화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Applied Microbiology, Vol.118, No.4, 809-816, 2015
Invading slugs (Arion vulgaris) can be vectors for Listeria monocytogenes
AimsListeriosis is a frequent silage-associated disease in ruminants. The slugs Arion vulgaris are invaders in gardens, vegetable crops and meadows for silage production. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to clarify whether slugs could host Listeria monocytogenes and thereby constitute a threat to animal feed safety. Methods and ResultsSelective culture of L.monocytogenes from 79 pooled slug samples (710 slugs) resulted in 43% positive, 16% with mean L.monocytogenes values of 405CFUg(-1) slug tissues. Of 62 individual slugs cultured, 11% also tested positive from surface/mucus. Multilocus sequence typing analysis of 36 isolates from different slug pools identified 20 sequence types belonging to L.monocytogenes lineages I and II. Slugs fed 40x10(5)CFUL.monocytogenes, excreted viable L.monocytogenes in faeces for up to 22days. Excretion of L.monocytogenes decreased with time, although there were indications of a short enrichment period during the first 24h. ConclusionsArion vulgaris may act as a vector for L.monocytogenes. Significance and Impact of the StudyHighly slug-contaminated grass silage may pose a potential threat to animal feed safety.