Research

During the process of our project research, we found some information on Listeria itself and how it can manifest.

Listeria Monocytogenes contaminating a hot hog

Listeria

Listeria is bacterial genus that has seven species. It is the main cause of the moderately rare bacterial infection Listeriosis. Listeriosis is a potentially fatal human disease that affects mainly pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. It is an intracytoplasmic bacterium, meaning that it enters the cell and takes over its organelles.   

Manifestation

Listeria is often found in soil, which, in turn, can lead to contamination of vegetables. Uncooked meats, raw vegetables, unpasteurized milk, food made from unpasteurized milk, processed food, and fruits such as cantaloupes can often manifest the bacteria. It can often enter into the soil from the clearing out of roots in the ground by livestock. Since animals can be carriers, it is often that contamination occurs with contact form the mouth or from the animal’s deposits.