Listeriosis | Listeria Infection | Foodborne Illness

Listeriosis is generally a foodborne illness which can be caused by the bacteria called L. monocytogenes. Particularly pregnant ladies and lower immune systems people are at high risk for getting a severe infection. Antibiotics are an important treatment method for this infection. You can prevent listeria infection by thoroughly washing your foods and cooking your foods.

It is very rare for healthy people to become ill from listeria infection, but this infection can be fatal for unborn babies,newborns and people with low immune systems. Immediate and proper antibiotic treatment will help to cure the effects of listeria infection.

Listeria bacteria can live in the refrigerator and also in the freezer. So, people who are at greater risk of getting infections should avoid eating the foods which are containing listeria bacteria. 

Causes

Usually, L monocytogenes bacteria are found in wild animals, domestic animals and also in soil and water. These bacteria cause many animals to become sick which can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth in domestic animals.

Some foods that can get the infection through bacteria are veggies, meats if they contract the contaminated soil or manure. Products like raw milk or products which are made by raw milk can carry these bacteria.

If you eat contaminated foods, you may become sick, Following people are at highest risk:

• Adults over 50 years

• Adults with a lower immune system

• Developing fetuses

• Newborns

• Pregnancy

Generally, these bacteria cause gastrointestinal illness. For some cases, it can develop a septicemia which is blood infection or meningitis which is the inflammation on the covering of the brain. Infants and children mostly have meningitis.

If the infection happens in early pregnancy stages it may cause a miscarriage. These bacteria will cross the placenta and infect the fetus. If the infections happen in late pregnancy will lead to stillbirth or it can cause a death within a few hours of birth.

For adults, this disease can take many forms which usually depend on what organ are infected, It may occur:

• Heart infection called endocarditis

• Brain or spinal fluid infection called meningitis

• Lung infection called pneumonia

• Blood infection called septicemia

• Gastrointestinal infection called gastroenteritis, diarrhea

Or else it can happen in a milder form as:

• Abscesses

• Conjunctivitis

• Skin lesion

Symptoms of listeriosis

Listeriosis symptoms are:

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Headache.

• Upset stomach.

• Diarrhea.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Muscle aches.

• Confusion.

• Loss of balance.

• Convulsions are muscle contractions which you cannot control.

Severe forms of listeriosis infection will spread to your bloodstream or brain. In some cases, it may cause sepsis, meningitis or encephalitis.

Symptoms of Pregnant people

Common symptoms of listeriosis in pregnant people are fever and flu-like symptoms particularly fatigue and muscle aches.

Listeria infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and death in newborn babies without prompt treatment.

Symptoms of Newborns

Listeriosis symptoms in newborn babies are :

• Fever.

• Vomiting.

• Constant crying.

• Trouble breathing or rapid breathing, short breaths and wheezing.

• No interest in eating.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get listeria infection. It is not as dangerous for those people with a healthy immune system. People who are at high risk of getting infection or dying are:

• Pregnant people.

• Developing fetuses.

• Older age 65 or more.

• People with a lower immune system, and from other health conditions like AIDS or cancer or taking medications which are prescribed immunosuppressive medications.

Diagnosis

Your provider can diagnose the listeria infection after evaluating your signs and symptoms and conduct some medical tests. Some tests are identify the presence of L. monocytogenes:

• Blood.

• Cerebrospinal fluid which is a clear fluid that presents in your brain and spinal cord.

• Meconium is your baby’s first poop which looks as dark green colour and thicker and stickier than normal poop.

• Vomit.

• Food.

• Animal feed.

If you are pregnant, your provider will order bacterial culture tests on your blood or placenta.

Treatment

There is proper treatment for listeriosis. Your provider can suggest antibiotics to cure your body of the listeria infection.

Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to babies and pregnant people who are older than 65 years and who have lower immune systems. Generally, antibiotics are used to treat listeria infection which includes sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin.

Your healthcare provider also prescribes drugs to manage certain symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

If you experience milder symptoms, you do not need any treatment for it. If the baby is born with listeriosis disease then your provider suggests antibiotic drugs right after birth.

Complications

Most of the listeriosis infections are mild and they can go unnoticed. In some cases, listeria infection will lead to life-threatening complications are:

• Generalized blood infection

• Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes and fluid which are surrounding the brain 

Prevention

To prevent listeriosis, you must follow some food safety guidelines:

• Keep things clean. Before and after handling or preparing food, you must wash your hands with warm and soap water. After cooking, you must clean the utensils, cutting boards and surfaces with hot and soap water

• Scrub raw vegetables. You should clean the raw veggies with a scrub or vegetable brush under running water.

• Cook your food thoroughly. You can use a food thermometer to make sure your meat, poultry and egg dishes are cooked at a safe temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

Ans: Mild symptoms may include a fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Q2. What food is Listeria commonly found in?

Ans: Raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk products.

Q3. What is the treatment for Listeria?

Ans: Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed treatment is intravenous ampicillin. 

Q4. What is the main cause of Listeria?

Ans: Listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Q5. Is Listeria a food poisoning?

Ans: Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial illness that can be very serious for pregnant women, people older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems.