Listeria – Detection of the Bacterium
Listeria is a small, motile, Gram-positive bacterium found in the environment, plants, and the intestinal flora of many mammals and humans (in about 5% of healthy minors). It can also be isolated from various foods such as milk, vegetables, poultry, fish, and meat.
Although an uncommon cause of infection in the general population, it can lead to severe infections (bacteremia, meningitis/encephalitis) in certain risk groups – newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients.
During pregnancy, particularly between the 26th and 30th week (when cellular immunity is at its lowest), infection may cause bacteremia (usually self-limiting) and subsequently affect the placenta. In 20% of these cases, this can result in preterm birth or fetal death.
Turnaround Time: 1 week
