Course

Listeria

Time limit: 45 days

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Full course description

Meet your Instructor



Dr. Haley Oliver is currently an Assistant Professor of Food Science at Purdue University. She received a BS in Molecular Biology and a BS in Microbiology from the University of Wyoming in 2004, a PhD in Food Science from Cornell University in 2009 and a post-doctoral fellowship in Food Science from Cornell University in 2010.

Dr. Oliver's research interests include the persistence, prevalence, and transmission of foodborne pathogens in retail food systems; development of intervention strategies to improve food safety in retail food operations; and the elucidation of stress response and virulence mechanisms of foodborne pathogens using molecular methods, tissue culture, and animal models; application of RNA-Sequencing technology to map transcriptional profiles of foodborne pathogens.

This course is designed as an introductory module for level 2 training in foodborne pathogens.  It will provide an overview of Listeria genus, habitats and reservoirs, growth requirements, current US policy, listeriosis, food associated with listeriosis, and prevention strategies.

Course Goals:

    1. Provide a basic overview of Listeria monocytogenes as a saprophyte and pathogen.
    2. Identify foods associated with listeriosis.
    3. Understand current prevention and mitigation strategies used in manufacturing and retail food systems.

Learning Outcomes:

    • You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of L. monocytogenes.
    • You will be able to restate and discuss habitats, reservoirs, and environments that support the growth of L. monocytogenes. 
    • You will be able to list and explain the why consumption of select foods are more likely to result in listeriosis than others as well as describe gastroenteritis and listeriosis caused by L. monocytogenes. 
    • You will be able to discuss and explain the Listeria monocytogenes contamination preventions and control strategies.
    • You completion of this unit, students will be able to define current regulatory policies applicable to L. monocytogenes.

 
This course is free and is 0.13 CEU.