Which population is at higher risk for severe outcomes from listeriosis?

Immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk for severe outcomes from listeriosis due to their weakened immune systems, which cannot effectively fight off infections. Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, poses a greater threat to those whose immune responses are compromised, such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and individuals on immunosuppressive medications. These individuals are more vulnerable to infections in general, and when contracting listeriosis, they are likely to experience more severe symptoms and complications.

In contrast, healthy adults typically have robust immune systems that can handle infections like listeriosis, and children under 10, while they may be somewhat more susceptible than healthy adults, do not have as high a risk as the immunocompromised. Teenagers represent a demographic generally with stronger immune systems as well, leading to a lower likelihood of severe outcomes from such infections. The heightened risk for immunocompromised individuals underscores the importance of food safety practices, especially in preparing and consuming foods that could potentially harbor Listeria.