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[Human listeriosis infections in West Germany, 1969-1985]
G Schmidt-Wolf1, H P Seeliger, A Schretten-Brunner
1Institut für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie der Universität Würzburg.
Abstract:
296 strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been submitted for confirmation and further studies to the Listeria Reference Laboratory at the Institute of Hygiene in Würzburg, Federal Republic of Germany. They have been isolated between 1969 and 1985 from human cases in the Federal Republic and West Berlin. The results of an analysis of the respective cases are presented here on the basis of questionnaires. A steady increase of Listeria isolations has been noted during the past few years. The largest number of strains originated from the district Nordrhein-Westfalen which has the largest population of all German federal districts. The highest incidence calculated from the number of strains and total population was found for the district of Saarland. There was no predominance detectable of listeriosis among the rural population. 60% of the strains came from patients living in urban areas. In 6 out of 21 cases of neonatal listeriosis at least one of the parents was engaged in professional medical services. The most frequently observed clinical entities were meningitis (41.14%) and septicaemia (36.00%). Among the newborns septicaemia was predominant with 40.90%. Listeriosis during pregnancy and among newborns was connected with 53.57% of all strains isolated. The questionnaire revealed for the underlying conditions in 35% and in 24% of cases malignancies and organ transplantations, respectively. There was no increased rate of predominance found among the elderly. However, 50% of all strains isolated originated from newborns. The sex distribution was almost equal; 52.56% from males of the total number of isolates and 51.22% from males among the newborns. 67% of these which had a meningitis after the first weeks of life were male. There was no seasonal incidence detectable. Serovar 4b was found in 66.22% of all isolates tested. 295 strains produced acid from rhamnose and alpha-methyl-d-mannose, but not from d-xylose and were thus typical for L. monocytogenes. One strain needs further studies.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes infections increased from 1969-1985, with most cases in urban areas and newborns. Serovar 4b was the most common type, often causing meningitis and sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Analysis of 296 Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from human cases in West Germany between 1969 and 1985.
- Data collected via questionnaires on patient demographics, clinical presentation, and risk factors.
Purpose:
- To analyze trends, geographical distribution, and clinical characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes infections in West Germany.
- To identify common serovars and risk factors associated with listeriosis.
Summary:
- A notable increase in Listeria monocytogenes isolations was observed, particularly in urban populations.
- Neonatal listeriosis was significant, often linked to parental occupations in healthcare. Meningitis and septicaemia were the predominant clinical manifestations.
- Serovar 4b accounted for the majority of isolates, with typical biochemical profiles confirming Listeria monocytogenes.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the epidemiology of listeriosis in a specific region and time period.
- Highlights the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in neonatal infections and in immunocompromised individuals.
- Informs public health surveillance and clinical management strategies for listeriosis.