Plasmids in Listeria monocytogenes in relation to cadmium resistance

One hundred and seventy-three unrelated Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from humans, animals, the environment, and food were analyzed for the presence of plasmids. Extrachromosomal DNA was found in 28% of the strains. Plasmid DNA was extracted more frequently from L. monocytogenes serogroup 1 strains (35%) than from serogroup 4 strains (15%). Among strains from food and the environment, 40% and 29%, respectively, harbored plasmids, whereas only 13% of the strains from humans and animals with listeriosis bore plasmids. We also investigated the susceptibility of 90 strains to seven antibiotics and four heavy-metal salts. No antibiotic resistance could be detected, but 95.3% of the plasmid-positive strains and only 12.7% of the plasmid-negative strains were resistant to cadmium. The plasmid-determined genetic basis of cadmium resistance was proven by conjugation between strains of L. monocytogenes and by cure of the plasmid. This is the first time that plasmids of L. monocytogenes have been shown to be associated with cadmium resistance.