Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses
Published on: November 16, 2016
Pathogen, host and environmental factors contributing to the pathogenesis of listeriosis
1Department of Food Science, 412 Stocking Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. mw16@cornell.edu
Abstract:
Listeriosis is a severe human and animal disease caused by two species of pathogenic bacteria from the genus Listeria, L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii. In humans, listeriosis is overwhelmingly a foodborne disease, yet much remains to be learned regarding the transmission dynamics of pathogenic Listeria from the environment, through food, to humans. Similarly, our understanding of the various host, pathogen and environmental factors that impact the pathogenesis of listeriosis at the cellular and molecular level is incomplete. This review will summarize what is currently known about animal and human listeriosis, detail the pathogen, host and environmental factors that contribute to pathogenesis and, finally, examine the interactions among those factors that influence the occurrence of human infection.
Related Concept Videos
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Colonisation of Pathogens
Bacterial Meningitis
Reservoir of Infection

