Listeria: What You Need to Know
A Closer Look at the Genus Listeria
Listeria is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria that belongs to the Clostridium subbranch, along with Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Listeria species are found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and food.
The Importance of Listeria
Listeria is a major cause of foodborne illness, with the most common species being Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can cause a variety of illnesses, including meningitis, encephalitis, and miscarriage. Listeria infections are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.
Prevention of Listeria Infection
There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent Listeria infection, including:
- Cooking food to a safe internal temperature
- Avoiding raw or unpasteurized milk and dairy products
- Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
- Practicing good hand hygiene
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