Listeria monocytogenes

Question 1

Is listeria a bacterium or virus?

Answer 1

Bacterium

Question 2

Is listeria gram + or - ?

Answer 2

Gram +

Question 3

What is the shape of the listeria bacterium?

Answer 3

Rod

Question 4

Is listeria an uncommon or common foodborne illness?

Answer 4

Uncommon

Question 5

What Sx are associated with listeria?

Answer 5

Fever, myalgia, headache, N&V, septicemia, meningitis, endocarditis

Question 6

What demographics are most at risk for listeria? What could happen?

Answer 6

1) Pregnant women and newborns: Pregnant women at risk of spontaneous abortion. Also, a risk of perinatal acquisition w/ 20-30% mortality in first few weeks of life for infected newborns. 2) Immunocompromised and those 50+

Question 7

How does listeria stand out from other foodborne diseases?

Answer 7

Higher mortality rate than other foodborne diseases

Question 8

Foods associated with listeria?

Answer 8

Non-pasteurized milk & milk products (soft cheeses, ice cream), hot dogs, deli meats, caramel apples

Question 9

Reservoir for listeria?

Answer 9

Food, water, mud, livestock food, silage

Question 10

Is the incubation period long or short for listeria compared to other diseases? What is the typical range?

Answer 10

Longer than most= 3-70 days with a median of 21 days

Question 11

Is listeria self-limited? T/F?

Answer 11

True. Self limited illness.

Question 12

Antibiotic Treatment for Listeria: When (time to administer)? How (administration route)? What (name of antibiotics)?

Answer 12

When= If severe. How = IV administration. What = Ampicillin in combo with aminoglycoside, such as gentamicin for synergy