Introduction:
We get sick from eating contaminated food at least once a year, yet we do not take it seriously. Most will get cured independently within a week or two with a few home remedies. However, I will discuss listeria infection here in this article, which is caused by food contaminated with a specific type of bacteria. It is fatal in individuals above age 65, newborns, or individuals who have a weakened immune system. The recent Listeria outbreak in the US (United States) has been fatal to many. Let us look deeply into the causes, symptoms of this illness at various stages, treatment, and prevention of this infection.
What Is Listeria Infection?
Listeria infection is a kind of illness caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. This illness is also referred to as listeriosis. Usually, this bacterial infection does not cause severe illness in most people. But in older individuals, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and unborn babies, it can cause life-threatening complications.
What Causes Listeria Infection?
As we discussed earlier, listeria infection, or listeriosis, is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. Many wonder where Listeria comes from! The answer is Listeria lives in soil, water, dust, animal excreta, and any other substance. It can usually grow in cold temperatures, and it does not cause any change in the appearance, smell, or taste of contaminated food. We get this infection by eating food contaminated with this bacteria, and if you are pregnant, you can transmit it to your baby during pregnancy or delivery. And are you wondering whether Listeria is contagious? No, it does not spread from one person to another.
What Are the Symptoms of Listeria During Pregnancy or for Newborns?
Symptoms of listeria in pregnancy -
Pregnant women generally experience mild symptoms with listeria infection, and some may not experience any symptoms at all.
Whereas, a few may experience certain effects on the developing fetus due to the infection, which include
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You may experience pregnancy loss.
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You may have a stillborn.
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You may end up with early delivery.
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Your newborn may go through a potentially fatal infection.
Symptoms of listeria infection in newborns:
Signs of listeria infection in newborns are generally mild.
It includes
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Your newborn may not show much interest in feeding.
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Your baby may show grumpiness.
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The baby may have low energy levels or be tired.
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Your baby may have less birth weight than others.
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The baby may have a fever.
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Your newborn may experience vomiting as well.
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The baby may experience difficulty breathing.
What Are the Types of Listeriosis and Its Symptoms?
Do you know that Listeria causes various symptoms depending on the infection type and its severity? Yes, it does, based on its type and the intensity of the infection. First, let me tell you the types: non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis and invasive listeriosis.
Non-invasive listeriosis is a less severe form. The symptoms of it will begin within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food, and it generally lasts up to three days.
The symptoms include,
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Fever.
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Vomiting.
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Diarrhea.
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Muscle pain.
Invasive listeriosis occurs when the infection spreads beyond the intestine via blood to other major structures in the body, and it is severe. It is dangerous in newborns, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system.
This gives rise to additional symptoms like
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Headache.
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Stiff neck.
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Seizures.
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Balance loss.
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Reduced alertness.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Do you know that knowing risk factors helps protect you from getting the disease? If you have any risk factors associated with this condition, you must be cautious and protect yourself.
So, here is the list of risk factors for you to be aware of -
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If you are a pregnant woman, then you are at risk of listeria infection. It usually causes mild symptoms in pregnant women, but the risk to the unborn child is high.
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Individuals who have a weakened immune system. It could be due to cancer treatment, aging, chronic diseases like diabetes, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), autoimmune diseases, and others. It also includes those who take steroids or any treatment that lowers the immune system.
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Individuals aged above 65 are also at risk of contracting the listeria infection.
What Are the Complications of Listeria Infection?
Generally, listeria causes mild symptoms. But if it gets spread to the bloodstream, it will make your body react to the infection unusually, resulting in sepsis, which can damage various organs and lead to death.
Complications that arise due to nervous system involvement are -
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You may experience a loss of hearing.
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You may have difficulty maintaining balance.
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You may experience difficulty in moving one side of your body.
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You may experience seizures.
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You may also endure difficulty walking due to loss of balance.
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You have reduced coordination.
Complications in babies born with listeria infection in the blood or brain are -
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Seizures.
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Loss of vision.
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Kidney- or heart-related conditions.
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Delays in development or cognitive skills.
How to Diagnose Listeria Infection?
Listeriosis cannot be diagnosed unless you develop symptoms and test positive for the bacteria. Most cases go undiagnosed since the symptoms are mild. Your doctor might suspect a listeria infection based on your symptoms and the possibility of eating contaminated food. Your doctor might suggest that you take the blood tests to detect bacteria. You should test your cerebrospinal fluid for any signs of bacteria if you develop any neurological symptoms. Tests to detect bacteria in amniotic fluid are also recommended if you have Listeria symptoms while pregnant.
How to Treat Listeria Infection?
Listeria treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection. Listeriosis is generally treated with medicines called antibiotics, including Sulfamethoxazole and Ampicillin. These medications should be taken as instructed by your doctor, and you should continue taking them until you complete the full course, even if you feel better.
Medications are unnecessary if you have a milder form of the infection. However, individuals with a high risk of complications generally require medications.
How to Prevent Listeria Infection?
The following measures can be taken to prevent this infection:
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Always rinse all vegetables and fruits under running tap water before consumption. Even if the vegetable or fruit is peeled when you get it, it is advisable to always wash it before eating it to prevent Listeria contamination.
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Keep uncooked food like meat and poultry separate. Do not mix it with vegetables, fruits, ready-to-eat food, or instant food.
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Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Also, wash beakers, knives, cutting boards, and everything you use to handle or prepare the food.
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Keep your refrigerators clean.
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Use and finish all the instant and precooked food as soon as possible.
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Do not eat raw or uncooked food, drink raw milk, or eat any food that contains unpasteurized milk.
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Those at high risk, like pregnant women, are advised not to eat outside instant foods like hot dogs, etc., or any refrigerated meat, soft cheese, refrigerated seafood, etc.
Conclusion:
It is an infectious disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which is usually seen in people after consuming contaminated food. Commonly, it is known as food poisoning and can happen to anyone. It is mostly self-limiting. Prognosis is generally good in individuals without any risk factors. Still, those with a weakened immune system or listeria in pregnancy should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Keynote from iCliniq:
Listeriosis is a very common condition that is mostly self-limiting and asymptomatic, but it can turn fatal. Hence, it is advisable to have detailed knowledge about it so that you can seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially in high-risk individuals. With the help of our medical platforms, you can always contact our physicians anywhere, anytime, and thus get your query solved instantly.
