LISTERIA

A N O V E R V I E W

B Y

M A E M A R Y T . P O R T U G A L E T E
K R Y S T A L F E N I C O L E B . P U L M O N E S
 W H AT I S L I S T E R I A I N F E C T I O N ?

Listeriosis is a serious bacterial

infection caused by the rod-
shaped bacteria listeria
monocytogenes.
 W H AT I S L I S T E R I A I N F E C T I O N ?

Listeria infection is a foodborne bacterial

illness that can be very serious for
pregnant women and people with
impaired immune systems.
 W H AT I S L I S T E R I A I N F E C T I O N ?

Healthy people rarely become ill from

listeria infection, but the disease can be
fatal to unborn babies and newborns.
People who have weakened immune
systems also are at higher risk of life-
threatening complications.
W H AT I S L I S T E R I A I N F E C T I O N ?

Listeria infection is most commonly

contracted by eating improperly
processed deli meats and
unpasteurized milk products.
 WHERE CAN LISTERIA BE FOUND?

Listeria bacteria are found in the

environment like in water or in the soil.
This means that animals and vegetables
can become contaminated at any time
and as a result, anyone can get
listeriosis.
 W H AT C A N C A U S E L I S T E R I A ?
Listeria bacteria can be found in soil, water and animal feces.
Humans typically are infected by consuming:

Raw vegetables that have been

contaminated from the soil or from Certain processed foods — such as soft
contaminated manure used as fertilizer cheeses, hot dogs and deli meats that
have been contaminated after processing

Contaminated animal meat

Unborn babies can contract a listeria
infection from the mother via the
placenta.
Unpasteurized milk or foods made with
unpasteurized milk
 SIGNS AND 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.

muscle fl u - l i k e
fever nausea diarrhea
aches symptoms
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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:

head tremors and loss of

confusion s t i ff - n e c k convulsions
ache balance
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
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 Cerebral

Palsies
Encephalitis Meningitis Meningoencephalitis
Abscesses

i n fl a m m a t i o n
combination localized 
paralysis of the of
i n fl a m m a t i o n membranes pus build-
and of the brain covering the
meningitis
up within
and 
tremors brain and encephalitis the brain.
spinal cord.
PAT H O P H Y S I O L O GY

PREDISPOSING FACTORS

Age
• Newborns and infants
• Older people
• >50 years old

PRECIPITATING FACTORS
• Pregnancy
• Immunocompromised
 PREVENTION
KEEP THINGS CLEAN. 
Wash your hands thoroughly COOK YOUR FOOD
with warm, soapy water before THOROUGHLY. 
and after handling or preparing Use a food thermometer to make
food. After cooking, use hot, sure your meat, poultry and egg
soapy water to wash the dishes are cooked to a safe
utensils, cutting board and temperature.
other food preparation
surfaces.

SCRUB RAW VEGETABLES. 

Clean raw vegetables with a
scrub brush or vegetable brush
under plenty of running water.
 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 (often gentamicin).
If septicemia or
meningitis occur, the
individual will be given
intravenous antibiotics
and require up to 6 weeks
of care and treatment.
 NURSING DIAGNOSIS
 D E F I C I E N T F L U I D V O L U M E R E L AT E D T O E XC E S S I V E V O M I T I N G
 R I S K F O R E L E C T R O LY T E I M B A L A N C E R E L AT E D T O D I A R R H E A

NURSING INTERVENTION RATIONALE

Asses skin turgor and oral mucous membranes for signs

Signs of dehydration also detected through skin.
of dehydration

Oral fluid replacement is indicated for mild fluid deficit

Urge patient to drink prescribed amount of fluid
and is cost-effective method for replacement method.

Fluid deficit can cause a dry, sticky mouth. Attention to

Emphasize importance of oral hygiene. mouth care promotes interest in drinking and reduces
discomfort of dry mucous membranes.

Fluid losses from diarrhea should be treated with

Provide measures to prevent excessive electrolyte loss.
alongside antidiarrhea medications, as prescribed.

Educate about possible cause and effect of fluid losses Enough knowledge aids to take part in his or her plan of
and decrease fluid intake. care.
 NURSING DIAGNOSIS
 I M B A L A N C E D N U T R I T I O N L E S S T H A N B O D Y R E Q U I R E M E N T S R E L AT E D T O
LOSS OF A PPETITE

NURSING INTERVENTION RATIONALE

Oral hygiene has a positive effect on appetite and on the

Provide good oral hygiene
taste of food.

Encourage family members to bring food from home to Patients with specific ethnic or religious preferences or
the hospital. restrictions may not consider foods from the hospital.

Offer high protein supplements based on individuals Such supplements can be used to increase calories and
needs and capabilities protein without conflict with voluntary food intake.

Metabolism and utilization of nutrients are improved by

Encourage exercise
activity.

These beverages will decrease hunger and lead to early

Discourage caffeinated or carbonated beverages
satiety.