Listeria is a kind of bacterial infection that mostly causes foodborne illness. It can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from mild flu-like feelings to severe problems, especially for those who are more vulnerable, such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Each year, around 1,600 people in the U.S. deal with listeriosis and roughly 260 of them die from it.
The main way people get Listeria is by eating contaminated food. If not treated, it can turn into serious complications. Thankfully, there are ways to treat and prevent Listeria.
The symptoms of Listeria can differ greatly in severity based on factors like age, overall health, and immune system status. Pregnant women might experience fever and flu-like symptoms, but the infection can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or severe infection of the newborn. Older people and those with weak immune systems could face more severe symptoms and complications. If you think you or someone else might have listeriosis, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider promptly.
Listeria is primarily caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is often found in soil, water, and some animals. This bacterium can survive and even thrive in different settings, including cold environments like refrigerators. You usually get exposed to it by consuming food that’s contaminated with the bacteria. The longer such foods sit in the fridge, the more time the Listeria has to grow since it can thrive at refrigerated and freezing temperatures.
People at greater risk for Listeria infection include pregnant individuals, due to changes in their immune system. This heightened vulnerability can have severe outcomes for both the pregnant person and the fetus, making them ten times more likely to contract Listeria.
If you think you have symptoms of Listeria and believe you might have consumed contaminated food, it’s vital to visit your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any potential exposure to factors linked with Listeria. To diagnose, they may conduct lab tests to detect Listeria monocytogenes in bodily fluids or tissues by taking samples like blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or amniotic fluid.
For some, intestinal Listeria can clear up without antibiotics, but staying hydrated is key, especially if diarrhea is a symptom, to avoid dehydration. If the infection spreads beyond the intestines, antibiotics become necessary. The type of antibiotics used will depend on how severe the infection is, along with the person’s age, health, and test results. Common antibiotics for listeriosis might be paired with others, such as gentamicin. Severe cases could require hospital stays for intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. Pregnant individuals might also need hospitalization for close monitoring and antibiotic treatment to prevent complications for themselves and the fetus.
While you can’t always prevent a Listeria infection, you can limit the risk of listeriosis by adopting certain food safety measures. Safe food handling practices and avoiding high-risk foods are crucial. If you suspect you have symptoms of Listeria, it’s critical to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment to manage the infection and avoid complications.
