Listeriosis in Christchurch 1967-1984.

Between February 1981-May 1982, 18 Christchurch patients were infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Of these eight were pregnant, and three mid-trimester abortions and one neonatal death occurred in this group. One death due to listeriosis occurred amongst the other ten patients. Three patients were part of a small nosocomial outbreak. Prior to February 1981 and since May 1982, infections caused by this organism have been very uncommon. The possible sources of the organism are discussed.