Listeriosis and Infectious Disease Emergencies: Three Cases

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes, is the causative agent of life-threatening bacteremia, sepsis, and meningoencephalitis in non-pregnant aduts. Those infectious diseases feared to cause permanent organ and tissue damage and/or death and requiring immediate intervention are known as emergent infections. Although it is an uncommon disease in the community, three adult invasive listeriosis cases diagnosed in two consecutive months, were discussed. For patients suffering from life-threatening bacteremia, sepsis, and central nervous system infections and needing immediate therapy, it is important to add an antimicrobial agent susceptible to L. monocytogenes to prevent complications and improve the outcome of the disease