Genomic Characterization of Listeria innocua Isolates Recovered from Cattle Farms, Beef Abattoirs, and Retail Outlets in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for the genomic characterization of one hundred and ten strains Listeria innocua (L. innocua) isolated from twenty-three cattle farms, eight beef abattoirs, forty-eight retail outlets in Gauteng province, South Africa. In silico multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify isolates’ types (STs). BLAST-based analyses were antimicrobial virulence genes. The study also linked detection genes origin (industries samples) L. isolates. detected 14 STs, 13 resistance genes, 23 Of STs detected, ST637 (26.4%), ST448 (20%), 537 (13.6%), 1085 (12.7%) predominant, frequency varied significantly (p < 0.05). All 110 isolates carriers or more with lin (100%), fosX tet(M) (30%) being most frequently recognized, (clpC, clpE, clpP, hbp1.svpA, hbp2, iap/cwhA, lap, lpeA, lplA1, lspA, oatA, pdgA, prsA2) found all innocua. Overall, diversity significant differences frequencies resistance, according origins (source sample type) This, first recovered three levels/industries (farm, abattoir, retail) production system Africa, provides data on organism’s distribution potential food safety implications.