Characteristics of a New Species of the Genus Listerella Obtained from Human Sources

Abstract

A Jjisterella closely related to L. monocytogenes was isolated both clinically and at postmortem in pure culture in three infants, and in association with pneumococcus type III in 1 adult. It is a gram positive non-spore forming bacillus, growing singly, in small clusters and in chains, producing hemolysis on blood agar plates and in blood broth, and fermenting the usual sugars with a delayed fermentation in lactose, glycerol and sorbitol. It is pathogenic for rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and monkeys. The lesion produced in all the animals consists of focal necrosis of tlie liver. This organism localizes in the central nervous system of rabbits and monkeys when inoculated intraven. with small quantities. It produces focal myocardial abscesses in guinea pigs by this route of injection.