Very informative presentation. One of the nurses at the practice brought up that we should consider posting recalls and food advisories on our office bulletin board to help reduce the impact of large foodborne outbreaks, especially in our expectant mothers.

It is always important to emphasize careful handwashing after using the bathroom or after cleaning up after pets, and certainly, handwashing is critical before any food preparation or eating. However, it would be unlikely to have Listeria transmitted from a pet to a human.

Thank you for the excellent presentation, Dr. Gensheimer! Could Listeria be sexually transmitted from an infected partner?

Listeria is unlike other foodborne pathogens in that it thrives in refrigerated temperatures. Note: Remember to keep that refrigerator clean and avoid cross contamination between raw meats and other ready to eat foods.

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I'm pleased that the information was useful. Although regulatory and public health authorities work with industry to minimize food safety threats, there are still things that the consumer can do to protect themselves at home. Washing hands would be most important in my mind, but certainly, being aware of the need to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold would also be important to put into everyday practice.

Fantastic talk! Thank you. Are there any prospects for an immunologic approach to preventing listeria infection during pregnancy?