How many CFU can result in Listeria infection?

In the context of Listeria infection, the correct choice is significant as it reflects the low infectious dose required for this pathogen to cause illness. Listeria monocytogenes is known for having a particularly low infectious dose, meaning that even a small number of colony-forming units (CFU) can lead to an infection.

The correct answer indicates that an infection can occur with as few as 100 to 1000 CFU, which aligns with research findings that highlight the risk of illness from relatively small contaminant levels in food products. This is particularly critical for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, who are at a higher risk for severe outcomes.

Understanding the low infectious dose of Listeria is essential in HACCP training, as it emphasizes the importance of implementing stringent control measures to prevent contamination in food handling and processing environments. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective strategies to monitor and control Listeria in food production.