What is L. monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a bacterium that causes a foodborne illness in humans called listeriosis. Everyone is susceptible to foodborne listeriosis if food contaminated with the bacteria is consumed, although it is not commonly identified because the symptoms are non-specific. Two forms of listeriosis can occur in humans; one is invasive and is of particular concern for high risk groups such as the elderly, infants and pregnant women. This form can lead to blood and brain infections and has an estimated 30% chance of death; it also causes abortion in pregnant women. Approximately 100 to 1000 organisms are required to cause the illness. The other form is non-invasive and produces milder symptoms in comparison. This form requires a larger number of organisms (105 or 100,000 organisms per gram food) in order to cause illness. L. monocytogenes is an important health concern in humans because it is able to survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures. Contaminated food
