The Changing Epidemiology of Listeriosis

Although public health measures have decreased the incidence of listeriosis, additional food sources have been identified, and pregnant and immunocompromised persons are still at risk.

Listeria monocytogenes is a leading cause of fatal foodborne infection in the U.S. Recognition of this fact and identification of the most common food sources have led to a zero-tolerance policy for L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods — the prime source — and to other risk-reducing initiatives. In two new studies, researchers have examined the current status of listeriosis in the U.S.

Voetsch and colleagues analyzed the incidence of laboratory-confirmed invasive listeriosis in a nine-state surveillance network (FoodNet) from 1996 through 2003. During this period, incidence in the study population decreased by 24% overall and by 37% for pregnancy-associated disease. Of the 766 invasive cases ascertained, 16% were pregnancy associated…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD