Laboratory Diagnosis of Listeriosis
Last modified by
IMarrero
on
October 03, 2011 09:32 AM
|
UNC Hospitals McLendon Clinical Laboratories 101 Manning Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514 |
During the current period of
increased concern over food-borne listeriosis, the following
information may be helpful in correctly ordering testing for
Listeria monocytogenes. This information is in keeping
with CDC guidelines. Further information may be found at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/infections-listeria.html.
Symptomatic
patients:
Routine blood cultures (x2), CSF cultures by lumbar puncture (in the
presence of central nervous system involvement) and/or amniotic fluid
(in the presence of chorioamnionitis) are acceptable specimens for the
culture of L. monocytogenes. Stool, cervical, vaginal, and
rectal specimens are not helpful in establishing or ruling-out
infection with Listeria and will not be accepted.
No specimens should be submitted
on asymptomatic patients and these will not be accepted by the
laboratory. Screening for Listeria in asymptomatic
patients is of no clinical value.
