Listeriosis.

Four patients with Listeria monocytogenes infection are presented; three of whom had associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Two of the four patients had Listeria meningitis. Meningitis is the most common manifestation of listeriosis in humans. Specific diagnosis depends on demonstrating Listeria monocytogenes in the cerebral spinal fluid; differentiation from other forms of acute meningitis cannot be made clinically. Although listeriosis is recognized as a major global problem in both human and animal health, the epidemiology of human infection is poorly understood. Animals and animal products may serve as reservoirs for human infection. Antibiotic therapy resulted in recovery in three of the patients. The history, epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and therapy of listeriosis are reviewed.