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Listeriosis

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Listeriosis is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Listeria Infection

Disorder Subdivisions

Listeriosis of Pregnancy
Granulomatosis Infantiseptica
Neonatal Listeriosis

General Discussion

Listeriosis is a rare infectious disorder caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is usually transmitted to humans through contaminated food products, often improperly pasteurized milk or cheese. Some cases have been transmitted through contact with other infected persons or animals. Cases range in severity from a transient carrier state with no apparent symptoms, to acute suddenly occurring (fulminant) spread of bacteria throughout the blood stream (bacteremia). Many factors may contribute to development of symptoms. Listeriosis most often affects newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Prompt recognition and treatment of the disease is necessary to avoid several serious complications.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Tel: (404)639-3534
Tel: (800)311-3435
Email: http://www.cdc.gov/netinfo.htm
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/

NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
6610 Rockledge Drive
MSC 6612
Bethesda, MD 20892-6612
Tel: (301)496-5717
Fax: (301)402-3573
TDD: (800)877-8339
Internet: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/

World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO)
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
525 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: (202)974-3000
Fax: (202)974-3663
Email: postmaster@paho.org
Internet: http://www.who.ch/

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Inquiry & Consumer Information
Office of Inquiry and Consumer Information
5600 Fisher Lane
Room 12-A-40
Rockville, MD 20857
Tel: (301)827-4420
Tel: (888)463-6332
Internet: http://www.fda.gov/fdahomepage.html

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 1/11/2005
Copyright 1989, 1992, 1997, 2004 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: January 11, 2005

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.