Cheese platter a danger zone for the vulnerable

A REVIEW of almost 2000 cases of listeriosis occurring in France from 2001 to 2008 has shown how the risk is concentrated in key vulnerable patient groups.

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia had more than a 1000-fold increased risk of the infection, compared to the general population aged under 65 who had no underlying conditions.

Organ transplant recipients, cancer patients, those on dialysis and pregnant women had a 100- to 1000-fold increased risk, researchers said.

“Stringent dietary guidance, to avoid specific foods with a high risk for listeria contamination, should be targeted to pregnant women and to others at highest risk of listeriosis,” the authors said. 

Raw cheese, processed deli meats and smoked seafood are among the ‘danger’ foods.

Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54: 652-60