Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial disease that causes listeriosis. Listeria is an extremely widespread bacteria. It is found everywhere in the soil, ground water and on plants. This kind of bacteria can be carried inside a person's or animal's body without them becoming sick. Usually, a person or animal becomes ill after eating contaminated foods. .
There are several kinds of people who are considered susceptible and at-risk to listeriosis. These people are pregnant women and their unborn and newborns, people undergoing cancer treatments, people with AIDS, diabetes and kidney disease (Listeriosis and Pregnancy 1). Generally, these people have a weakened immune system. This particular bacteria makes that kind of person sick because of that person's inability to ward off intruders. .
There are a minimal amount of ways to get listeriosis, and they can be prevented. The main way to get listeriosis is by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Babies can get it also, if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy (Listeriosis 2). There are some general guidelines in order to prevent listeriosis, such as thoroughly cook raw food from animal sources, wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating, keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods, avoid unpasteurized milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk, wash hands, knives and cutting boards (3). These are good guidelines for every healthy person to follow. It will greatly reduce the chance of getting listeriosis. Also, there are other recommendations for people at higher risk to getting listeriosis. .
These are avoid soft cheeses, and reheat any left-over foods before eating them. .
If a person does have listeriosis, there are ways in which he or she can tell. The symptoms involved with listeriosis may take a few days or even weeks to appear and can also be very mild.
