DNA barcoding post-larvae can improve the knowledge about fish biodiversity: an example from La Reunion, SW Indian Ocean.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that fish larvae identified using their COI sequences offer a unique opportunity for improving the knowledge of local fish richness. Fish larvae were sampled at the end of their pelagic phase using light-traps set off the West Coast of La Reunion Island, southwestern Indian Ocean, once per month from October 2014 to March 2015. Among the 5174 larvae caught, 214 morphologically different specimens were selected, 196 successfully barcoded, giving a total of 101 different Barcode Index Numbers (BINs).

Whole genome-based population biology and epidemiological surveillance of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a major human foodborne pathogen. Numerous Lm outbreaks have been reported worldwide and associated with a high case fatality rate, reinforcing the need for strongly coordinated surveillance and outbreak control. We developed a universally applicable genome-wide strain genotyping approach and investigated the population diversity of Lm using 1,696 isolates from diverse sources and geographical locations.

"Epidemic clones" of Listeria monocytogenes are widespread and ancient clonal groups.

The food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes is genetically heterogeneous. Although some clonal groups have been implicated in multiple outbreaks, there is currently no consensus on how "epidemic clones" should be defined. The objectives of this work were to compare the patterns of sequence diversity on two sets of genes that have been widely used to define L.

Optimized Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis assay and its complementarity with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing for Listeria monocytogenes clone identification and surveillance.

Populations of the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes are genetically structured into a small number of major clonal groups, some of which have been implicated in multiple outbreaks. The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate an optimized multilocus variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) subtyping scheme for strain discrimination and clonal group identification. We evaluated 18 VNTR loci and combined the 11 best ones into two multiplexed PCR assays (MLVA-11).

Listeria monocytogenes-associated joint and bone infections: a study of 43 consecutive cases.

Background: Little is known about Listeria monocytogenes-associated bone and joint infections. Only case reports of this infection have been published.

Methods: Retrospective study of culture-proven bone and joint cases reported to the French National Reference Center for Listeria from 1992 to 2010.

Worldwide distribution of major clones of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is worldwide a pathogen, but the geographic distribution of clones remains largely unknown. Genotyping of 300 isolates from the 5 continents and diverse sources showed the existence of few prevalent and globally distributed clones, some of which include previously described epidemic clones. Cosmopolitan distribution indicates the need for genotyping standardization.

Characterization of the novel Listeria monocytogenes PCR serogrouping profile IVb-v1.

The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Listeria (WHOCCL) has developed in 2004 a multiplex PCR assay that separates the 4 major Listeria monocytogenes serovars (1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, and 4b) into distinct PCR serogroups. A new PCR profile has been recently identified, constituted of amplified DNA fragments of prs, ORF2819, ORF2110 and lmo0737. Here we characterize 22 L.

Genomic analysis and comparison of Bordetella pertussis isolates circulating in low and high vaccine coverage areas.

The aim of this study was to analyze Bordetella pertussis isolates circulating, between 1991 and 1995, in Niakhar, Senegal area where the pertussis vaccination coverage was low and to compare them with those circulating in France, before and after introduction of generalized pertussis vaccination for toddlers in 1959. We carried out bacteriological analyses, typing, genotyping and DNA microarray analyses. We found that the isolates circulating in Senegal between 1991 and 1995 are part of the same Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis Group, express the same antigens and possess the same gene deletions than isolates circulating in France before the introduction of vaccination, but are different from those circulating in 1991-1995.