Listeria is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, and certain foods that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. It is one of the main causes of food recalls and is often transmitted through contaminated foods such as unpasteurized milk, cheese, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
A listeria infection can cause symptoms like fever, body aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea, which usually appear within a day after eating contaminated food. The infection is more severe in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, and may lead to complications like meningitis or premature birth.
Treatment for listeriosis typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin or gentamicin, while mild cases may require hydration and a light diet to prevent dehydration. Proper handwashing, food hygiene, and avoiding unpasteurized products are essential to prevent infection and limit bacterial spread.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of a listeria infection are:
- Diarrhea
- General malaise
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscular pain
- High-grade fever, over 38ºC (or 100.4ºF)
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Fatigue
Gastrointestinal symptoms of listeriosis can appear up to 24 hours after consuming contaminated food or water, and can last between 2 and 3 days.
In more serious and rare cases, Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and reach the nervous system. This can lead to meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. Furthermore, infections in pregnant women can be serious and result in premature birth or infection at the time of delivery.
Also recommended: Intestinal infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention tuasaude.com/en/intestinal-infectionConfirming a diagnosis
A listeria infection, or food poisoning, is diagnosed by a family doctor, infectious disease specialist or gastroenterologist, who will start by assessing the presenting signs and symptoms.
To confirm the infection, the doctor may order bloodwork and stool testing to identify the bacteria causing the infection. In more severe cases, the bacteria can also be confirmed through a gastric lavage or amniocentesis (in pregnant women), or by performing testing on the food source that caused the infection.
How it's transmitted
Transmission of listeria occurs mainly through consumption of contaminated food or water. It can be found in unpasteurized milk, dairy products, fruits, greens, meat, fish, seafood, and sausage. It has a high transmission rate when outbreaks are declared, as this bacteria is easily distributed to many people through contaminated packaged foods. Many food recalls are declared due to the contamination or possible contamination of this bacteria in food products.
This bacteria is resistant to many stress conditions in the processing of food, which is why it can be found in small concentrations in processed food. The presence of listeria in food does not always lead to infections as long as the food is properly stored to prevent bacterial growth.
Treatment options
The treatment of a listeria infection usually involves the use of antibiotics like penicillin or gentamicin. Patients with a penicillin allergy may be prescribed sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Check out the food poisoning medications that your doctor may prescribe.
People who present with vomiting or diarrhea are advised to drink plenty of water and electrolytes to prevent further losses and dehydration. You should also maintain a light, easy-to-digest diet.
See the home remedies for intestinal infections that you can use to compliment your medical treatment.
How to prevent listeriosis
To prevent listeria contamination, you should adopt some hygiene measures like:
- Washing your hands before eating
- Ensuring raw foods are properly washes
- Storing food appropriately
- Keeping your fridge clean
- Avoiding consumption of unpasteurized food products
To prevent new cases of listeriosis in the household, you should monitor your hygiene practises at home very closely and avoid sharing objects like cutlery and dinnerware.