Journal
PATHOGENS
Volume 11, Issue 12, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121491
Keywords
L; monocytogenes; listeriosis; virulence traits; host infection; molecular mechanisms
Categories
Funding
- National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy, Poland
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This comprehensive review summarizes the current knowledge on the epidemiology of listeriosis and the virulence mechanisms of L. monocytogenes, with a special focus on their molecular and cellular aspects. Understanding this information is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes infection.
Listeriosis is a serious food-borne illness, especially in susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women, and elderlies. The disease can occur in two forms: non-invasive febrile gastroenteritis and severe invasive listeriosis with septicemia, meningoencephalitis, perinatal infections, and abortion. Expression of each symptom depends on various bacterial virulence factors, immunological status of the infected person, and the number of ingested bacteria. Internalins, mainly InlA and InlB, invasins (invasin A, LAP), and other surface adhesion proteins (InlP1, InlP4) are responsible for epithelial cell binding, whereas internalin C (InlC) and actin assembly-inducing protein (ActA) are involved in cell-to-cell bacterial spread. L. monocytogenes is able to disseminate through the blood and invade diverse host organs. In persons with impaired immunity, the elderly, and pregnant women, the pathogen can also cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, which results in the invasion of the central nervous system and fetus infection, respectively. The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize the current knowledge on the epidemiology of listeriosis and L. monocytogenes virulence mechanisms that are involved in host infection, with a special focus on their molecular and cellular aspects. We believe that all this information is crucial for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes infection.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available