Listeriosis, Nonperinatal
Listeriosis is a disease transmitted primarily through consumption of food contaminated with
Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacterium. L. monocytogenes is found in soil and water,
and can contaminate raw foods (e.g., uncooked meats and vegetables), as well as processed foods
that become contaminated after processing (e.g., soft cheeses and cold cuts). Unpasteurized (raw)
milk and foods made from unpasteurized milk may also contain the bacterium. Common symptoms of
listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and neck stiffness. A case
of nonperinatal listeriosis is one that occurs in persons other than pregnant women and/or their
fetuses, neonates, or infants up to 42 days after birth. Historically, nonperinatal listeriosis
presents as meningoencephalitis and/or septicemia, primarily affecting elderly and immunocompromised
persons, such as those with cancer or HIV, and those on immunosuppressive therapy.
Additional Resources
Publications & Archives
