Molecular subtyping and virulence gene analysis of Listeria monocytogenes isolates from food

► Listeria monocytogenes isolates from food were characterized. ► Low resistance rates to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin were found. ► About half of isolates carried four serogroup associated inlA mutation types. ► Different levels of virulence potential within molecular serogroups were observed. ► The epidemic clone I isolates from turkey and produce had high virulence potential.