Meningitis and Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria are
commonly found in soil; dust; water; sewage; unpasteurized cheeses such as
brie, mozzarella, and blue cheese; and uncooked vegetables. These bacteria can
enter the body through contaminated food or water. Foods contaminated with
Listeria monocytogenes can cause
outbreaks of
meningitis.
Meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria occurs most often in newborns, older adults, and
people with long-term illnesses or
impaired immune systems. About 10% of cases of
bacterial meningitis each year in the United States are caused by
Listeria monocytogenes.
1
It can
be a serious illness, causing death in some cases.
Citations
-
Roos KL, Tyler KL (2012). Meningitis, encephalitis,
brain abscess, and empyema. In DL Longo et al., eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th ed., vol. 2,
pp. 3410–3434. New York: McGraw-Hill.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
|
Last Revised
| December 6, 2012 |
Last Revised:
December 6, 2012
Roos KL, Tyler KL (2012). Meningitis, encephalitis,
brain abscess, and empyema. In DL Longo et al., eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18th ed., vol. 2,
pp. 3410–3434. New York: McGraw-Hill.
