Protective shield against Listeria for vulnerable individuals

Listeriosis: Understanding the Mortality Risks and How to Protect Yourself

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A 10-year study identifies key risk factors associated with listeriosis mortality, providing crucial insights for prevention and care."

Listeriosis, a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, can lead to severe health complications, especially for vulnerable individuals. While it's relatively rare, listeriosis carries a high mortality rate, making it a significant concern for public health. This article breaks down the key findings of a 10-year study in England, offering clear insights into who is most at risk and what factors contribute to fatal outcomes.

The original research, conducted between 2006 and 2015, analyzed over a thousand cases of non-pregnancy-associated listeriosis to identify trends, clinical characteristics, and risk factors linked to mortality. By understanding these factors, both individuals and healthcare providers can take more effective steps to prevent infection and improve treatment outcomes.

This article translates complex medical findings into accessible information, empowering you to understand your personal risk and take proactive measures. We'll explore the demographic trends, underlying health conditions, and clinical presentations that significantly impact the likelihood of death from listeriosis.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Listeriosis?

Protective shield against Listeria for vulnerable individuals

The study pinpointed several key risk factors that independently increase the risk of death from listeriosis. Awareness of these factors is the first step in prevention:

The research definitively showed that the risk of death from listeriosis increases significantly with age. Individuals over 80 years old face a more than threefold higher risk compared to younger adults.

Age Over 80: Individuals in this age group are particularly vulnerable.
Solid-Organ Malignancy: The presence of solid-organ cancers increases the risk.
Cardiovascular Disease: Heart-related conditions elevate the mortality risk.
Liver Disease: Those with liver ailments face a substantially higher risk.
Immunosuppression: A weakened immune system, regardless of the cause, makes individuals more susceptible.
Septicaemia: When listeriosis presents as a blood infection (septicaemia), the risk of death is elevated.

It's important to note that the study also observed a decline in mortality rates over the ten-year period, suggesting improvements in detection and treatment. However, these high-risk groups remain a priority for targeted public health strategies.

Taking Action to Reduce Your Risk

Understanding the risk factors is crucial, but taking proactive steps is even more important. Here are some key strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones:

<ul><li>Practice Safe Food Handling: Thoroughly cook meats, especially ready-to-eat items. Wash raw vegetables and fruits, and avoid unpasteurized dairy products.</li><li>Be Aware of Recalls: Stay informed about food recalls related to Listeria contamination.</li><li>Seek Early Medical Attention: If you are in a high-risk group and experience symptoms of listeriosis (fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea), seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.</li><li>Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your individual risk factors with your healthcare provider and explore potential preventative measures, especially if you are immunosuppressed or have underlying health conditions.</li></ul>

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we can collectively reduce the incidence and mortality associated with this dangerous foodborne illness. Public health initiatives should prioritize these high-risk groups to ensure that resources and awareness are effectively targeted.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jinf.2018.11.007, Alternate LINK

Title: Mortality Risk Factors For Listeriosis – A 10 Year Review Of Non-Pregnancy Associated Cases In England 2006–2015

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of Infection

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Antonia Scobie, Sanch Kanagarajah, Ross J. Harris, Lisa Byrne, Corinne Amar, Kathie Grant, Gauri Godbole

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is listeriosis, and why is it considered such a serious health concern?

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by the bacterium *Listeria monocytogenes*. While relatively rare, it poses a significant public health concern due to its high mortality rate, especially among vulnerable populations. The severity arises from the bacterium's ability to cause serious infections, particularly affecting older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. Understanding this helps in taking necessary precautions.

What specific risk factors were identified in the study as significantly increasing the likelihood of death from listeriosis?

The study identified several key factors that significantly increase the risk of death from listeriosis. These include being over 80 years old, having solid-organ malignancy, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, immunosuppression, and the presentation of listeriosis as septicaemia. Each of these conditions weakens the body's ability to fight the infection, leading to a higher risk of mortality. It's worth noting the study focused on non-pregnancy-associated listeriosis, so risk factors for pregnant women were not examined.

Did the study reveal any positive trends regarding listeriosis mortality rates over the ten-year research period?

The research showed a decline in mortality rates from listeriosis between 2006 and 2015, potentially due to improvements in detection and treatment methods. It suggests that healthcare providers are becoming more adept at diagnosing and managing the infection. However, despite this decline, high-risk groups remain a significant concern, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and targeted prevention strategies. More details about specific treatment improvements during that period would provide a fuller picture.

How does age affect the risk of dying from listeriosis, particularly for individuals over 80?

Individuals over 80 years old face a particularly elevated risk of death from listeriosis, more than threefold higher compared to younger adults. This is likely due to the natural weakening of the immune system and the increased prevalence of underlying health conditions in this age group. Understanding this heightened vulnerability underscores the importance of strict food safety practices and prompt medical attention for older adults who may be exposed to *Listeria monocytogenes*.

What does it mean when listeriosis presents as septicaemia, and how does this impact the risk of death?

If listeriosis presents as septicaemia, a blood infection, the risk of death is significantly elevated. Septicaemia indicates that the *Listeria monocytogenes* bacterium has spread throughout the bloodstream, leading to a systemic infection that can overwhelm the body's defenses. Early detection and aggressive treatment with antibiotics are crucial in these cases to prevent fatal outcomes. The study highlights the need for clinicians to quickly identify and manage listeriosis when it manifests as septicaemia to improve patient survival rates.