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Biliary excretion as possible origin of Listeria monocytogenes in fecal carriers
V Briones1, M M Blanco, A Marco
1Department of Animal Pathology I, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense (UCM), Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in feces of animals has been related with ingestion of contaminated foods. In the study reported here, healthy mice inoculated SC with L monocytogenes excreted the organism in their feces, regardless of whether they developed clinical signs of infection. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated simultaneously from liver, feces, and bile of inoculated mice, which strongly suggested that the microorganism reached the gastrointestinal tract by biliary excretion.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes shedding in mouse feces indicates gastrointestinal contamination. Biliary excretion is the likely route for Listeria monocytogenes to reach the gut, even without clinical signs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Health
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes presence in animal feces is linked to consuming contaminated food.
- Understanding the transmission routes of L. monocytogenes is crucial for food safety and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fecal shedding of Listeria monocytogenes in experimentally inoculated mice.
- To determine the potential route of gastrointestinal tract colonization by L. monocytogenes.
Main Methods:
- Healthy mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Feces, liver, and bile samples were collected from inoculated mice.
- L. monocytogenes was isolated and identified from collected samples.
Main Results:
- Mice inoculated with L. monocytogenes excreted the organism in their feces, irrespective of clinical signs.
- L. monocytogenes was concurrently isolated from the liver, feces, and bile of infected mice.
- The simultaneous isolation suggests a common origin for the organism in these locations.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous inoculation leads to systemic infection and fecal shedding of L. monocytogenes in mice.
- Biliary excretion is strongly suggested as the mechanism by which L. monocytogenes colonizes the gastrointestinal tract.
- This finding has implications for understanding Listeria transmission dynamics in animal populations.