Virulence of Listeria monocytogenes strains from goats and their byproducts

The virulence of 12 Listeria monocytogenes strains from goat and goat by-products was evaluated. Variable virulence levels were found when compared the relative virulence (mortality, %) and the ability to grow infect the spleen of BALB/c mice inoculated intravenously or intragastrically. Two strains from feed produced 100 % mortality, by either inoculation route and seven strains, including those from feed, infected the spleen with both inoculation routes. A strain inoculated intravenously without causing death in the mice produced spleen counts similar to those obtained in dead mice, this could indicate that a high count of the microorganism in the spleen not necessarily ensures its virulence. We also tested the capacity to infect J774 macrophages and Caco-2 epithelial cells, finding higher invasion and intracellular growth in Caco-2 with respect the macrophages and showing quadratic growth kinetics in both cell lines. Only the two feed strains did not show a significant difference from the control strain (P>0.05) regarding kinetic parameters and invasion percentage in both cell lines. Although all isolates were able to invade Caco-2 cells, not all isolates were able to invade the spleen after the intragastrically inoculation. Two goats feed strains were the most virulent, representing a risk for animal and human health.