Listeriosis in humans and animals: A comprehensive review of Listeria monocytogenes infection

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular Gram-positive bacterium with strong environmental adaptability that causes listeriosis, a foodborne zoonotic illness. The disease has a high clinical severity and significant mortality despite its relatively low occurrence, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. This review presents a comprehensive overview of listeriosis in humans and animals, covering aspects of etiology, epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and control strategies. Consumption of contaminated food, such as processed meat, unpasteurized milk, and ready-to-eat items, is the main way that the disease is spread. The durability and worldwide spread of L. monocytogenes are attributed to its capacity to endure refrigerated temperatures, develop biofilms, and endure industrial food conditions. Clinically, human infections can include maternal and neonatal problems, invasive forms including sepsis and meningitis, and mild gastroenteritis. Listeriosis frequently manifests as encephalitis, septicemia, or reproductive problems in animals, particularly ruminants. Primary therapy uses antibiotics that are effective against intracellular bacteria, while microbiological culture and molecular methods are used to establish the diagnosis. An integrated strategy that includes food safety, environmental sanitation, and reliable surveillance systems is necessary for disease control. A crucial foundation for comprehending how humans, animals, and the environment interact in the dynamics of L. monocytogenes infection is provided by the One Health concept. This study demonstrates that listeriosis is still a global health concern that calls for coordinated preventative and control measures.