[Characterization and prevalence of clones of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from patients in 2001-2008 in the Czech Republic].
OBJECTIVE
To characterize human isolates of Listeria monocytogenes by typing methods and to test them for use in epidemiological investigations.


METHODS
Typing was carried out in 78 human isolates obtained in 2001-2008. Slide agglutination and multiplex PCR were used for serotyping. Genome macrorestriction analysis of the analyzed strains was performed.


RESULTS
Serotype 1/2a was predominant, serotypes 1/2b and 4b were detected sporadically. DNA macrorestriction analysis yielded 20 pulsotypes. The comparison of these results with the data obtained for food isolates suggested possible linkage between sporadic cases of listeriosis and suspected vehicles of infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the obtained results, all human isolates should be typed and analyzed at the national level. It would be helpful in preventing late detection of listeriosis outbreaks, rapidly detecting sources of infection and reducing the number of cases.
Karpísková
R
R
Státní zdravotní ústav Praha, Centrum hygieny potravinových retezců, Palackého 3a, Brno karpiskova@chpr.szu.cz
Gelbícová
T
T
D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D002999:Clone Cells; D018153:Czech Republic; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000145:classification*; D012703:Serotyping