Listeria monocytogenes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Listeria monocytogenes - Research Paper Example The bacteria also infect animals, particularly ruminants (Low & Donachie, 1997). The name Listeria monocytogenes evolved from different names since 1926. Its former names were Erysipelothrix monocytogenes, Cornybacterium parvulum, Cornybacterium infantesipticum, Bacterium monocytogenes and Bacterium monocytogenes hominin (Uniprot Taxonomy, 2009). The genus Listeria was classified under the Cornebacteriaceae family until 1973. Molecular studies classified it as distinct and the Family Listeriaceae was created within the order Bacillales (Todar, 2009). Listeria contamination can be transmitted through animal feed, manure, mastitic cows, plant and animal products, and through bacterial biofilms. Prevalence of the pathogen in food processing plants is caused by the entry of raw meat and poultry from animals that are infected with Listeria (Dharmarha, 2008). The pathogen can cross to surfaces of floors, sinks, water, equipment, and workers. L. monocytogenes persists with time and contaminate the environment where processing wastes are disposed. Moreover, Listeria is able to survive even under low temperatures. Infected food sold to consumers can cause major outbreaks. Eating contaminated food allows the entry of L. monocytogenes into the digestive system. After ingestion, the immune system of the host is activated and targets the invading bacteria which are engulfed by phagocytes. Phagocytosis is a major response of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), which is mechanism against L. monocytogenes. CMI can be enough to prevent infection, but in cases where the immune system is compromised or weak, as in young children and the elderly, L. monocytogenes can evade the host defense system and cross the intestinal barrier (Dharmarha, 2008). L. monocytogenes is also able to cross the blood-brain barrier and the placental barrier resulting in infection of the brain (encephalitis and meningitis) and the unborn fetus

In-Depth Audience Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

In-Depth Audience Analysis - Research Paper Example The Chamber has more than 200 companies affiliated with it which are the employers for more than 280,000 people. The Chamber aims to support and mentor its members at a very low cost through its various programs and benefits. The Chamber has contributed to the growth of working women and small business enterprises through their low cost or no cost educational supports systems. The major volume of the members of the Chamber constitutes of small business enterprises and the Chamber aims at tapping in every business decision maker as their potential member. The Chamber pays particular attention to make the most of the investment of the small businesses so that the businesses can utilize the benefits of their membership fully. The Chamber provides different benefits to its member companies including wellness and health solutions, communication solutions and business solutions. The cost saving benefits programs are especially suitable for the small businesses. These programs help to support and develop the businesses in the area and thus improving the economic conditions of the area. The Group Health programs are directed at the employees and their family. The benefits of group term life, Health savings Account, and Discount prescription Drug Cards help to save the money of the employees in the member businesses. This provides facilities for the business as well as the employees. The chamber also supports various business issues through their business solutions like the Fuel Protection Program that helps the businesses to minimize their fuel costs at an affordable fee to the Chamber. The accounts receivables solutions are helpful in improving the cash flows and reduce the collection costs, thereby helping the member businesses to expand (Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 2013). The Chamber offers specific programs for the different types of businesses to help the businesses and their employees