LISTERIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Listeria is a noun that refers to a genus of bacteria called Listeria, specifically belonging to the family Listeriaceae. The term is derived from the name of the British surgeon Joseph Lister, who is recognized for his contributions to antiseptic medicine.
The definition of Listeria includes several characteristics and features of this bacterial genus. Listeria bacteria are gram-positive, meaning that they retain the crystal violet dye when subjected to the Gram staining technique. They are rod-shaped, appearing as short or long rods. They are facultative anaerobes, capable of surviving in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. Furthermore, Listeria are motile microorganisms, which means that they are capable of movement.
While Listeria bacteria are relatively common, they can pose a significant threat to human health. The genus includes several species, such as Listeria monocytogenes, known to cause the infectious disease known as listeriosis. Listeriosis usually occurs through consumption of contaminated food, commonly associated with unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and raw vegetables. Symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly.
In conclusion, Listeria refers to a genus of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are capable of causing listeriosis, a dangerous infectious disease. Due to their potential to cause severe illnesses, it is crucial to ensure proper food safety measures to prevent Listeria contamination.
Common Misspellings for LISTERIA
Etymology of LISTERIA
The word "listeria" is derived from the name of the British surgeon, Lord Joseph Lister (1827-1912). Lord Lister was a pioneer in the field of antiseptic surgery and is known for developing the technique of using carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize surgical instruments, wounds, and surgical dressings to prevent infection. His work revolutionized surgical practices and significantly reduced mortality rates due to infection during surgery.
The bacteriological genus Listeria was named in honor of Lord Lister, as a tribute to his contributions to the field of medicine. The genus was first described in 1926 by Albert Seeliger, a German microbiologist, who named it "Listeria" to recognize the significant impact of Lister's work on the understanding and prevention of infectious diseases.
Similar spelling words for LISTERIA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
