Outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa Associated with Processed Meat.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An outbreak of listeriosis was identified in South Africa in 2017. The source was unknown.

Methods

We conducted epidemiologic, trace-back, and environmental investigations and used whole-genome sequencing to type Listeria monocytogenes isolates. A case was defined as laboratory-confirmed L. monocytogenes infection during the period from June 11, 2017, to April 7, 2018.

Results

A total of 937 cases were identified, of which 465 (50%) were associated with pregnancy; 406 of the pregnancy-associated cases (87%) occurred in neonates. Of the 937 cases, 229 (24%) occurred in patients 15 to 49 years of age (excluding those who were pregnant). Among the patients in whom human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was known, 38% of those with pregnancy-as

SUBMITTER: Thomas J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7301195 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature