Search results
Listeria is a genus of bacteria that acts as an intracellular parasite in mammals. As of 2024, 28 species have been identified. [1] [2] [3] The genus is named in honour of the British pioneer of sterile surgery Joseph Lister. Listeria species are Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and facultatively anaerobic, and do not produce endospores. [4]
- Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is the species of pathogenic bacteria...
- Listeriosis
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection most commonly caused by...
- Listeria Monocytogenes
People also ask
What genus is Listeria?
What is a Listeria infection?
Where is Listeria found?
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Complications
- Prevention
- Products & Services
•Overview
•Symptoms
•When to see a doctor
•Causes
•Risk factors
•Complications
If you develop a listeria infection, you might have:
•Fever
•Chills
•Muscle aches
•Nausea
•Diarrhea
If you've eaten a food that's been recalled because of a listeria outbreak, watch for signs or symptoms of illness. If you have a fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea, contact your doctor. The same goes for illness after eating a potentially contaminated product, such as foods made with unpasteurized milk or poorly heated hot dogs or deli meats.
If you have a high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or sensitivity to light, seek emergency care. These signs and symptoms can indicate bacterial meningitis, a life-threatening complication of a listeria infection.
Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces. People can get infected by eating the following:
•Raw vegetables that have been contaminated from the soil or from contaminated manure used as fertilizer
•Contaminated meat
•Unpasteurized milk or foods made with unpasteurized milk
•Certain processed foods — such as soft cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats that have been contaminated after processing
Unborn babies can contract a listeria infection from the mother.
Pregnant women and their babies
Pregnant women are much more susceptible to listeria infections than are other healthy adults. Although a listeria infection might cause only a mild illness in pregnant women, consequences for their babies can include:
People who have weak immune systems
This category includes people who:
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
To prevent a listeria infection, follow simple food safety guidelines:
•Keep things clean. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before and after handling or preparing food. After cooking, use hot, soapy water to wash the utensils, cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces.
•Scrub raw vegetables. Clean raw vegetables with a scrub brush or vegetable brush under plenty of running water.
•Cook your food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure your meat, poultry and egg dishes are cooked to a safe temperature.
•A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition
•Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection most commonly caused by Listeria monocytogenes, [1] although L. ivanovii and L. grayi have been reported in certain cases. Listeriosis can cause severe illness, including severe sepsis, meningitis, or encephalitis, sometimes resulting in lifelong harm and even death. Those at risk of severe illness are the ...
Listeria monocytogenes is the species of pathogenic bacteria that causes the infection listeriosis. It is a facultative anaerobic bacterium, capable of surviving in the presence or absence of oxygen.
Aug 2, 2024 · Listeria are bacteria (germs) that can contaminate many foods. People who eat those foods can get infected with the bacteria. Listeria infection is rare, but serious. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent infection.
Feb 20, 2018 · Listeriosis is a series of diseases caused by the bacteria L. monocytogenes, outbreaks of which occur in all countries. There are two main types of listeriosis: a non-invasive form and an invasive form. Noninvasive listeriosis (febrile listerial gastroenteritis) is a mild form of the disease affecting mainly otherwise healthy people.
Aug 19, 2022 · Listeria is what we microbiologists call an intracellular pathogen. In an infected individual, listeria can grow inside a cell and spread to neighboring cells. Hiding inside our cells this way...
