plasmonic gold nanoparticles. Our approach enabled visual detection of a single-digit live pathogen of Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli O157 in water and food samples. Furthermore, the assay allowed a naked-eye detection of target antibody concentrations as low as 6.7 attomolar (600 molecules in 150 µL); six orders of magnitude lower than conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Magnetic bead based immuno-detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii from infant formula and leafy green vegetables using the Bio-Plex suspension array system.

Listeriosis, a disease contracted via the consumption of foods contaminated with pathogenic Listeria species, can produce severe symptoms and high mortality in susceptible people and animals. The development of molecular methods and immuno-based techniques for detection of pathogenic Listeria in foods has been challenging due to the presence of assay inhibiting food components. In this study, we utilize a macrophage cell culture system for the isolation and enrichment of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii from infant formula and leafy green vegetables for subsequent identification using the Luminex xMAP technique. Macrophage monolayers were exposed to infant formula, lettuce and celery contaminated with L. monocytogenes or L. ivanovii. Magnetic microspheres conjugated to Listeria specific antibody were used to capture Listeria from infected macrophages and then analyzed using the Bio-Plex 200 analyzer. As few as 10 CFU/mL or g of L. monocytogenes was detected in all foods tested. The detection limit for L. ivanovii was 10 CFU/mL in infant formula and 100 CFU/g in leafy greens. Microsphere bound Listeria obtained from infected macrophage lysates could also be isolated on selective media for subsequent confirmatory identification. This method presumptively identifies L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii from infant formula, lettuce and celery in less than 28 h with confirmatory identifications completed in less than 48 h.

Enzyme-linked imunoassays for the detection of Listeria sp. and Salmonella sp. in sausage: a comparison with conventional methods

This study was carried out comparing the conventional methods (ISO 11290-1 and BAM method, 2008) and system mini-Vidas® (Biomerieux), for detection of Listeria sp. and Salmonella sp. in cooled sausage. The immunoenzymatic method has shown to be effective for the detection of target pathogens, it has presented itself as an excellent screening method.

Listeria fleischmannii sp. nov., isolated from cheese.

A study was performed on three isolates (LU2006-1(T), LU2006-2 and LU2006-3), which were sampled independently from cheese in western Switzerland in 2006, as well as a fourth isolate (A11-3426), which was detected in 2011, using a polyphasic approach. The isolates could all be assigned to the genus Listeria but not to any known species. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data were compatible with the genus Listeria and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that the closest relationships were with members of this genus. However, DNA-DNA hybridization demonstrated that the isolates did not belong to any currently described species. Cell-wall-binding domains of Listeria monocytogenes bacteriophage endolysins were able to attach to the isolates, confirming their tight relatedness to the genus Listeria. Although PCR targeting the central portion of the flagellin gene flaA was positive, motility was not observed. The four isolates could not be discriminated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This suggests that they represent a single species, which seems to be adapted to the environment in a cheese-ripening cellar as it was re-isolated from the same type of Swiss cheese after more than 5 years. Conjugation experiments demonstrated that the isolates harbour a transferable resistance to clindamycin. The isolates did not exhibit haemolysis or show any indication of human pathogenicity or virulence. The four isolates are affiliated with the genus Listeria but can be differentiated from all described members of the genus Listeria and therefore they merit being classified as representatives of a novel species, for which we propose the name Listeria fleischmannii sp. nov.; the type strain is LU2006-1(T) ( = DSM 24998(T)  = LMG 26584(T)).