Definition

Noun: * A pathogenic bacterium: Listeria monocytogenes is the specific type species of the genus Listeria. It is a foodborne pathogen capable of causing serious infections in humans and animals, known as listeriosis.

Usage

• is typically discussed in scientific, medical, and public health contexts concerning food safety and infectious disease.
• It is often referred to simply as "" or, more generally, as "listeria" in public health warnings, though "listeria" technically refers to the entire bacterial genus.

Examples

• Scientific/Medical Context:
  • "The study focused on the virulence factors of Listeria monocytogenes."
  • "Pregnant women are advised to avoid certain foods due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection."
• Public Health/Food Safety Context:
  • "A recall was issued for the cheese products after tests detected Listeria monocytogenes."
  • "Proper refrigeration inhibits the growth of Listeria monocytogenes."

Advanced Usage

• "L. monocytogenes": The standard abbreviated form used in scientific literature.
  • "The genome sequence of L. monocytogenes has been fully mapped."

Variants and Related Words

• Listeria (n): The genus name. In common public discourse, "listeria" is often used interchangeably to refer to the pathogenic bacterium .
  • "The outbreak was caused by listeria in deli meats."
• Listeriosis (n): The name of the disease caused by infection with .
  • "Symptoms of listeriosis can include fever and muscle aches."

Synonyms

• Pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease. ( is a specific type of pathogen.)
• Foodborne bacterium: A bacterium transmitted through contaminated food.

Related Phrases

• Listeria infection: Another term for listeriosis, the illness caused by the bacterium.
  • "The elderly are at higher risk for severe listeria infection."

Noun

1. the type species of the genus Listeria; can cause meningitis, encephalitis, septicemia, endocarditis, abortion, abscesses, listeriosis