Why Listeria monocytogenes is a problem in foods?
L. monocytogenes is unusual because it can grow at refrigerator temperatures where most other foodborne bacteria do not. When eaten, it may cause listeriosis, an illness to which pregnant women and their unborn children are very susceptible.
How is Listeria monocytogenes harmful?
Most listeria infections are so mild they can go unnoticed. However, in some cases, a listeria infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including: Generalized blood infection. Inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain (meningitis)
What is the importance of Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes, as a foodborne pathogenic bacterium, is considered as major causative agent responsible for serious diseases in both humans and animals. Milk and dairy products are among the main sources of energy supply in the human, therefore contamination of these products with Listeria spp., especially L.
Why is Listeria a problem?
Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. An estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis each year, and about 260 die.
How does Listeria monocytogenes contaminate food?
Listeria can contaminate other food through spills in the refrigerator. Clean up all spills in your refrigerator right away—especially juices from hot dog and lunch meat packages, raw meat, and raw poultry. Consider using paper towels to avoid transferring germs from a cloth towel.
Is Listeria really a concern?
An estimated 1,600 people get sick from Listeria each year, and about 260 die. Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
What type of hazard is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a species of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria that can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures. When people eat food contaminated with L.
Is Listeria harmful to humans?
The Statistics at a Glance. Compared to other foodborne illnesses, listeriosis is rare but very serious. Even with adequate antibiotic treatment, the disease has a high mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent. Over 90 percent of people with listeriosis are hospitalized, often in intensive care units.
What are the long term effects of Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeriosis survivors often are left with serious neurological dysfunctions, including seizures, paralysis and impaired ability to see, hear, swallow or speak. Severe cases often result in partial to total impairment and can require life-long residential care with no possibility of work.
Why does Listeria present a problem to the catering industry?
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that contaminates food-processing environments and persists within biofilms on equipment, utensils, floors, and drains, ultimately reaching final products by cross-contamination.
What makes Listeria monocytogenes pathogenic?
Pathogenic Listeria organisms pass directly from cell to cell by a mechanism involving host cell actin polymerization (see below). Therefore, regardless of the mechanism of entry used, the bacteria that penetrate the intestinal wall might then invade neighboring enterocytes by basolateral spread, leading to enteritis.
How can Listeria monocytogenes be prevented in food?
- Cook thoroughly raw food from animal sources, such as beef, pork, or poultry.
- Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.
- Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or foods made from raw milk.
Why is listeriosis a risk even if food is refrigerated?
Listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated by certain types of Listeria bacteria. The Listeria bacteria are found widely in nature. Storing contaminated foods, even in the refrigerator, may allow the Listeria bacteria to grow.
Is Listeria a type of food poisoning?
A possible source of the illness: listeria, one of the causes of food poisoning. It’s triggered by listeria bacteria that can live in soil, water, dust, animal poop, and other substances. You can get sick if you eat food that carries it.
What foods are affected by Listeria monocytogenes?
Foods Linked to U.S. Outbreaks of Listeriosis Past listeriosis outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to raw, unpasteurized milks and cheeses, ice cream, raw or processed vegetables, raw or processed fruits, raw or undercooked poultry, sausages, hot dogs, deli meats, and raw or smoked fish and other seafood.