Trudeau Institute reports new approach to treating Listeria
infections Research underway at the Trudeau Institute could lead
to new treatments for people sickened by Listeria and other
sepsis-causing bacteria. Dr. Stephen Smiley's laboratory has
published a study in the scientific journal Infection and
Immunity that supports a new approach to treating these
infections. Listeria can cause serious illness, especially among
the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune
systems. The bacteria can also cause significant complications
in pregnant women, including miscarriage. The CDC is reporting
that one miscarriage and 23 deaths can be attributed to a recent
outbreak of Listeria infections in the United States caused by
tainted cantaloupes; 116 persons from 25 states have been
infected with the outbreak-associated strains. Ingestion of
Listeria usually causes a limited gastrointestinal illness;
however, the bacteria sometimes spread to other parts of the
body, resulting in a deadly sepsis. Despite