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Three epidemiologically distinct cases of listeriosis, one perinatal and two adult, presented in hospital over a three day period. Clinical signs were non-specific with pyrexia and respiratory distress. Diagnosis in all three was made by blood cultures. Such cases reflect the general increase in reporting of listeriosis and suggest that the condition is increasing in incidence in the community, most likely due to food contamination. Raw vegetables, milk, soft cheeses, pre-cooked and inadequately cooked meats have all been implicated. Regular public health inspection of foods and food storage facilities with increased public awareness of the hazards of inadequate cooking and storage of food are the most effective means of preventing listeriosis and its potentially disastrous consequences especially for pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients.

Invasive pneumococcal infection is a major health problem with considerable mortality. In most patients the diagnosis is relatively straightforward but this study points out that in many, especially children, it is difficult because of a lack of clinical signs of septicaemia. While chronic respiratory disease is a major predisposing factor, malignancy and immune disorders are also common underlying features. Certain risk groups may benefit considerably from vaccination. The treatment of established infection is now complicated by the emergence of resistant strains, but penicillin remains the mainstay of therapy.