The assay L. monocytogenes infects most, if not all, adherent cells and macrophages. The efficiency of internalization can vary over 4-logs. Gentamicin is critical as the bacteria can grow in tissue culture medium. The intracellular growth curve allows for the quantitation of growth and determination of intracellular doubling time. Model for the cell biology of L. monocytogenes infection.
Stippled material represents polymerized actin.
Taken from Tilney and Portnoy, J. Cell Biol. 1989 C. Critical questions arising from the cell biology of L. monocytogenes infection.