Risk Factors for Mortality among Patients with Nonperinatal Listeriosis in Los Angeles County, 1992–2004

Listeriosis is a relatively rare foodborne disease with significant public health implications. The causative pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, grows well in refrigeration, is associated with a case-fatality rate of 20%, and causes an estimated 28% of all foodborne disease-related deaths. Nevertheless, data on the risk factors for listeriosis mortality are limited.