FPJ – Listeria is the common name for the pathogenic or disease-causing bacterium known as Listeria monocytogenes. It is a foodborne bacterium that, when ingested, causes an infection known as listeriosis.[1] Approximately 2,500 illnesses and 500 deaths are attributed to listeriosis in the United States annually.[2]
FPJ – It has long been said that, in 1885, pioneering American veterinary scientist, Daniel E. Salmon, discovered the first strain of Salmonella. Actually, Theobald Smith, research-assistant to Dr. Salmon, discovered the first strain of Salmonella–Salmonella cholerae suis. But, being the one in charge, Dr. Salmon got all the credit. In any case, today the number of known strains of the bacteria totals over two thousand. In recent years, concerns have been raised, as particular strains of the bacteria have become resistant to traditional antibiotics, in both animals and humans.
FPJ – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that noroviruses cause nearly 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis annually, making noroviruses the leading cause of gastroenteritis in adults in the United States. [1] According to a relatively recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine: