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Chemotaxis in Listeria monocytogenes
S B Galsworthy1, S Girdler, S F Koval
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Acta Microbiologica Hungarica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes exhibits flagellation and motility across various temperatures, with optimal expression at 24-30°C. This bacterium demonstrates chemotaxis towards tryptose and glucose, suggesting motility aids its colonization strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a motile, flagellated bacterium.
- Its motility may play a role in host colonization.
- Previous studies reported conflicting data on flagellation and motility at mammalian host temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and degree of flagellation, motility, and chemotaxis in Listeria monocytogenes.
- To determine the effect of different growth temperatures (10°C, 24°C, 30°C, 37°C, 40°C) on these characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Culturing Listeria monocytogenes at various temperatures.
- Microscopic examination for flagella.
- Assessing motility through observation of bacterial movement.
- Chemotaxis assays using tryptose and glucose as attractants.
Main Results:
- Listeria monocytogenes possessed flagella and exhibited motility at all tested temperatures.
- Optimal flagellation and vigorous motility were observed at 24°C and 30°C.
- Chemotaxis towards tryptose occurred at all temperatures.
- Chemotaxis towards glucose was observed at all temperatures except 40°C.
Conclusions:
- Listeria monocytogenes maintains flagellation and motility across a range of temperatures relevant to mammalian hosts.
- Temperature significantly influences the degree of flagellation and motility.
- The demonstrated chemotaxis suggests a mechanism for directed movement crucial for Listeria's pathogenic potential.