ID:IOTS - Infectious Disease Insight Of Two Specialists 16. Laying into Listeria, Lactobacillus and 'lothrix
Feb 21, 2022
Dive into the fascinating world of Gram-positive bacilli! Discover the health risks and prevention strategies for Listeria, particularly its impact on vulnerable groups. Learn about the unique characteristics of Listeria, including its beta-hemolytic nature and identification techniques. Delve into treatment protocols, especially for high-risk patients dealing with meningitis. Plus, explore the roles of Lactobacillus in health and infections, and understand Erysipelothrix's risks from animal exposure!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Listeria’s Cold-Adapted Foodborne Risk
- Listeria monocytogenes is widespread and primarily foodborne, thriving at refrigeration temperatures which aids contamination of sandwiches, soft cheeses and prepared foods.
- High-risk groups are neonates, elderly, immunocompromised and pregnant women where infection can cross the placenta and cause severe fetal loss.
Pregnancy: Avoid High‑Risk Foods
- Pregnant women should avoid soft cheeses, unpasteurized dairy and ready‑to‑eat refrigerated foods to reduce Listeria risk and fetal loss.
- Remember that GI carriage exists in 5–10% of people, so outbreaks come from contaminated food rather than only symptomatic carriers.
Clinical Experience: Listeria Presents As Meningitis
- Jame notes seeing Listeria most commonly as meningitis in older and alcoholic patients from his clinical experience.
- He highlights that generalized Listeria sepsis carries roughly a 25% mortality in the patients we diagnose.