LISTERIA INFECTION

Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. These bacteria are most commonly found in foods that include:

  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Certain deli meats
  • Melons
  • Raw vegetables

Listeriosis isn’t severe in most people. Some folks could not even experience signs of infection, and complications are infrequent. For some people, though, this illness can be life-threatening.

Therapy is dependent upon how severe the illness is and your health. Food safety can help in avoiding and scaling back your risk for developing listeriosis.

The most common symptoms for listeriosis include:

  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches

In some people, the symptoms could be so mild that the infection stays undetected.

Signs and symptoms can start within one to three days after consuming contaminated food. The mildest symptom is a flu-like illness with diarrhea and fever. Some individuals don’t experience the first symptoms until days or weeks after their exposure.

Symptoms and signs will last unless the illness is gone. For some people who are diagnosed with listeria, treatment with antibiotics is frequently recommended. There may be a high risk for issues, especially within the nervous system, cheart, and blood flow. This infection is primarily risky in pregnant women, people aged 65 and older, and people with a weakened immune system.

In some cases, listeriosis can spread outside the intestines. This infection is referred as invasive listeriosis, can show more severe symptoms. These include:

  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Changes in alertness
  • Difficulty walking or loss of balance
  • Complications including bacterial meningitis and sepsis

You will need a stay in the hospital to treat a more serious infection as it may be life-threatening.

DIAGNOSIS

Listeriosis is typically diagnosed with the help of a lab test – when a bacterial culture test grows Listeria monocytogenes from a fluid like blood, spinal fluid, or the placenta or body tissue.

 

TREATMENTS

Treatment for listeriosis depends on how severe your symptoms are and your overall health.

If your symptoms are mild and you are otherwise in good health, treatment may not be necessary. Instead, your doctor may instruct you to stay home and care for yourself with close follow-up. Home treatment for listeriosis is similar to treatment for any foodborne illness.

To treat a mild infection at home:

  • Drink water and clear liquids if you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Switch between acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce any fever or muscle aches.
  • Try the BRAT diet. While your intestines return to normal, eating foods that are easy to process can help. These include bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid spicy foods, dairy, alcohol, or fatty foods like meat.

More Severe Infections

More-serious infections can be treated with antibiotics.

During pregnancy, prompt antibiotic treatment may help keep the infection from affecting the baby. Newborns who have a listeria infection may receive a combination of antibiotics.

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