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

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food

Published on: May 6, 2013

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis: an opportunistic infection

J F Simpson

    Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
    |December 1, 1971
    PubMed

    Insights

    Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is an opportunistic infection often seen in immunocompromised patients. Underlying illnesses and certain therapies can impair host defenses, increasing susceptibility.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Immunology
    • Neurology

    Background:

    • Meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a serious infection.
    • The opportunistic nature of L. monocytogenes infections highlights the importance of host resistance.
    • Certain underlying illnesses and medical treatments can compromise the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To discuss the clinical presentation and course of meningitis caused by L. monocytogenes.
    • To emphasize the opportunistic nature of this infection.
    • To present case histories illustrating factors that alter host resistance.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of clinical cases of L. monocytogenes meningitis.
    • Analysis of patient histories focusing on underlying illnesses and drug therapies.
    • Emphasis on the role of host macrophages in combating infection.

    Main Results:

    • L. monocytogenes meningitis occurs in patients with compromised host resistance.
    • Diseases such as Hodgkin's disease and leukemia can alter host resistance.
    • Cytotoxic drug therapy can also impair the host's ability to fight L. monocytogenes.

    Conclusions:

    • Host macrophages play a critical role in controlling L. monocytogenes infections.
    • Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, and cytotoxic drugs significantly alter macrophage function, increasing susceptibility to meningitis.

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