Listeria Infection Explained: An Overview of This Bacterial Disease
Listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, is a serious concern, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions. This bacterial infection, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, can be deadly if not promptly treated.
The bacterium is commonly found in soil, water, and animal feces, and can contaminate various foods, particularly those that are unpasteurized or improperly cooked. Pregnant women should avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses (like feta, brie, and camembert) unless labeled as pasteurized, deli meats and hot dogs unless heated to steaming hot, and raw seafood and smoked seafood.
Listeria infection can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and severe infection of the newborn. The bacteria can cross the placental barrier, threatening the fetus and potentially causing fetal loss, especially in the first trimester, preterm delivery in later trimesters, and life-threatening neonatal listeriosis after birth.
Pregnant women may experience mild or no symptoms, making detection difficult. If infection occurs, risks vary by trimester: miscarriage or embryonic loss in the first trimester; preterm labor or fetal loss in the second trimester; and preterm delivery, low birth weight, and severe neonatal infection in the third trimester. In newborns, early-onset illness may present as fever, respiratory distress, lethargy, or later signs of central nervous system infection such as seizures.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics, commonly ampicillin plus gentamicin, especially if symptoms develop or exposure is suspected during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment are crucial to reducing adverse outcomes.
Diagnosing a Listeria infection can be complex, as the symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses. Recognizing symptoms, laboratory testing, and considering risk factors and history are crucial for diagnosis. If there is a suspicion of a Listeria infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test or other diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
To prevent Listeria infection, consider avoiding high-risk foods, practicing safe food handling, cooking food thoroughly, being cautious with dairy products, storing food properly, staying informed about food recalls, and being mindful when eating out.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Listeriosis: Pregnant Women. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/life-stages/pregnancy.html [2] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Listeria. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/infections/listeria/ [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Listeriosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeriosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355388 [4] World Health Organization. (2021). Listeriosis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/listeriosis [5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Listeriosis: Treatment. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/life-stages/treatment.html
Science indicates that Listeria infections, particularly during pregnancy, can lead to severe medical-conditions such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal chronic diseases. To protect one's health and wellness, it's crucial to avoid high-risk foods and practice safe food handling, as recommended by health organizations like the CDC, WHO, and Mayo Clinic.
