A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalised adults, Midlands, England, February 2011

N Coetzee; V Laza-Stanca; J M Orendi; S Harvey; N C Elviss; K A Grant

doi:10.2807/ese.16.20.19869-en

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A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalised adults, Midlands, England, February 2011
N Coetzee¹ , V Laza-Stanca² , J M Orendi² , S Harvey³ , N C Elviss⁴ , K A Grant⁵
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Affiliations: ¹ Health Protection Agency, West Midlands North, Stafford, United Kingdom ² Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom ³ Public Protection Division, Stoke on Trent City Council, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom ⁴ Health Protection Agency, Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom ⁵ Health Protection Agency, Foodborne Pathogen Reference Unit, London, United Kingdom

Correspondence:
N Coetzee
nic.coetzee hpa.org.uk
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Citation style for this article: Coetzee N, Laza-Stanca V, Orendi J M, Harvey S, Elviss N C, Grant K A. A cluster of Listeria monocytogenes infections in hospitalised adults, Midlands, England, February 2011. Euro Surveill. 2011;16(20):pii=19869. https://doi.org/10.2807/ese.16.20.19869-en Received: 11 May 2011

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Abstract

Hospital-acquired listeriosis cases are not commonly reported but remain a significant public health problem. We report on three cases in patients with underlying conditions occurring during one week in February 2011. The cases had common exposure to pre-packed sandwiches and salads manufactured in compliance with regulations. Breaches in cold chain and shelf life controls at hospital level were identified as key contributing factors. Rigorous hospital food management systems remain important for patient safety.