This bacteria is a Gram-positive, rod shaped, facultative anaerobe that is motile due to the presence of flagella. These bacteria are common cause of the foodbourne illness listeriosis, which can be fatal.
Listeriosis can cause meningitis and sepsis and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn infants. Listeria monocytogenes is pervasive and can be found in soil, water, and certain livestock animals. They can resist both heat and freezing and can survive for several years.
