Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Food Products: A Comprehensive Review

Amin N. Olaimat, Murad A. Al-Holy, Hafiz M. Shahbaz, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Mahmoud H. Abu Ghoush, Tareq M. Osaili, Mutamed M. Ayyash, Richard A. Holley

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    122 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen that has been involved in several deadly illness outbreaks. Future outbreaks may be more difficult to manage because of the emergence of antibiotic resistance among L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food products. The present review summarizes the available evidence on the emergence of antibiotic resistance among L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food products and the possible ways this resistance has developed. Furthermore, the resistance of food L. monocytogenes isolates to antibiotics currently used in the treatment of human listeriosis such as penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and gentamicin, has been documented. Acquisition of movable genetic elements is considered the major mechanism of antibiotic resistance development in L. monocytogenes. Efflux pumps have also been linked with resistance of L. monocytogenes to some antibiotics including fluoroquinolones. Some L. monocytogenes strains isolated from food products are intrinsically resistant to several antibiotics. However, factors in food processing chains and environments (from farm to table) including extensive or sub-inhibitory antibiotics use, horizontal gene transfer, exposure to environmental stresses, biofilm formation, and presence of persister cells play crucial roles in the development of antibiotic resistance by L. monocytogenes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1277-1292
    Number of pages16
    JournalComprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
    Volume17
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2018

    Keywords

    • Listeria monocytogenes
    • antibiotic resistance
    • biofilm formation
    • environmental stresses
    • food
    • horizontal gene transfer
    • listeriosis
    • multidrug resistant bacteria

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Food Science

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Emergence of Antibiotic Resistance in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Food Products: A Comprehensive Review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this