1. Plural of listeria; rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Listeria that can cause foodborne illness in humans and animals.
Usage: medical/scientific term; typically used in plural form when referring to multiple bacterial cells or strains

Examples

• Listerias can contaminate soft cheeses and deli meats if proper food safety measures are not followed.
• The outbreak was traced to listerias found in the refrigerated produce section.
• Pregnant women are advised to avoid foods that may harbor listerias.
• Laboratory tests identified listerias in the patient's bloodstream.
• Listerias are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals.