infectious diseases
Listeriosis
Key Points
L. monocytogenesis very common in the environment but causes infection in only about 1600 people annually in the US, typically via contaminated food products. Attack rates are highest in neonates, adults≥age 60, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients. Various organ systems can be affected; maternal infection during pregnancy may cause fetal death. Giveampicillin, usually plusgentamicin. Advise high-risk patients to prevent disease by not eating foods most likely to be contaminated. 