Listeria monocytogenes is most commonly transmitted via which route?

Listeria monocytogenes is primarily transmitted through foodborne sources. This bacterium is often found in contaminated food products, particularly unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and ready-to-eat foods. The pathogen can survive and grow in refrigerated temperatures, making food handling and preparation crucial in preventing infection.

In pregnant individuals, listeriosis can pose significant risks, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns, emphasizing the importance of avoiding high-risk food items. While listeria can be transmitted in other ways, such as vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth or through contaminated environments, the predominant route for most cases, particularly in the general population, is through ingestion of contaminated food.