Hypervirulent clonal complex (CC) of Listeria monocytogenes in fresh produce from urban communities.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and virulome of Listeria in fresh produce distributed in urban communities. Methods: A total of 432 fresh produce samples were collected from farmer's markets in Michigan and West Virginia, USA, resulting in 109 pooled samples. Listeria spp. were isolated and L. monocytogenes was subjected to genoserogrouping by PCR and genotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) were conducted for clonal identification. Results: Forty-eight of 109 samples (44.0%) were contaminated with Listeria spp. L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a and 4b were recovered from radishes, potatoes, and romaine lettuce. Four clonal complexes (CC) were identified and included hypervirulent CC1 (ST1) and CC4 (ST219) of lineage I as well as CC7 (ST7) and CC11 (ST451) of lineage II. Clones CC4 and CC7 were present in the same romaine lettuce sample. CC1 carried Listeria pathogenicity island LIPI-1 and LIPI-3 whereas CC4 contained LIPI-1, LIPI-3, and LIPI-4. CC7 and CC11 had LIPI-1 only. Discussion: Due to previous implication in outbreaks, L. monocytogenes hypervirulent clones in fresh produce pose a public health concern in urban communities.

Clinical and Histopathological Findings in a Patient of Darier-White Disease with Acrokertasosis Verruciformis of Hopf.

Darier disease (DD) is a rare genodermatoses characterized by greasy hyperkeratotic papules in seborrheic regions and nail and oral changes. Histologically, it presents as suprabasal clefts with acantholytic and dyskeratotic cells. Acrokertasosis verruciformis of Hopf (AKVH) is considered an allelic variant with clinical overlap where Church spires are seen histologically without dyskeratoses. Patients are susceptible to various viral and bacterial skin infections requiring prevention and treatment of infection. Nonspecific treatment includes patient counseling on exacerbating factors. Although there are no curative treatments for DD, topical corticosteroids and systemic retinoids may be used to control inflammation and hyperkeratosis. We are reporting a rare case with clinical and histological findings of DD with AKVH in a 17-year-old boy with keratotic papules, presented on the hands and feet, nose, and ears without mucosal involvement.