Intracellular Pathogenesis of Listeriosis

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes, an aerobic and facultatively anaerobic gram-positive bacillus, can be readily isolated from soil, dust, fertilizer, sewage, stream water, plants, and even processed foods stored at 4°C. The organism is also present in the intestinal tract of numerous mammals, birds, fish, and crustaceans. Recent epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence that both sporadic and common-source outbreaks of listeriosis are foodborne.^1,2 Despite the pervasiveness of L. monocytogenes in the environment, the annual incidence of listeriosis is only 0.7 case per 100,000. However, the annual rate of infection is 3 times higher among persons over the age of 70 years . . .