Listeria

Study Guide #C1

Characteristics of Listeria ?

Gram positive rods, facultative anaerobes, no endospores

Will refrigeration stop Listeria form growing?

No, because Listeria is halophilic (thrives in salt) and are psychrotropics ( survive in cold/ low temperatures)

How does the way Listeria move form cell to cell help avoid the immune system?

Listeria escapes into macrophages and can spread form cell to cell to avoid the immune system

What are the symptoms for healthy individuals? 

Mild food poisoning for healthy adults, not pregnant women.  

How is this disease more serious for pregnant women?

Pregnant women:

• have a higher chance of miscarriage and still birth

• Symptoms: flu ( including fever, nausea, fatigue)

• Listeria migrates to specifically to the placenta

• Can lead into meningitis

How is it more serious for immune compromised people? 

For immune compromised people, the disease can spread to the Nervous System; 25% mortality rate. 

What can be done to avoid listeriosis?

• Cook foods thoroughly

• avoid deli meats/ unpasteurized cheese

• and avoid fooos that have

What is the genus and species of Listeria that causes disease?

Listeria monocytogenes disease: Listeriosis