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The genus Listeria includes 6 different species. The only one that is consistently associated with human illness is L. monocytogenes, which is a streptobacillus shaped bacteria. L. monocytogenes are widespread in nature and have been isolated from soil, vegetation, marine sediments and water. This is a Gram-positive bacterium, motile by means of flagella. Listeria, unlike most bacteria which grow poorly when temperatures fall below 40 F, survive at temperatures from below freezing (20 F) to body temperatures, and it grows best at 0 F to 50 F. Those at highest risk include cancer patients, individuals taking drugs that affect the body’s immune system, alcoholics, pregnant women, people with low stomach acidity and individuals with AIDS. Severe Listeriosis can cause meningitis, abortions, and a number of other maladies, some of which may lead to death.
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