Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by a gram-positive, motile bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes.[1] Listeriosis is relatively rare and occurs primarily in newborn infants, elderly patients, and patients who are immunocompromised.[2]
In veterinary medicine, however, listeriosis can be a quite common condition in some farm outbreaks. It can also be found in wild animals; see listeriosis in animals.
Listeriosis symptoms include vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, severe headache, constipation, persistent fever, stiff neck, loss of balance and convulsions.[3]
Incidence in 2004–2005 was 2.5–3 cases per million population a year in the USA, where pregnant women accounted for 30% of all cases.[4] Of all nonperinatal infections, 70% occur in immunocompromised patients. Incidence in the USA has been falling since the 1990s, in contrast to Europe where changes in eating habits have led to an increase during the same time. In Sweden, it has stabilized at around 5 cases per annum per million population, with pregnant women typically accounting for 1–2 of some 40 total yearly cases.[5]
Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment. The main route of acquisition of Listeria is through the ingestion of contaminated food products. Listeria has been isolated from raw meat, dairy products, vegetables, and seafood. Soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk and unpasteurised pâté are potential dangers; however, some outbreaks involving post-pasteurized milk have been reported.[1]
There are four distinct clinical syndromes:
Rarely listeriosis may present as cutaneous listeriosis. This infection occurs after direct exposure to L. monocyogenes by intact skin and is largely confined to veterinarians who are handling diseased animals, most often after a listerial abortion.[6]
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