Natarajan Jeyapandiyan

Plants As a Reservoir of Human Pathogens Natarajan Jeyapandiyan

Unhygienic and cost of animal origin foods make the public to search for the next best alternatives. Plant based foods will satisfy the nutrient need of poor. These are the important component of a balanced diet of human beings and their consumption is encouraged in many countries to protect against illness . However, fruits, vegetables specifically green leafy vegetables act as prime vehicle for human pathogens that are animal origin. Bacteria like Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Erwinia spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Listeria monocytogenes infect animals, survive and multiply in plants. Acquisition of these type of enteric pathogens lead to dangerous human diseases. Awareness about these pathogens will help the public to avoid problematic diseased conditions. This book will provide preliminary information for students, research scholars and scientists about the role of plants in the life cycle of human pathogens, nature of infection in plants and their management.