Detection of virulence genes in 118 strains of China Listeria monocytogenes

Objective The study was conducted to investigate the distribution of virulence genes of Listeria monocytogenes in China. Methods Six pairs of PCR primers were designed for the six virulence genes(hly、prfA、plcB、inlA、actA、iap) of L. monocytogenes in the PCR test. Specific tests for the PCR of gene hly, plcB, iap were conducted. Results PCR tests conducted in 118 strains of L. monocytogenes indicated that all strains contained the six virulence genes except that two of them lacked prfA gene. Specific tests indicated that the 3 pairs of primers for hly, plcB, iap had good specificity and could be applied to the identification of L.monocytogenes. Conclusion Virulence genes are common in strains of L.monocytogenes, and the outbreak of L.monocytogenes infections is potentially threatening. It is required to strengthen the surveillance of L.monocytogenes.