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Listeria monocytogenes: a foodborne pathogen
1Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Department of National Health and Welfare, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ont.
Abstract:
Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, appears to be increasing in incidence worldwide. The disease is of great concern to the food industry. A recent outbreak in California was linked to the consumption of Mexican-style soft cheese and involved more than 300 cases, 30% of which were fatal. L. monocytogenes can be found in a variety of dairy products, leafy vegetables, fish and meat products. It can grow in refrigerated foods and is more heat resistant than most vegetative microbes. The epidemiologic features of listeriosis are poorly understood, and the minimum infectious dose is unknown. Those predisposed to listeriosis include immunocompromised people and pregnant women and their fetuses. Meningitis, spontaneous abortion and septicemia are the primary manifestations of the disease. Early recognition is critical for successful treatment, and ampicillin is the preferred drug. Listeriosis should be considered in any febrile patient with neurologic symptoms of unknown origin, as well as in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages, premature labour or fetal death. A food source should be the prime suspect if any isolated case or outbreak occurs.
Insights
Listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is rising globally. Early recognition and ampicillin treatment are crucial for high-risk individuals, especially when a food source is suspected.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne Illness
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is a growing global health concern.
- Outbreaks, like the one in California linked to soft cheese, highlight the disease's severity, with high fatality rates.
- Listeria monocytogenes contamination is found in diverse food products, including dairy, produce, fish, and meat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the increasing incidence and characteristics of listeriosis.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
- To highlight the risks associated with Listeria monocytogenes in the food industry.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data and clinical manifestations of listeriosis.
- Analysis of risk factors and vulnerable populations.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Listeriosis incidence is increasing worldwide, posing a significant threat to the food industry.
- The pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, exhibits heat resistance and can proliferate in refrigerated foods.
- High-risk groups include immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and their fetuses, with severe outcomes like meningitis, septicemia, and fetal death.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition of listeriosis is critical for effective treatment, with ampicillin being the preferred antibiotic.
- Listeriosis should be suspected in febrile patients with neurological symptoms and in women experiencing pregnancy complications.
- Foodborne sources must be considered prime suspects in all listeriosis cases and outbreaks.