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Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
Published on: May 6, 2013
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Human Listeriosis
Merel M Koopmans1, Matthijs C Brouwer1, José A Vázquez-Boland2
1Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|December 8, 2022
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen, causes severe invasive infections like meningitis and sepsis. Understanding its epidemiology and pathogenesis is crucial for preventing and treating listeriosis, a life-threatening illness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Food Safety
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness.
- Listeriosis can lead to invasive infections including bacteremia, meningitis, and pregnancy-associated complications.
- It is a significant cause of hospitalization in Western countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of human listeriosis.
- To detail the characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes.
- To cover epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Listeria monocytogenes and listeriosis.
- Analysis of data from international surveillance systems.
- Integration of findings from whole genome studies and pathophysiological investigations.
Main Results:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a versatile pathogen with diverse evolutionary paths.
- Invasive listeriosis presents with varied clinical manifestations depending on the affected population.
- Surveillance and genetic data aid in identifying contamination sources.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention and treatment of listeriosis require a thorough understanding of the pathogen and disease.
- Continued research into Listeria monocytogenes' evolution and pathogenicity is essential.
- Public health strategies must address food safety and risk group protection.
