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The importance of listeriosis

1.) Discuss how L. monocytogenes causes foodborne disease and why it's a significant pathogen.

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Preliminaries and Significance
The importance of listeriosis cannot be overestimated. It is such an important pathogen as it has been implicated to cause about 2500 human illness in the United States every year (Todar, 2008). The disease is characterized by initial symptoms of fever, muscle aches as well as nausea and diarrhea (Todar, 2008). The problem becomes worst if it spreads to the nervous system where a victim may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. In extreme cases where victims are immunocompromised, newborns, and elderly, deaths may also occur (Todar, 2008). Also, such disease is of considerable importance as most outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of common favorites like hot dogs, deli meats, and paté (processed meat) as well as unpasteurized milk (Todar, 2008).

So, how does really this disease occur? As the name suggests, listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacterium equipped with flagella for motility. The human intestine normally harbors this bacteria as well as other domestic ...

Solution Summary

The importance of listeriosis is emphasized with research to support.