The word "monocytogenes" is a mouthful to pronounce and spell. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˌmɒnəʊsaɪˈtɒdʒəniːz/. The word is broken down into syllables as mon-o-cy-tog-e-nes, with the stress on the third syllable. The first syllable "mon" is pronounced with a short "o" sound. The "cyt" in the middle is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The final syllable "nes" is pronounced with a short "e" sound. Monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause serious illnesses if not handled and cooked properly.
Monocytogenes is a bacterial species belonging to the genus Listeria, named after its discoverer, Joseph Lister. It is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that is found in various environments, including soil, water, and plants. Listeria monocytogenes is known for its ability to cause a serious foodborne illness called listeriosis in humans and animals.
Listeriosis is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked meats, dairy products, and fresh produce. The ingestion of Listeria monocytogenes can lead to symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can progress to meningitis, septicemia, and other life-threatening complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Monocytogenes is unique among Listeria species because it has the ability to grow and replicate at low temperatures, enabling its survival and proliferation in refrigerated environments. It is also notable for its ability to cross the placental barrier, resulting in severe infections and adverse outcomes in pregnant women and their unborn children.
Due to its potential for causing outbreaks and its ability to survive in a range of conditions, Listeria monocytogenes is a significant concern in the food industry. Strict hygiene practices, thorough cooking, and proper refrigeration are vital in preventing the growth and transmission of this pathogen.
The word "monocytogenes" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "mono-" is derived from the Greek word "monos", meaning "single" or "alone". It is often used as a prefix to indicate singularity or one of something.
The word "cyto-" is derived from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell".
The suffix "-gen" is derived from the Greek word "genēs", meaning "producing" or "originating".
Therefore, "monocytogenes" can be roughly translated as "producing or originating from a single cell". This term is particularly used to refer to the bacteria of the Genus Listeria, which includes Listeria monocytogenes, the species responsible for the infectious disease Listeriosis.