MedGen

A rare bacterial infectious disease caused by the foodborne pathogen <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, characterized by a febrile gastroenteritis, which is usually mild and self-limiting in otherwise healthy persons, but can progress to severe illness in at-risk groups like pregnant women, elderly people, immunocompromised people, and neonates. Complications include sepsis, meningitis, and encephalitis. Listeriosis during pregnancy usually occurs during the third trimester and may lead to preterm labor, miscarriage, stillbirth, or intrauterine infection of the unborn child. [from ORDO]

Inflammation of the meninges caused by listeria monocytogenes infection, usually occurring in individuals under the age of 3 years or over the age of 50 years. It may occur at any age in individuals with immunologic deficiency syndromes. Clinical manifestations include fever, altered mentation, headache, meningeal signs, focal neurologic signs, and seizures. (From Medicine 1998 Sep;77(5):313-36) [from MONDO]