What is Listeriosis primarily caused by?

Listeriosis is primarily caused by contaminated food, specifically foods that are not properly cooked, pasteurized, or stored. The responsible pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, is often found in ready-to-eat deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw vegetables. This bacterium thrives in cold environments, which can enhance the risk of infection because it can grow even in refrigerated conditions.

Understanding the transmission pathway is vital for prevention efforts, particularly for at-risk populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, knowledge of the primary source of Listeriosis emphasizes the importance of food safety practices, such as thorough cooking, proper storage, and avoiding high-risk foods. These practices are essential to prevent outbreaks of this serious infection.