Listeriosis

A rare bacterial infectious disease caused by the foodborne pathogen <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, characterized by a febrile gastroenteritis, which is usually mild and self-limiting in otherwise healthy persons, but can progress to severe illness in at-risk groups like pregnant women, elderly people, immunocompromised people, and neonates. Complications include sepsis, meningitis, and encephalitis. Listeriosis during pregnancy usually occurs during the third trimester and may lead to preterm labor, miscarriage, stillbirth, or intrauterine infection of the unborn child.