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Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
08:38

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Published on: May 6, 2013

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in the Netherlands, 1985-2014: A nationwide surveillance study

Merel M Koopmans1, Merijn W Bijlsma1, Matthijs C Brouwer1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Infection
|April 19, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neonatal Listeria meningitis incidence has significantly decreased in the Netherlands. However, Listeria meningitis mortality remains high, with genotype CC6 now predominant.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a significant cause of sepsis and meningitis.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and genetic landscape of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze national surveillance data on Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in the Netherlands.
  • To describe changes in incidence, genetic epidemiology, and fatality rates over a 25-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of national surveillance data from the Netherlands Reference Laboratory of Bacterial Meningitis (1985-2014).
  • Serotyping and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were used to assess bacterial strains and population structure.

Main Results:

  • A total of 375 cases were identified, with peak incidence in neonates and older adults.
  • Neonatal listerial meningitis incidence decreased 17-fold; overall case fatality rate was 31%.
  • Clonal complex CC6 emerged as the predominant genotype, while CC1, CC2, and CC3 decreased.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of neonatal Listeria meningitis has declined significantly.
  • Genotype CC6 is now the dominant cause of Listeria meningitis in the Netherlands.
  • Mortality associated with Listeria meningitis remains a critical public health concern.
Keywords:
Clonal complexEpidemiologyListeria monocytogenesMeningitis

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