Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium that causes listeriosis. It is a food-borne pathogen found in soil, water, and decaying vegetation. Foods such as raw sprouts, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold deli meats and hot dogs, and smoked seafood, have the highest rates of L. monocytogenes -associated infections. Listeriosis occurs in two forms: non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis and severe invasive listeriosis.
The non-invasive form causes mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically lasting one to three days. In contrast, invasive listeriosis presents with symptoms such as headache, confusion, stiff neck, convulsions, and loss of balance. It can be life-threatening for newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, L. monocytogenes infection may be asymptomatic or cause mild,…
