Listeriosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Listeria infection is also known as listeriosis. This condition is caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. This type of bacteria is most often found in foods that contain:
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Certain meats
- Melon
- Raw vegetables
Listeriosis is not a serious condition in most people. Occasionally, a person may have no signs or symptoms of the infection, and complications are rare.
However, for a few others, this condition can show signs and symptoms that are quite dangerous.
Symptom
The most common signs and symptoms of listeriosis are:
For most people, the signs and symptoms are very mild and the infection goes undetected. Signs and symptoms may begin one to three days after consuming contaminated food.
The mildest complaints that can arise are respiratory tract disorders, diarrhea, and fever. Sometimes, some people don’t experience initial symptoms until days and even weeks after exposure to these germs.
In some cases, listeriosis can spread beyond the digestive tract. This more advanced infection is known as invasive listeriosis and can cause signs and symptoms that are quite severe, including:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Stiffness in the neck
- Change of consciousness
- Impaired balance or difficulty walking
- seizures
Complications that can occur include infection of the lining of the brain, infection of the heart valves, and infection of the bloodstream. Generally, severe cases require hospitalization.
In women who are pregnant, there may be no signs or symptoms, so the pregnant woman does not realize that she is infected. Listeriosis in pregnant women can cause miscarriage or poor baby condition.
Reason
Listeriosis can occur after a person comes into contact with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Often, a person can become infected with listeriosis after eating contaminated food. Newborns can also catch this condition from their mothers.
The bacteria that causes listeriosis live in soil, water, and animal feces. In addition, these bacteria can also live in food, food production equipment, and food coolers.
Listeriosis is often transmitted by:
- Processed meat, including processed meat and other foods stored in a cool place
- Unpasteurized dairy products, including soft cheeses and milk
- Processed dairy products, including ice cream
- Raw vegetables and fruit
The bacteria that cause listeria are not killed in the cold environment found in refrigerators and freezers, but their growth is slower.
These bacteria have a higher probability of being damaged by hot air. Heating processed food to 73.8º C can kill the bacteria.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of listeriosis can be determined based on medical interviews, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations.
The doctor will ask about the history of the food consumed in the last few days and the symptoms experienced, and after that do a physical examination.
Several types of supporting examinations that can be carried out are blood tests or spinal fluid examinations if deemed necessary.
Treatment
Treatment for listeriosis depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms experienced and overall health status. If the signs and symptoms are mild enough, no specific treatment is needed other than good rest and monitoring.
People with these conditions are advised to keep consuming enough water. Doctors can prescribe pain medications to relieve complaints of fever or muscle aches.
If the signs and symptoms you are experiencing are quite severe, or there are signs and symptoms of an advanced infection, your doctor can prescribe certain classes of antibiotics.
In addition, severe infections also require hospitalization in order to administer drugs through a vein and routine monitoring.
Recovery from mild infections generally takes about three to five days. In people with advanced infection, recovery depends on the severity of the infection. If the infection becomes invasive, healing can take up to six weeks.
Prevention
Some things that can be done to prevent being infected with listeriosis are:
- Wash hands regularly before and after cooking or preparing food
- Clean table and cookware properly
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Cook food well
- Clean the refrigerator regularly