4 replies to this topic

[kbjorn]

I just have a general question about Listeria infection. Is it possible to become infected without ingestion of a contaminated food? I recently did some swabbing in my plants and had some positive results and am wondering if an infection could occur from doing these tests. Also can anyone recommend a good sanitizer for our cleaning of the affected areas?

[Setanta]

I imagine that if you touched the contaminated swab and then touched your face, you could introduce Listeria to your system. Is that what you are asking?

As for cleaning the area, what kind of area is it? Food surface, floor, etc?


S.

[RMAV]

I just have a general question about Listeria infection. Is it possible to become infected without ingestion of a contaminated food? I recently did some swabbing in my plants and had some positive results and am wondering if an infection could occur from doing these tests. Also can anyone recommend a good sanitizer for our cleaning of the affected areas?

You'll want to use aseptic method when swabbing anyway - that takes out a lot of risk of ingestion. Just because you have a positive does not necessarily mean it is l.monocytogenes, and if it is, it does not mean that it was present in numbers to be an "effective" dose. Also you should sanitize the swabbed area after swabbing. A good sanitizer is one that is appropriate and likely in use in your facility. Check with the sanitation folks to see what they use for sanitizer - and as always, read, understand and follow label directions! Make use of your autoclave as well, destroy those varmits after testing is complete.

[Tony-C]

I just have a general question about Listeria infection. Is it possible to become infected without ingestion of a contaminated food? I recently did some swabbing in my plants and had some positive results and am wondering if an infection could occur from doing these tests. Also can anyone recommend a good sanitizer for our cleaning of the affected areas?

Epidemiology of Listeria monocytogenes
'Reservoirs of Listeria monocytogenes are present in the environment, human and animal populations. Transmission of the disease causing bacteria can occur through:
c) Direct inoculation- Direct contact with infectious material. This is more common in people with lesions in their hands and arms and when they come in contact with the environment that is infected with Listeria monocytogenes.'

Although RMAV has said if you are using aseptic technique there should be no risk, plus if you have lesions you shouldn't be working!

The infective dose of L. monocytogenes is unknown but is believed to vary with the strain and susceptibility of the victim. From cases contracted through raw or supposedly pasteurized milk, it is safe to assume that in susceptible persons, fewer than 1,000 total organisms may cause disease - Bag Bug Book

Quats are usually good for sanitizing and effective against Listeria. Others include Alcohol, Hypochlorite & Peroxyacetic Acid but like any cleaning it is important to remove dirt & biofilms to ensure they are effective. Some examples here.

Regards,

Tony

[Dr.Des]

It is technically possible to become infected when taking swabs, but with good technique it is very unlikely.
All the things you should do anyway when in a food environment will help protect you - gloves, protective clothing, cuts/grazes covered up, etc.
If using wet swabs, dont have them so wet that there is splashing when you wipe the surface.

When you say 'doing these tests' does that mean you are testing in the lab as well? That's when your risk of infection might increase, so good lab procedures again need to be adhered to.

I just have a general question about Listeria infection. Is it possible to become infected without ingestion of a contaminated food? I recently did some swabbing in my plants and had some positive results and am wondering if an infection could occur from doing these tests. Also can anyone recommend a good sanitizer for our cleaning of the affected areas?