- Entry
- Reader's guide
- Entries A-Z
- Subject index
Listeria refers to a group of bacteria of which one species, Listeria monocytogenes, is predominant in causing a serious and potentially fatal disease known as listeriosis. The bacterium poses particular problems to both the food industry and regulator because it is widespread, can grow in chilled foods, and is relatively resistant to control measures when compared with other non-spore-forming foodborne pathogens. Characteristically, it infects the young, old, pregnant, and immunocompromised and generally causes its most significant clinical outcomes (e.g., septicemia, meningitis, fetal death) in these populations.
Listeriosis as a Disease
There are two types of listeriosis infection. The most serious invasive form is rare in the general population, with an incidence (cases per 100,000 population per annum) usually less than 1. However, the consequences of infection can ...
- Loading...