The Infectious Disease of the Immunocompromised Host and the Elderly: Listeriosis

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of illness in the general population. However, this bacterium is an important cause of severe infections in neonates, pregnant women, the elderly, transplant recipients, and other patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. Various clinical features due to L. monocytogenes have been described such as sepsis, central nervous system infections, endocarditis, gastroenteritis and localized infections. A review of the clinical aspects of listeriosis with emphasis on the elderly with underlying diseases and immunosuppressive therapy, is given in this paper.