Generation of oxygen species and virulence of Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes strains differing in virulence were examined for production of oxygen species. Virulent strains A4413 and JH-H exhibited maximal generation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, whereas the avirulent strain 9037-7R was least active. The virulence was confirmed by the in vitro assessment of the intracellular fate of the microorganisms in resident macrophages.