P2144747

TABLE 26.2 Usteriosis

Causa tivt organism Usterii monocytogenes is ingasted with lood such as Mexican cheese, hot dogs, or coleslaw,

® The bacteria rapidly penetrate the intestinal cpithellum and establish bacteremia, espeoaily m pregnant women, the elderiy, and the immunodelkient.

(3)    In pregnant women. circulabng L, monocytogtrm trosses the płacenia and ta taiły infects the łetus or bacteria transmitted to the baby at birth uuse meningitis in one to four weeks.The mother usualty does not have a senous lllness.

(4)    In older people and those with underiying diseases L, monocytogenes attacks brata and mentages, cauMs meningitis. bram abscesses.

Symptom*

Incubation period Causa tive agent

Pathogenesis

Epidemiotogy

Prwention and treatment

Fever and mustle adres, with or without gastrointesbnal symptomy headache and stitf neck maik the onset ot meningitis

A lew days to 2 to 3 months; in newbom babies. 1 to 4 weeks Listeria monocytogum. a non-spore-(ormincj Gram-posi(ive rod able to grow at 4°C

Ingested L. monocytogenes penetrate the intestinal epithelium and enter the bloodstream; the resulting bacteremia seeds the meninges. causing meningitis Epidemio bom contaminated soft cheeses, non past eurimt milk, eoieslaw. hot dogs. Pregnant women get bacteremia. fetal infection. miscarriage. Infants eon traci infection at birth, develop meningitis in the fint month ot lite. Elderiy and those with immunodefidency, canctr, and diabetes also at high risk

Care in handling, cootong ot raw meats. thorooglł washing ot vegetabtes; reheating ot coid cuts. hot dogs, and retrigerated lettoeers. Anbbacteriat medications such as pentcillin, gwen promptty, are effectwe treatment