What precautions can be taken to avoid Listeria infection?

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Listeriosis is a foodborne infection caused by Listeria bacteria. It can be symptomless, but flu-like symptoms can occur. If listeriosis reaches the nervous system, it can be life-threatening. Listeriosis, also called Listeria, can have serious consequences for pregnant people, newborns, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Listeria is responsible for around 1600 deaths in the United States yearly, exceeding the fatality rates of Salmonella and Clostridium. This rate of infection has remained relatively stable over recent years. Normally caused by eating contaminated food, around 20 to 30 percent of listeriosis cases are fatal.

The initial symptoms of listeriosis might not become apparent for some time; the incubation period is variable and can be anywhere from 11 to 17 days after consuming food with Listeria. Symptoms include:

1. Muscle aches.
2. Fever.
3. Flu-like symptoms.
4. Nausea.
5. Diarrhea.
6. For many people, a Listeria infection will pass unnoticed.

However, in some individuals, the infection will spread to the nervous system where symptoms might include:

1. Headache.
2. Confusion.
3. Stiff neck.
4. Tremors and convulsions.
5. Loss of balance.
6. In susceptible individuals, listeriosis can lead to a serious blood infection (septicemia) or inflammation of the membranes around the brain (meningitis).

If the listeriosis infection spreads to the brain, the outcomes can be severe and may include:

1. Cranial nerve palsies: Paralysis and tremors.
2. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain.
3. Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
4. Meningoencephalitis: A combination of meningitis and encephalitis.
5. Cerebral abscess: Localized pus buildup within the brain.

Pregnancy: Pregnant people are 10 times more likely to develop listeriosis than the general population. The incidence of listeriosis during pregnancy is 12 per 100,000, compared with 0.7 per 100,000 in the general population. While a gestational parent with a Listeria infection may not show any outward symptoms, an unborn fetus might be severely affected. Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or premature birth. There is a possibility that a newborn might live with a life-threatening infection in the days and weeks after birth. The symptoms in a newborn child can be subtle but may include:

1. Irritability.
2. Fever.
3. Vomiting.
4. Loss of interest in feeding.

Causes: Listeriosis is caused by Listeria, a type of bacteria that is commonly found in water, soil, and feces. Humans are infected when they consume foods that harbor the bacteria. The most common foods to cause listeriosis outbreaks are deli meats and unpasteurized dairy products. However, many other foods have also been found to spark outbreaks, including caramel apples, cantaloupe, and cabbages fertilized by sheep manure. Adults who are healthy and have strong immune systems are less at risk of listeriosis. The following are associated with an increased risk of Listeria infection:

1. Age over 65 years.
2. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
3. Existing kidney disease.
4. Chemotherapy.
5. Cirrhosis.
6. Diabetes.
7. Surgical removal of the spleen.
8. Medication of rheumatoid arthritis and immunosuppressant drugs.

Diagnosis: Listeriosis is diagnosed by a blood test. Urine or spinal fluid might also be tested.

Treatment - For minor infections, medication might not be required. For more serious cases of listeriosis, antibiotics are the treatment choice; Ampicillin can be used alone or in conjunction with another antibiotic (often Gentamicin). If septicemia or meningitis occurs, the individual will be given intravenous antibiotics and require up to six weeks of care and treatment.

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