In terms of motility, how does Listeria monocytogenes behave?

Listeria monocytogenes is a motile bacterium at room temperature due to its unique flagellar structure. Specifically, it possesses a peritrichous arrangement of flagella, which allows it to swim in liquid environments. The optimal temperature for its motility is typically around 30°C to 37°C, which corresponds with conditions found in both the laboratory and human body.

This motility is crucial for its pathogenicity, as it enables the bacterium to move within host tissues and evade the immune response. While Listeria can exhibit some motility at higher temperatures, it is most often studied and known for its motility at room temperature, which highlights this characteristic. Understanding the temperature-dependent nature of Listeria's motility can help in both clinical diagnostics and treatment strategies.