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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:38
Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
Published on: May 6, 2013
Update on Listeria monocytogenes infection
1Infectious Disease Division, Naval Medical Center, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA, 92134, USA. nfcrum@nmcsd.med.navy.mil
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|August 1, 2002
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen causing severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. While surveillance has reduced cases, ongoing outbreaks highlight the need for continued vigilance and effective treatments for listeriosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Food Safety
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium responsible for serious infections like meningitis, encephalitis, bacteremia, and gastroenteritis.
- Disease predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, with foodborne transmission being a significant route.
- Increasing numbers of at-risk individuals and persistent foodborne outbreaks have elevated L. monocytogenes as a critical global pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies for Listeria monocytogenes infections.
- To highlight the impact of L. monocytogenes on public health, especially concerning food safety and vulnerable populations.
- To discuss the challenges in managing listeriosis despite therapeutic advancements.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent seroepidemiologic studies on L. monocytogenes transmission.
- Analysis of surveillance data and food industry quality control measures.
- Examination of current therapeutic guidelines and treatment outcomes for listeriosis.
Main Results:
- Enhanced surveillance and food industry controls have led to a decrease in listeriosis cases and mortality over the last decade.
- Despite control measures, the organism's environmental ubiquity contributes to ongoing outbreaks and sporadic infections.
- Standard therapies include ampicillin/gentamicin or trimethoprim-sulfamethazole for beta-lactam intolerant patients.
Conclusions:
- Listeria monocytogenes remains a significant public health concern due to its prevalence and association with severe disease, particularly in immunocompromised hosts.
- While control efforts have shown success, continued vigilance is necessary to mitigate foodborne risks.
- High mortality rates persist in patients with T-cell immunodeficiencies, indicating a need for improved treatment strategies for severe listeriosis.
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