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Listeria monocytogenes septicemia associated with consumption of salted mushrooms
1Department of Bacteriology and Serology, National Veterinary Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes septicemia in an 80-year-old man is described. On the day before clinical symptoms appeared the patient had eaten homemade salted mushrooms, rufous milkcap (Lactarius rufus Fr.). L. monocytogenes serotype 4b was isolated in blood cultures. The mushrooms which had been stored in cold for 5 months before consumption contained the same listeria serotype at a level of 10(6) CFU/g. Salt content (NaCl) of the mushrooms was 7.5%. Fever and diarrhea disappeared with penicillin therapy and the patient was discharged after 4 weeks in the hospital.
Insights
A case of Listeria monocytogenes septicemia in an elderly man was linked to consuming homemade salted rufous milkcap mushrooms. The pathogen was found in both the patient and the stored mushrooms, highlighting a potential foodborne illness risk.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne pathogens
- Microbiology
- Clinical case study
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen causing severe illness, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Septicemia, a life-threatening bloodstream infection, can result from Listeria monocytogenes.
- Rufous milkcap (Lactarius rufus Fr.) mushrooms are a potential vehicle for microbial contamination.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male patient presented with symptoms of septicemia.
- The patient reported consuming homemade salted rufous milkcap mushrooms shortly before symptom onset.
- Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b was identified in the patient's blood cultures.
Findings:
- The same Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b was isolated from the salted mushrooms.
- High levels of Listeria monocytogenes (10(6) CFU/g) were detected in mushrooms stored for five months.
- The mushrooms had a salt content of 7.5% (NaCl).
Implications:
- Homemade salted mushrooms can harbor viable Listeria monocytogenes, posing a food safety risk.
- This case underscores the importance of proper food preservation techniques for low-acid, high-moisture foods.
- Prompt antibiotic treatment with penicillin was effective in resolving Listeria monocytogenes septicemia.