History of Listeria in Timeline

Listeria is a genus of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacteria that function as intracellular parasites in mammals. As of 2024, there are 28 identified species within the genus, which is named after Joseph Lister, a pioneer of sterile surgery. Listeria bacteria do not produce endospores.

1929: First documented human case of listeriosis

In 1929, the first documented human case of listeriosis was described by the Danish physician Aage Nyfeldt.

1957: Listeria classified in the family Corynebacteriaceae

In 1957, the genus Listeria was classified in the family Corynebacteriaceae through the seventh edition of Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology.

2004: Listeria placed in the family Listeriaceae

In 2004, the genus Listeria was placed in the newly created family Listeriaceae.

2008: Listeria outbreak in Canada

In 2008, cold-cut meats were implicated in a Listeria outbreak in Canada.

2011: Listeriosis outbreak from Jensen Farms in Colorado

In 2011, improperly handled cantaloupe was implicated in the outbreak of listeriosis from Jensen Farms in Colorado.

2018: Listeriosis outbreak in Australia

In early 2018, a listeriosis outbreak occurred across eastern Australia, also linked to improperly handled cantaloupe.

September 2019: Listeria deaths in the Netherlands after consumption of infected deli meats

In September 2019, three deaths and a miscarriage were reported in the Netherlands after consumption of Listeria-infected deli meats produced by Offerman.