Listeria Monocytogenes

News: Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a species of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria that can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive and even grow under refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

• A host of Cadbury chocolates have been recalled in the United Kingdom over fears of potential contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes infection with flu-like symptoms.
• The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued an alert on May 1, 2023 stating that “Müller has taken the precautionary step of recalling some batches of various branded dessert products because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.”

What is this Bacteria?

• Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause infection in humans and animals.

Symptoms of Listeria infection

• Symptoms of a Listeria infection can include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick, and diarrhoea.
• Listeriosis, the illness caused by Listeria infection, can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis, sepsis, and miscarriage.

What are the 5 new Listeria species?

• cossartiae
• Listeria
• immobilis
• Listeria portnoyi
• Listeria rustica
• Listeria farberi

Practice Questions for Prelims

Consider the following statements:
1. Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause infection in humans and animals.
2. The longer ready-to-eat refrigerated foods contaminated with L. monocytogenes are stored in the refrigerator, the more opportunity this pathogen has to grow.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. c)

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