Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen. It is the causative agent of
listeriosis, the leading cause of bacterial-linked foodborne mortality
in Europe and elsewhere. Outbreaks of listeriosis have been associated
with the consumption of fresh produce including vegetables and fruits.
In this review we summarize current data providing direct or indirect
evidence that plants can serve as habitat for L. monocytogenes, enabling
this human pathogen to survive and grow. The current knowledge of the
mechanisms involved in the interaction of this bacterium with plants is
addressed, and whether this foodborne pathogen elicits an immune
response in plants is discussed.