Features of intergeneric, interspecific and serological diagnosis of listeriosis

Abstract

The review presents data on the antigenic structure of Listeria and the modern classification of epidemically significant Listeria serovars. Information is provided on the characteristic species-specific properties of Listeria serovars, which may be common to two or more species, and also have common antigens with staphylococci and typhoid-paratyphoid bacteria. It has been shown that only the antigenic scheme of Listeria monocytogenes, the only species of Listeria pathogenic for humans, is of practical interest for medicine. The importance of serotyping when conducting epidemiological analysis in order to identify the source of infections and ways of its spread has been determined. Information about the discovery of the causative agent of listeriosis is presented. Data are presented regarding differences in the designation of serovars in the diagnosis of listeriosis in domestic and foreign medical practice. The inextricable connection of Listeria serotypes with a specific host, a specific type of disease and geographic origin is shown, which is confirmed by the isolation of isolates from food. Thus, the most frequently isolated serotypes are 1 and 4. It has been shown that the high level of adaptive properties of Listeria, their ability to
reproduce in an abiotic environment, including food, the increase in people with various immunodeficiencies, as well as the predominance of the food route of infection pose a significant risk increased incidence of listeriosis. The review provides information on immunochemical research methods recommended for express diagnostics, such as the immunofluorescence reaction. The review examines the current state of the problem of serological diagnosis and promising directions for serotyping of pathogenic Listeria. Serological diagnosis of Listeria has not been developed in detail, and existing serological methods are aimed at identifying specific antibodies to Listeria. The advantages of the serological method include: quick results; the ability to study any biological material. Currently available serological methods have a number of disadvantages, such as low reliability of the results and low specificity of the study.