Listeria innocua
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Listeria innocua
Classification
Higher order taxa:
Bacteria; Firmicutes; Bacilli; Bacillales; Listeriaceae; Listeria
Species:
Listeria innocua
Description and significance
Listeria innocua is widely found in the environment (such as soil) and food sources. In terms of appearance, it is a rod-shaped Gram positive bacterium. It may live individually or organize into chains with other Listeria innocua bacteria. It produces flagella and pili for motility. It is a mesophile, operating at an optimal temperature range of 30-37 degrees Celsius. Listeria innocua very much resembles its other family member, the pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria innocua was isolated from meat by a technique called surface adhesion immunofluorescence. Samples of meat were inoculated with Listeria innocua and incuated at 30 degrees Celsium for 14-18 hours in a broth. The cells were then isolated from the meat by surface adhesion onto a polycarbonate membrane attached to a microscope glass slide. Then immunofluorescent microscopy was employed to visualize the bacteria. It is important because it was previously known for being non-pathogenic, but recently researchers found a case of Listeria innocua infection of an elderly patient.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?
Cell structure and metabolism
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Ecology
Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano