Animals infected with bacteria of the genus Listeria as a potential listeriosis source to humans
This review article contains data on microorganisms of the genus Listeria that are capable of causing infectious disease listeriosis in humans and animals. Reports of outbreaks of listeriosis in humans and animals have been documented in different parts of the world at different times. It is known that in 99 % of cases listeriosis causes L. monocytogenes, but L. ivanovii is no less dangerous. The main reservoir of the pathogen are rodents. Over the past 20 years, L. monocytogenes isolates have been detected during the study of food production objects. Both wild and domestic farm animals, as well as some arthropods and insects, can be carriers of the pathogen. Recently, a rare cutaneous form of listeriosis has been diagnosed in veterinarians, agricultural workers, laboratory employees and people of other animal-related professions. This fact suggests that livestock farms need to be more thoroughly investigated for bacteria of the genus Listeria, to create safe working conditions for workers and to prevent infection with listeriosis in the workplace