Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a significant foodborne pathogen with considerable resilience in diverse environments. Following ingestion via contaminated food, LM can breach the intestinal barrier and infect target organs, causing systemic infection. This breach represents a critical step in its pathogenesis. The gut microbiota, a key component of intestinal defense, can restrict the colonization and invasion of the pathogen through mechanisms such as nutrient competition and bacteriocin production. In response, LM has evolved counterstrategies to enhance its survival and invasiveness in the gut environment. Furthermore, the efficacy of the gut microbiota in resisting LM is influenced by multiple factors, such as population differences and dietary habits, leading to variations in susceptibility to infection among individuals. Currently, antibiotic therapy for listeriosis faces limitations, highlighting the need for alternative control and therapeutic strategies. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota resists LM, the adaptive strategies of the pathogen, and the factors influencing this interaction. It also discusses current microbiota-based preventive and therapeutic approaches, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for future research.
Keywords: Colonization resistance; High-fat diet; Interventions; Listeriolysin S; Probiotics.
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