Listeriosis Synthesis Essay

In August 2011, 15 people became ill and were hospitalized with what was later identified as Listeriosis. Listeriosis is the result of an infection of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria commonly found in soil, water and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes can reside in the GI tract and vagina while the host remains asymptomatic and is not normally a cause of illness in the general population. Persons most at risk for Listeriosis are people with weakened immune systems which includes the elderly, pregnant women, neonates, and immunocompromised individuals. The lymphokine activation of T-cells on macrophages and interleukine 18 have been implicated in the protection against Listeriosis in healthy individuals, therefore persons lacking a robust immune response via these pathways are at greater risk for contracting the disease.
The most common symptom of Listeriosis is diarrhea. It is common for patients to present with mild fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Febrile gasteroenteritis can occur in individuals exposed to L. monocytogenes, but do not develop an invasive infection. These individuals may experience diarrhea for 1-3 days and will recover with supportive care. …show more content…
Listeriosis during pregnancy often occurs during the third trimester when cell mediated immunity is at its lowest. Fever, muscle pain, joint pain, back pain, and headache are classic symptoms of bacteremia. The infection could be mild and self-limited, but L. monocytogenes can also proliferate in the placenta, and cross the placenta resulting in possible abortion, stillbirth, and intrauterine infection. Preterm labor and/or delivery is common. Neonates can also develop late onset meningitis acquired through vaginal transmission of L. mononcytogenes at birth, this has also been reported with cesarean