Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen, can survive in food processing environment for
several months or even years. The wide application of quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants leads to the resistance
of L. monocytogenes, which reduces the efficiency of disinfection and increases the risk of food contamination by
L. monocytogenes. The resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds and adaptive tolerance to quaternary ammonium
compounds in L. monocytogenes are reviewed in this study. Understanding of the mechanisms of resistance and adaptive
tolerance to quaternary ammonium compounds in L. monocytogenes can provide an academic evidence for the reasonable
application of these disinfectants and the prevention and control of disinfectant resistance in foodborne pathogens and is also
of great practical significance to ensure food quality and safety.

Key words: Listeria moncytogenes, quaternary ammonium compounds, resistance, adaptive tolerance