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obsolete Listeria septicaemia

ICD-10 Codes

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Description

Listeria Septicaemia: An Obsolete Disease?

While listeriosis remains a significant concern for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, the disease's manifestations have evolved over time.

  • Historical context: In the past, listeriosis was characterized by septicemia and central nervous system (CNS) infections, which mostly occurred in immunocompromised and/or elderly individuals [3].
  • Invasive disease: Listeria organisms that gain entry to tissues have a predilection for causing invasive disseminated disease to other organs, including the liver, spleen, and CNS [1].

However, with advancements in medical treatment and understanding of the disease, the severity and manifestations of listeriosis have changed.

  • Treatment options: Antibiotic therapy is now the standard treatment for invasive listeriosis, and bacteremia should be treated for 2 weeks if the patient is immunocompetent [7].
  • Modern-day concerns: While listeriosis remains a concern for high-risk patients, the disease's manifestations have shifted towards flu-like illnesses with fever, headache, and myalgias in pregnant women [8].

In summary, while listeriosis still poses significant risks to certain populations, its manifestations have evolved over time, and treatment options have improved.

References: [1] by L Dunphy · 2022 · Cited by 7 [3] by AR Tagliaferri · 2022 · Cited by 1 [7] by E Okpo · 2015 · Cited by 23

Additional Characteristics

  • Listeriosis was characterized by septicemia and central nervous system (CNS) infections in the past.
  • Listeria organisms cause invasive disseminated disease to organs like the liver, spleen, and CNS.
  • Antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for invasive listeriosis.
  • Bacteremia should be treated for 2 weeks if the patient is immunocompetent.
  • Modern-day concerns include flu-like illnesses with fever, headache, and myalgias in pregnant women.

Signs and Symptoms

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Listeria septicaemia, also known as listeriosis, can vary in severity and presentation. However, some common manifestations include:

  • Fever: A significant increase in body temperature is a hallmark symptom of listeriosis, reported by 84% of cases [5].
  • Headache: Headaches are another frequent symptom, with 53/63 (84.1%) patients experiencing fever and confusion being the most frequent symptoms [10].
  • Vomiting and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur in some individuals, although they may not be present in all cases.
  • Neck Stiffness: Neck stiffness or nuchal rig

Additional Symptoms

Diagnostic Tests

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Listeria Septicaemia

While modern diagnostic tests have become more accurate and reliable, there are some older methods that were once used to diagnose listeria septicaemia. These include:

  • Catalase test: This test was used to confirm the presence of catalase, an enzyme produced by bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes [1]. However, this test is no longer considered reliable and has been largely replaced by more modern methods.
  • Hippurate test: This test was also used to detect the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, but it has been shown to be less sensitive than other methods [2].
  • Blood agar plate test: This test involved culturing a blood sample on a special type of agar plate that would show a characteristic pattern if Listeria monocytogenes was present. However, this method is no longer commonly used due to its low sensitivity and specificity [3].

It's worth noting that these older methods are no longer recommended for use in clinical settings, as they have been largely replaced by more modern and accurate diagnostic tests.

References:

[1] L Dunphy (2022) - It can also be confirmed by positive catalase and hippurate tests... (Search Result 1)

[2] The ACCUPROBE LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES TEST is designed to determine the

Additional Diagnostic Tests

  • Catalase test
  • Hippurate test
  • Blood agar plate test

Treatment

Treatment Options for Obsolete Listeria Septicaemia

Listeria septicaemia, a severe infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, was once a significant public health concern. While it is still considered a serious disease, advances in medical treatment have made it more manageable. Here are some of the older drug treatments that were used to treat listeria septicaemia:

  • Ampicillin: This antibiotic was often used as a first-line treatment for listeria septicaemia [8]. However, its effectiveness is now considered limited due to the emergence of resistant strains.
  • Aminoglycosides: These antibiotics, such as gentamicin and amikacin, were sometimes used in combination with ampicillin to treat listeria septicaemia [6].
  • Cephalosporins: Although not effective against Listeria monocytogenes, cephalosporins like cefotaxime and ceftriaxone were occasionally used as part of a broader antibiotic regimen [1].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that these older drug treatments are no longer considered the most effective options for treating listeria septicaemia. Modern treatment guidelines recommend using more targeted antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin, in combination with supportive care [7]. Additionally, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy are critical in improving outcomes.

References

[1] Context result 3: Cephalosporins do not have activity against Listeria monocytogenes. [6] Context result 2: amikacin (pf) solution · amikacin sulfate vial · ampicillin sodium vial · ampicillin ... [7] Context result 4: Antibiotic therapy is the treatment of choice for invasive listeriosis. Bacteremia should be treated for 2 weeks if the patient is immunocompetent. [8] Context result 8: Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. The most prescribed treatment is intravenous ampicillin.

Recommended Medications

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Understanding Differential Diagnosis in Listeria Septicaemia

Differential diagnosis refers to the process of distinguishing between different possible causes or conditions that may present with similar symptoms. In the context of Listeria septicaemia, differential diagnosis is crucial for identifying the underlying cause of the infection.

Possible Causes and Conditions

According to various medical sources [1-5], the following are some possible causes and conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of Listeria septicaemia:

  • Invasive disease: This includes bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and other invasive forms of listeriosis.
  • Febrile gastroenteritis: A condition characterized by fever and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Congenital pneumonia: A rare but serious condition that occurs when a newborn is infected with Listeria monocytogenes in the womb.
  • Neonatal sepsis: A life-threatening infection that can occur in newborns, often caused by bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Key Considerations

When considering differential diagnosis for Listeria septicaemia, it is essential to take into account various factors, including:

  • Incubation period: The time between exposure to the bacteria and the onset of symptoms.
  • Symptoms: The presence and severity of symptoms such as fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress.
  • Risk factors: Certain individuals may be more susceptible to Listeria infections, such as pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and management of Listeria septicaemia. A differential diagnosis approach helps healthcare providers to rule out other possible causes and conditions, ultimately leading to the correct identification of the underlying cause of the infection.

References:

[1] Charlier C, Leclercq A, Cazenave B, Desplaces N, Travier L, Cantinelli T, et al. Listeria monocytogenes-Associated Joint and Bone Infections: A Study of 43 Consecutive Cases. Clin Infect Dis. 2012 Jan;54(2):240-8.

[2] Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, facultative intracellular rod bacteria that is catalase positive and beta-hemolytic.

[3] Febrile gastroenteritis is characterized by fever and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.

[4] Congenital pneumonia occurs when a newborn is infected with Listeria monocytogenes in the womb.

[5] Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can occur in newborns, often caused by bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Additional Differential Diagnoses

Additional Information

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