public health enemy
Listeria
PUBLIC HEALTH ENEMY
LISTERIA
ALIAS: “MONOCYTOGENES”
DESCRIPTION
Date Discovered: 1926
Type: Gram positive rod
Family: Listeriaceae
Associates: Birds and mammals
Area of Attack: Gastrointestinal tract, placenta
Known Hideouts: Silage, Dairy, wet soil, meat processing facilities
Modus Operandi: Invades intestinal and immune cells and spreads throughout the body
CAUTION
Known to grow in warm and wet environments. Agricultural products and meats need to be examined to be sure they are safe. Infection can become systemic. May invade fetus in pregnant women leading to loss of child.
SURVIVAL TIME:
4 days
PREVENTION
- Handwashing
- Disinfection