Listeria
Family: Listeriaceae
Species: Listeria monocytogenes
Genus: Listeria
Listeria is a species of small gram positive rod shaped bacteria, which are sometimes arranged in small chains when looked at under a microscope. The genus includes 7 species one of which is Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeriosis
Listeria is an opportunistic bacteria, it is most prevalent in the elderly, pregnant mothers and AIDS patients. With an increasing elderly population and extended life expectancy for AIDS patients more cases of this rare illness are expected. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
In immune-deficient individuals, Listeria can invade the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the new-born or even stillbirth.
Prevention of Listeriosis
Cook food thoroughly, especially meat so it is piping hot
Wash raw fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating
Store raw food below cooked or ready- to- eat foods in the fridge
Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment including knives, chopping boards etc. clean
Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible
High risk individuals void avoid food types commonly known to harbour listeria
Species: Listeria monocytogenes
Genus: Listeria
Listeria is a species of small gram positive rod shaped bacteria, which are sometimes arranged in small chains when looked at under a microscope. The genus includes 7 species one of which is Listeria monocytogenes.
Listeriosis
Listeria is an opportunistic bacteria, it is most prevalent in the elderly, pregnant mothers and AIDS patients. With an increasing elderly population and extended life expectancy for AIDS patients more cases of this rare illness are expected. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.
In immune-deficient individuals, Listeria can invade the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the new-born or even stillbirth.
Prevention of Listeriosis
Cook food thoroughly, especially meat so it is piping hot
Wash raw fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating
Store raw food below cooked or ready- to- eat foods in the fridge
Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment including knives, chopping boards etc. clean
Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible
High risk individuals void avoid food types commonly known to harbour listeria
To download a copy of the Biomaster
Antimicrobial Technology brochure
please click below.
Antimicrobial Technology brochure
please click below.
Biomaster
Brochure
Brochure
