Listeria
Foodborne pathogen genus
Listeria is the formal genus name for rod-shaped bacteria found in soil, water, and some animals.
One species, Listeria monocytogenes, causes listeriosis in humans through contaminated food.
The genus was named after Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery: Listeria monocytogenes can survive refrigeration temperatures. (Lowercase listeria is used informally for the bacteria or the illness it causes.)
Within cell membranes
- facultativeCapable but not obligated
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
- motilitySelf-generated movement capacity
- flagellaWhiplike locomotion appendages
genus · cultivation · cytotoxicity · prokaryote · bacilli · rod-shaped · anaerobe
intracellular
Within cell membranes
- facultativeCapable but not obligated
- biofilmAdhesive layer of microorganisms
- motilitySelf-generated movement capacity
flagella · genus · cultivation · cytotoxicity · prokaryote · bacilli · rod-shaped · anaerobe
species
Finest taxonomic rank
- nomenclatureSystem of specialized terms
- bacteriaE. coli, Clostridium, Salmonella, salmonella, Pseudomonas
- Pathogenspathogen, germ, germs, bacteria, bacterium
- Food Microbiologybacterial growth, microbial growth, spoilage, pathogens, pathogen
- meat defectsbruising, discoloration, off odor, spoilage, freezer burn
- Meat Industrybeef, pork, chicken, poultry, bacon
- Animal Pathogensrabies virus, parvovirus, avian influenza, avian flu, kennel cough
Listeriaprobiotics
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
Lactobacillus · Bifidobacterium · beneficial bacteria · gut flora · microbiome
Listeriasterility
Absence of microbes or fertility
food safety · pasteurization · sanitation · purity · wholesomeness
Listeriastarter culture
Microorganisms initiating fermentation
yogurt cultures · sourdough starter · koji · beneficial microbes