AIDS patients are 200 to 300 times more susceptible to listeriosis than the general public, according to Dr. Peter Hawley of the Whitman-Walker Clinic. Pasteurization of milk and adequate cooking of most foods kill most Listeria bacteria, thus reducing outbreaks of listeriosis. This disease is caused by ingesting large numbers of any of the approximately 2,000 types of Salmonellae . It is one of the most frequently occurring foodborne illnesses in the United States, causing roughly 2-4 million cases annually. They are at least 20 times more likely to develop a blood infection, which can be life-threatening.
Salmonellae are common in the intestinal tracts and feces of animals.
Chickens, turkeys, swine and cattle are the most frequent sources of the bacteria. They also may be found on and within eggs. Poultry and poultry products. Milk and dairy products. Eggs and egg products, such as custards, cream cakes and egg nog.