Building a molecular Listeria monocytogenes database to centralize and share PFGE typing data from food, environmental and animal strains throughout Europe.

The European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) collaborates with a network of 35 National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) throughout Europe. Most of these NRLs are in charge of detecting and typing Lm strains from food, environment and animals, which are isolated nationally. The past few years EURL activities have enabled NRLs to reinforce typing capabilities according to standardised protocols. Consequently the need to exchange typing data within the NRL network has emerged. That is why the EURL has recently set up a EURL Lm Database (EURL Lm DB). Each NRL contributes data, which is then shared within the network. Data include strain-typing-results (PFGE and serotyping) and epidemiological information on the strains. This article describes (1) the EURL typing activities that led to the creation of the EURL Lm DB, (2) the different steps involved in developing the EURL Lm DB, and (3) the usefulness of this database for public health. The combined use of this database, with databases on human strains, is being integrated into the European surveillance system of Lm strains circulating throughout Europe. It should improve the detection of this pathogen and provide support for outbreak investigations.