The relationship between Listeria and listeriosis

Human listeriosis is generally believed to be foodborne, although other routes of transmission occur. Foods associated with transmission have generally been highly processed, have extended shelf lives at refrigeration temperatures, capable of supporting the growth of L. monocytogenes and consumed without further cooking. In a small number of instances where data are available, these foods were contaminated with higher levels (>10³/g) of the bacterium. Changes in eating habits in the UK and the ways in which foods are produced has seen a growth in the sale of just such foods. Common features of foodborne human listeriosis are discussed.