Listeria monocytogenes in Milk Products

peer-reviewedMilk and milk products are frequently identified as vectors for transmission of Listeria monocytogenes. Milk can be contaminated at farm level either by indirect external contamination from the farm environment or less frequently by direct contamination of the milk from infection in the animal. Pasteurisation of milk will kill L. monocytogenes, but post-pasteurisation contamination, consumption of unpasteurised milk and manufacture of unpasteurised milk products can lead to milk being the cause of outbreaks of listeriosis. Therefore, there is a concern that L. monocytogenes in milk could lead to a public health risk. To protect against this risk, there is a need for awareness surrounding the issues, hygienic practices to reduce the risk and adequate sampling and analysis to verify that the risk is controlled. This review will highlight the issues surrounding L. monocytogenes in milk and milk products, including possible control measures. It will therefore create awareness about L. monocytogenes, contributing to protection of public health

Microbial study of household hygiene conditions and associated Listeria monocytogenes infection risks for Peruvian women

Objectives To develop an exposure and risk assessment model to estimate listeriosis infection risks for Peruvian women. Methods A simulation model was developed utilising Listeria monocytogenes concentrations on kitchen and latrine surfaces in Peruvian homes, hand trace data from Peruvian women and behavioural data from literature. Scenarios involving varying proportions of uncontaminated, or 'clean', surfaces and non-porous surfaces were simulated. Infection risks were estimated for 4, 6 and 8 h of behaviours and interactions with surfaces. Results Although infection risks were estimated across scenarios for various time points (e.g. 4, 6, 8 h), overall mean estimated infection risks for all scenarios were >= 0.31. Infection risks increased as the proportions of clean surfaces decreased. Hand-to-general surface contacts accounted for the most cumulative change in L. monocytogenes concentration on hands. Conclusions In addition to gaining insights on how human behaviours affect exposure and infection risk, this model addressed uncertainties regarding the influence of household surface contamination levels. Understanding the influence of surface contamination in preventing pathogen transmission in households could help to develop intervention strategies to reduce L. monocytogenes infection and associated health risks.Clorox Company12 month embargo; published online: 7 May 2019This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]