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Page No. : 57-66

ABSTRACT

Listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most severe foodborne diseases and has been implicated in several foodborne outbreaks. Globally, over the past few years, there is an upsurge in Listeria foodborne outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated food products. The cases of L. monocytogenes are still underreported in India due to a lack of rapid and reliable diagnostic assays. Currently, the genus Listeria comprises of 27 species. The disease is demonstrated in various forms ranging from severe sepsis in immune-compromised individuals, febrile gastroenteritis, still birth, abortions and meningoencephalitis in humans and as mastitis, reproductive disorders, encephalitis in animals. The infection can be diagnosed by isolation of the pathogen, detection by serological and molecular methods. Subtying of the pathogen is necessary for epidemiological purposes. Prevention and control of the pathogens in foods, food processing environments remain the effective method to avoid infection among humans and animals.

Keywords: Foodborne pathogen, foods, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeriosis