Listeria monocytogenes (listeria)

Common name

listeriosis

Type of disease

bacterial

How is it transmitted/ infection

contaminated food (deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products)

General signs and symptoms

fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea

What body systems/organs are involved?

gastrointestinal system

Any toxins or virulence factors?

Listeriolysin O

How is agent commonly identified/confirmed

Blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures

How does each bacteria stain for gram, endospore, capsule, acid fast?

Gram +

What shape do each bacteria have?

Bacillus

Classic signs/symptoms

fever and muscle aches

Treatment, cure, common antibiotics?

antibiotics (ampicillin and gentamicin)

Vaccine available?

no

How can transmission be prevented?

proper food handling and cooking , avoiding high risk foods