Listeriosis in patients with long-term hemodialysis and transfusional iron overload

Over a four-year interval, four cases of Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia were observed among a population of 127 patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. None had an underlying malignancy or were recently receiving immunosuppressive medications. A search for a predisposing factor suggested a relationship to transfusional iron overload. Although still a rare infection, the possibility of listeriosis must be kept in mind by physicians caring for patients undergoing hemodialysis, particularly those requiring blood transfusions.