Definition

Noun: * A serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It primarily affects animals and can be transmitted to humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. In animals like sheep and cattle, the infection often targets the central nervous system.

Usage

• Noun: The word is used as a non-count noun to refer to the disease in general.
  • The outbreak was traced back to a source of listeriosis.
  • Pregnant women are advised to avoid certain foods to reduce the risk of listeriosis.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is used in medical, veterinary, and public health contexts to discuss diagnosis, outbreaks, and treatment.
  • The patient was hospitalized with a confirmed case of listeriosis.
  • A recall was issued for the cheese due to concerns about listeriosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Listeria (noun): The genus name of the causative bacterium, . Often used informally to refer to the infection itself.
  • The product was tested for listeria.

Synonyms

• Listeria infection (noun phrase): A more descriptive synonym.
  • The symptoms were consistent with a listeria infection.

Noun

1. an infectious disease of animals and humans (especially newborn or immunosuppressed persons) caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes; in sheep and cattle the infection frequently involves the central nervous system and causes various neurological symptoms