LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES Meaning and
Definition
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Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Listeria and is the causative agent of the infectious disease listeriosis. It is a Gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen that can survive and grow under a wide range of environmental conditions. Listeria monocytogenes is considered to be one of the most widespread and virulent foodborne pathogens, capable of causing severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
This bacterium can be found in a variety of natural environments such as soil, water, and vegetation, and can contaminate a wide range of food products including dairy, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Listeria monocytogenes is known for its ability to survive and multiply at low temperatures, making it a significant concern for food safety and public health.
In humans, listeriosis can manifest as a mild flu-like illness, but it can also lead to more severe symptoms such as sepsis, meningitis, and encephalitis. Pregnant women infected with Listeria monocytogenes can experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. The primary route of transmission to humans is through the ingestion of contaminated food, although transmission from mother to fetus can also occur.
Given its potential to cause severe illness and its ability to persist in various environments, adequate control measures, including proper hygiene practices and thorough cooking of high-risk foods, are necessary to prevent and manage Listeria monocytogenes infections.
Common Misspellings for LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES
- kisteria monocytogenes
- pisteria monocytogenes
- oisteria monocytogenes
- lusteria monocytogenes
- ljsteria monocytogenes
- lksteria monocytogenes
- losteria monocytogenes
- l9steria monocytogenes
- l8steria monocytogenes
- liateria monocytogenes
- lizteria monocytogenes
- lixteria monocytogenes
- lidteria monocytogenes
- lieteria monocytogenes
- liwteria monocytogenes
- lisreria monocytogenes
- lisferia monocytogenes
- lisgeria monocytogenes
- lisyeria monocytogenes
- lis6eria monocytogenes
Etymology of LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES
The word "Listeria monocytogenes" has a scientific etymology derived from the names of the individuals who first identified and described the bacterium.
1. Listeria: The name "Listeria" is derived from the name of Joseph Lister, a British surgeon who is considered the pioneer of modern antiseptic surgery. Lister discovered the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic in the mid-1800s, dramatically reducing the rates of infections during surgeries.
2. Monocytogenes: The term "monocytogenes" is derived from the word "monocyte", which is a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response. It refers to the fact that Listeria monocytogenes can infect and replicate within monocytes, a type of immune cell.
