Nejm 1996;334:770

Cause:Listeria spp

Pathophys:Intracellular pathogenesis, usually picked up by gut macrophages and spread from there

Present in most soils, animal gi tracts, and raw milk from infected cows, though it can occur even if pasteurized (Nejm 1997;336:100), or cheese (Mexican cheese epidemic in Calif—Nejm 1988;319:823)

Increased in pregnant women, elderly, neonates, and immunocompromised (Ann IM 1992;117:466)

Sx:Of sepsis, meningitis (Pediatric Meningitis)

Si:Sepsis, meningitis esp in children < age 6 mo (Pediatric Meningitis)

Lab: CSF: Gram-positive rods, tumbling motility; often 80% polys

Meningitis, sepsis, spontaneous abortion

Rx:Ampicillin 1st choice; Tm/S a 2nd choice or used w ampicillin