Osmosis video - Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, which can cause an infection known as listeriosis. Although rare, listeriosis can be deadly in immunosuppressed people, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly.

Listeriosis presents with low-grade fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can complicate into a high-grade fever, liver abscess and jaundice, and altered mental status in case of disseminated listeriosis. Listeriosis is diagnosed using cultures, and imaging studies like a CT scan may help identify liver abscesses. Treatment is with antibiotics, such as ampicillin and gentamicin combined, or just meropenem in those who are allergic to ampicillin.