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Research Discovers How Listeria Travels Cell to Cell

By PritzkerLaw

Researchers from Canada, the United States and Germany have learned howListeria monocytogenes spreads inside a person's body -- a discovery they hope will inform new approaches to keep the foodborne pathogen in check.

According to Exchangemagazine.com, University of Toronto professor Scott Gray-Owen led a team of scientists from his own university, the University of Central Florida and the University of Wurzburg, Germany. They confirmed that Listeria bacteria moves quickly from cell to cell via finger-like structures that push out of one cell to pierce into adjacent cells.

In a previously unknown finding, they discovered that the Listeria bug secretes a protein called InlC -- unique to Listeria -- that softens the junction between cells, making a breach easier. The findings are published in the current issue of Nature Cell Biology. The hope is that this discovery of a novel protein weakening cell walls will lead to new approaches and treatments to impede or block infections caused by Listeria.

In Canada last year, an outbreak of Listeriosis killed 22 people, all elderly. The disease was spread by contaminated deli meat made in Toronto. The deli meat Listeria outbreak showed how devastating the bacteria can be in people who have weakened immune systems. Young children and pregnant women also are more vulnerable to infection from this bacterium. Pregnant women are more likely to become infected than the general population and the disease can cause stillbirth or miscarriage.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen attorneys has represented Listeria victims around the country. The firm has a national reputation for representing victims of food poisoning against major food companies, meat packers, commodities giants, food distributors, corporate farms, restaurants and insurance companies when contaminated food is the vehicle for disease in a family member. The firm has collected tens of millions for victims of all types of food poisoning. To contact a lawyer by phone, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). For a free case consultation via the Internet, complete one of our online forms.

 PritzkerOlsen has been a steadfast advocate for prevention of foodborne illness and has called on many occasions for stronger food safety laws, including a more effective inspection network. Our law firm also supports education initiatives to create public awareness of foodborne illness threats and repeatedly informs consumers of food safe strategies.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on September 28, 2009 (boomark / email).