Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a food-borne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes .Listeriosis, also

called Listeria, can be a serious infection; it strikes pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and anyone
with a weakened immune system.

• L. monocytogenes is one of the most virulent food-borne pathogens. It can flourish with or without
oxygen and, unlike many other bacteria, can thrive and reproduce at temperatures as low as 0°C.
• Some studies suggest that up to 10 percent of human gastrointestinal tracts contain L.
monocytogenes.
• L. monocytogenes typically enters the host through the intestines and infects the liver first. In the
liver, the bacteria multiply until the host’s immune system tackles it; at this stage, the vast majority
of infections end. However, in immunocompromised or other at-risk individuals, the infection may
continue and eventually move to the brain.
• The Listeria bacterium is able to enter and survive within immune cells such as macrophages. L.
monocytogenes is also capable of hijacking cellular machinery and tricking cells into drawing the
bacterium inside.
• Within the cell, the bacteria can multiply and spread to neighbouring cells, safe from the immune
system. This ability to live within human cells makes it unusual, dangerous, and very difficult to
treat.

Definition

Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria bacteria, named after Joseph Lister, the surgeon and
pioneer of antiseptic surgery. There are 10 distinct species of Listeria; the variant that most commonly
impacts humans is Listeria monocytogenes.
Normally caused by eating contaminated food, around 20-30 percent of listeriosis cases are fatal.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of listeriosis might not become apparent for some time; the incubation
period is variable and can be anything from 11-70 days after consuming food with Listeria.
The following symptoms of Listeria infection are likely to last 1-3 days:

• muscle aches
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• nausea
• diarrhoea

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:

• headache
• confusion
• stiff neck
 • tremors and convulsions
• loss of balance

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:

• Cranial nerve palsies: Paralysis and tremors.

• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
• Meningoencephalitis: A combination of meningitis and encephalitis.
• Cerebral abscesses: Localized pus build-up within the brain.

Symptoms during pregnancy or for newborn infants

Pregnant women are 10 times more likely to develop listeriosis than the general population. While
a mother with a Listeria infection may not show any outward symptoms, an unborn child might be severely
affected.
Listeriosis can result in miscarriage or premature birth. There is a possibility that a newborn might
suffer a life-threatening infection in the days and weeks after birth.
The symptoms in a newborn child can be subtle but may include:
• irritability
• fever
• vomiting
• 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 are contaminated with the bacteria.
The most common foods to cause listeriosis outbreaks are organ 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:

• age over 65 years

• AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
• existing kidney disease
• chemotherapy
• cirrhosis
• diabetes
• surgical removal of the spleen
• anti-rheumatoid arthritis medication
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 most common treatment choice; ampicillin can be used alone or in
conjunction with another antibiotic.
If septicemia or meningitis occur, the individual will be given intravenous antibiotics and require
up to 6 weeks of care and treatment.

Prevention

Simple methods of listeria prevention include washing hands and scrubbing fruits or vegetables
thoroughly before cooking.

Although listeriosis is rare, there are a number of ways to further reduce the chances of becoming
infected; these precautions are especially important during pregnancy:

• Cleanliness – wash hands with warm soapy water before preparing food. Clean utensils and work
surfaces in the same manner.
• Raw vegetables – scrub clean under warm water with a brush.
• Cook thoroughly – ensure that meat and egg dishes are heated thoroughly and throughout. A food
thermometer can be useful.
• Meat – avoid cold meats, especially organ meats and hot dogs, unless cooked at a high temperature
before eating. Be careful to wash anything that comes into contact with raw and cold cooked meat.
• Smoked seafood – avoid refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is cooked thoroughly before
consumption.