Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes Propagated in NaCl Containing Media at 4, 25 and 37°C

Abstract

Virulence, as determined in a mouse model, and virulence factor activities of catalase (CA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and listeriolysin O (LLO), was examined in Listeria monocytogenes 10403S. Cells were propagated in media containing various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) at 4, 25 and 37°C. Strain 10403S exhibited significant increases in CA activity and LLO when grown in media containing 428mM of NaCl at 37°C. The CA activities at 4 and 25°C were significantly less, and the cells exhibited similar increases and decreases as cells grown at 37°C. When comparing the growth temperatures, the CA activity decreased as the growth temperature decreased. The SOD activity was significantly increased only when cells were propagated in media containing either 428 or 1,112mM of NaCl. The SOD activity increased as the growth temperature decreased. No LLO activity was detected when cells were grown at 4 and 25°C. The production of these enzymes appeared to be thermoregulated. In addition, approximate lethal dose (ALD50) values were determined after intragastric (i.g.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) infection. Each method of infection indicated that LLO was required for virulence, while growth in salt containing media, growth at 4°C, or the production of higher levels of CA, SOD and LLO did not appear to influence the virulence of L. monocytogenes.