Listeria monocytogenes and meningitis

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Listeria monocytogenes and meningitis

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.

References

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Citations
Roos KL, Tyler KL (2005). Meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, and empyema. In DL Kaspar et al., eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th ed., pp. 2471–2490. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Credits

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Last Updated	January 19, 2007

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Last updated:	January 19, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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