Listeriosis in Hong Kong

Abstract

Background Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon but important cause of bacteremia and meningitis in Hong Kong. Our aim is to study the local epidemiology, clinical features, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and outcome of Listeriosis in Hong Kong. Methods A retrospective study was carried out in two local microbiology laboratories in Hong Kong. All patients with positive Listeria monocytogenes isolates in any clinical specimens over the past 10 years were included. Results A total of 31 patients with 41 Listeria monocytogenes isolates were identified in our series. Fever was the most common presentation (80% of patients). There were 20 cases of bacteremia, 3 cases of meningitis and 3 cases of bacteremic meningitis. In non-perinatal cases, most of the patients had underlying medical conditions. The most common associated co-morbidity was underlying malignancy. The mortality of Listeria monocytogenes infection was 24%. The stillbirth rate in pregnant women was 40%. 27% of patients were documented to have consumed dairy products or other high-risk foods. There were 2 isolates intermediate sensitivity to penicillin while all tested isolates were 100% sensitive to ampicillin, Septrin and vancomycin. Mortality was not associated with appropriate antibiotic use, use of immunosuppressants or advanced age. Conclusions Human Listeriosis is a rare but important infection in Hong Kong. It particularly affects newborns, pregnant women and immunocompromised hosts, and carries a high risk of mortality and stillbirth.