Listeria monocytogenes infection is commonly associated with which exposure?

Listeria monocytogenes infection is commonly associated with which exposure?

• A. Consuming raw vegetables irrigated with contaminated water.
• B. Eating undercooked poultry.
• C. Drinking unpasteurized milk.
• D. Contact with contaminated soil.

Answer: (A)

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can grow in refrigerated conditions, so foods kept cold are common vehicles for infection. The exposure most commonly linked to listeriosis is consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and soft cheeses, because pasteurization kills the organism and these products may bypass that step. This is especially important for groups at higher risk, like pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, who are more likely to develop invasive disease if exposed. Produce can be contaminated as well, for example via irrigation water, but dairy products without pasteurization are the classic, well-established source of infection. Other possibilities like undercooked poultry or direct soil contact are less characteristic for Listeria in typical teaching.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can grow in refrigerated conditions, so foods kept cold are common vehicles for infection. The exposure most commonly linked to listeriosis is consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk and soft cheeses, because pasteurization kills the organism and these products may bypass that step. This is especially important for groups at higher risk, like pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, who are more likely to develop invasive disease if exposed.

Produce can be contaminated as well, for example via irrigation water, but dairy products without pasteurization are the classic, well-established source of infection. Other possibilities like undercooked poultry or direct soil contact are less characteristic for Listeria in typical teaching.