Genome-Based Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes, Costa Rica

Abstract

Genomic data on the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes from Central America are scarce. We analyzed 92 isolates collected during 2009–2019 from different regions in Costa Rica, compared those to publicly available genomes, and identified unrecognized outbreaks. Our findings suggest mandatory reporting of listeriosis in Costa Rica would improve pathogen surveillance.

Keywords

• Listeria monocytogenes
• bacteria
• food safety
• whole-genome sequencing
• pathogen surveillance
• outbreak detection