Which illness is specifically caused by consuming food contaminated with listeria bacteria?

The illness specifically caused by consuming food contaminated with listeria bacteria is listeriosis. This infection is associated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can be found in various food products, especially ready-to-eat deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. Listeriosis can result in severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Understanding listeriosis is crucial for food safety management as it highlights the importance of proper food handling and storage practices to prevent contamination and protect public health.

Salmonellosis is related to salmonella bacteria, Escherichia coli infections stem from E. coli bacteria, and botulism originates from toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, none of which are linked to listeria contamination. Recognizing listeriosis as the specific illness associated with listeria emphasizes the need for targeted prevention strategies to manage food safety effectively.