Clinical and genomic features of Listeria monocytogenes‐associated mesenteric lymphadenitis in a cat

Abstract Background Listeriosis is a severe foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen of animals and humans. Listeriosis is a rare disease in cats. Objective To describe the clinical, diagnostic imaging, histological, and microbiological features of L. monocytogenes‐associated mesenteric lymphadenitis in a cat. Animals Listeria monocytogenes‐associated mesenteric lymphadenitis was confirmed in a cat by histology and microbiology. Results Two distinct isolates of L. monocytogenes were cultured from the affected mesenteric lymph node and whole genome sequencing was performed. Conclusion and Clinical Importance This report should alert veterinary clinicians and microbiologists to the syndrome, which may have implications for health and food safety in animals and humans.