Analysis of the genotypic distribution of virulence and antibiotic resistance biomarkers of Listeria species in-silico

A total of forty-three Listeria species were screened for virulence and antibiotic resistance genes through in silico tools. In silico polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected both virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. The hlyA gene, responsible for hemolysis in red blood cell, was detected in 76.4% (n=33) of the isolates and thirty-eight isolates harboured plcA genes. These two (hlyA and plcA) genes are required for destruction of phagosome. Internalin genes, inlA (37.21%) and inlB (81.39%) were responsible for adherence and internalization of Listeria species. About 76.4% (n=33) isolates had the prfA gene that regulate internalins expression. Thirty-one isolates (72.09%) expressed the actA gene while only four isolates (9.30%) had the invasion associated gene, iap. The daptomycin resistance gene, mpr was the most prevalent (81.39%) followed by parC (72.09%), gyrB (48.83%), gyrA (39.53%) and parE (30.23%) genes. Genotype 1 harboured most of the virulence genes while genotype 2 expressed mainly antibiotic resistance genes. This data helps to predict the virulence genes associated with listeriosis infections. This data also provides information to choose effective antibiotic against listeriosis infections.