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Listeriosis

Listerial infection; Granulomatosis infantisepticum; Fetal listeriosis

 

Listeriosis is an infection that can occur when a person eats food that has been contaminated with bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes ( L. monocytogenes ).

Causes

 

The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is found in wild animals, domesticated animals, and in soil and water. These bacteria make many animals sick, leading to miscarriage and stillbirth in domestic animals.

Vegetables, meats, and other foods can get infected with the bacteria if they come in contact with contaminated soil or manure. Raw milk or products made from raw milk may carry these bacteria.

If you eat the contaminated products, you may get sick. The following people are at increased risk:

  • Adults over age 50
  • Adults with a weakened immune system
  • Developing fetuses
  • Newborns
  • Pregnant women

The bacteria most often cause a gastrointestinal illness. In some cases, you can develop a blood infection ( septicemia ) or inflammation of the covering of the brain ( meningitis ). Infants and children often have meningitis.

Infection in early pregnancy may cause a miscarriage. The bacteria may cross the placenta and infect the developing baby. Infections in late pregnancy may lead to stillbirth or death of the infant within a few hours of birth. About half of infants infected at or near birth will die.

In adults, the disease may take many forms, depending on what organ or organ systems are infected. It may occur as:

  • Heart infection ( endocarditis )
  • Brain or spinal fluid injection (meningitis)
  • Lung infection ( pneumonia )
  • Blood infection (septicemia)

Or it may occur in a milder form as:

  • Abscesses
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Skin lesion

 

Symptoms

 

In infants, symptoms of listeriosis may be seen in the first few days of life and may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Jaundice
  • Respiratory distress (usually pneumonia)
  • Shock
  • Skin rash
  • Vomiting

 

Exams and Tests

 

Laboratory tests may be done to detect the bacteria in amniotic fluid, blood, feces, and urine. A spinal fluid (cerebrospnial fluid or CSF) culture will be performed if a spinal tap is performed.

 

Treatment

 

Antibiotics (including ampicillin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) are prescribed to kill the bacteria.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Listeriosis in a fetus or infant is often fatal. Healthy older children and adults are more likely to survive. The illness is less serious if it only affects the gastrointestinal system. Brain or spinal infections have worse outcomes.

 

Possible Complications

 

Infants who survive listeriosis may have long-term brain and nervous system (neurologic) damage and delayed development.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you or your child develops symptoms of listeriosis.

 

Prevention

 

Foreign food products, such as nonpasteurized soft cheeses, have also led to outbreaks of listeriosis. Always cook food thoroughly.

Wash your hands thoroughly after touching pets, farm animals, and handling animal feces.

Pregnant women may want to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for information on food precautions: www.cdc.gov/listeria/prevention.html .

 

 

Open References

References

Kollman TR, Mailman TL, Bortolussi R. Listeriosis. In: Wilson CB, Nizet V, Maldonado YA, Remington JS, Klein JO, eds. Remington and Klein's Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 13.

Lorber B. Listeria monocytogenes . In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 208.

 
  • Antibodies

    Antibodies - illustration

    Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

    Antibodies

    illustration

    • Antibodies

      Antibodies - illustration

      Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.

      Antibodies

      illustration

     

    Review Date: 9/10/2015

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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