Listeria

listeria and diarrhea

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Listeriosis : An overview

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (a gram strain positive bacteria) which is food-borne in nature. These bacteria usually reside in soil and water and are even found in raw (unpasteurized) milk. Many processed food items, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts, may also have traces of Listeria bacterium.  Not every individual who ingests these bacteria develops the symptoms of the listeriosis. The onset of the infection mostly happens in new-born babies, pregnant women, elderly people, and anyone with a weak immune system such as cancer and diabetes patients. It might also develop in people who are consuming immunosuppressant medications.

listeria and diarrheaEven though this bacteria has been known to cause infections in human beings since more than 200 years, it was classified as a food-borne bacteria in 1979. This food-borne pathogen has the capacity to enter a human cell and multiply rapidly inside it. People with weak immune systems are not able to control the rapid spread of this bacteria hence they are most susceptible to a severe bout of this infection. In case of invasive listeriosis, which usually occurs in pregnant women, refers to the condition where the spread of the bacteria has moved beyond the gut region. The severity of the symptoms depends upon the affected person’s immunity level.

 

Causes and risk factors

The cause of listeriosis, the Listeria bacteria, is present mainly in soil, water, and also animal feces. Humans get exposed to these bacteria by consumption of the following food items:

  • Raw vegetables contaminated with soil and/or fertilizers
  • Infected animal meat such as poultry or beef
  • Uncooked or smoked seafood such as sushi and oysters
  • Pre-cooked cold cuts such as salami and dried/fermented sausages
  • Pre-cooked and packaged salads and coleslaw
  • Soft cheeses such as ricotta or feta cheese

The following people are at a higher risk of contracting this infection:

  • Expecting Mothers
  • New-born babies
  • Diabetic and cancer patients
  • AIDS patients
  • Alcoholics
  • People on immunosuppressant medications
  • Kidney and liver patients

This infection is non-contagious in nature. The only way it is transmitted from person to person is from an infected pregnant woman to the fetus.

 

How does listeriosis affect the human body?

listeria bacteria petri dishThe following symptoms are observed in individuals upon the onset of this infection:

  • Fever and muscle pains followed by nausea.
  • Fatigue and complete loss of appetite.
  • Most people face mild influenza-like symptoms, including infected pregnant women
  • If the infection spreads to the nervous system, it may cause recurring headaches, stiffness in the neck, impaired balance and even convulsions.
  • Listeriosis can spread to the brain also and cause meningitis or encephalitis.
  • Confusion and impaired mental activities.
  • Abscesses may also be formed in the brain.
  • Septicemia or blood infection
  • In extreme cases, septic shock may also result.

During the 3rd trimester of the pregnancy, the woman’s body has lowest immunity levels. It is during this period that she is most susceptible to listeriosis infection. If a woman gets infected with the listeria bacteria during pregnancy it may lead to serious complications including prematurely induced labor, miscarriage or still-birth, and infection transferred to the new-born baby. These severe symptoms are observed in cases even when the mother showed mild flu-like symptoms.

 

Identification and diagnosis of symptoms

The biggest hurdle in the accurate diagnosis of this condition is that most of the symptoms of listeriosis overlap with other common infections as well. The initial diagnosis includes a detailed study of patient history, most importantly his/her diet and medication routine. The diet is studied to understand how the food contamination must have occurred.

The next step involves taking a sample of patient’s bodily fluid (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid) and observing the bacteria culture. Stool tests and serology tests are not beneficial in this case. MRI scans may be performed to rule out the presence of infection in the brain or brain stem.

Early detection of this condition is very important in people with compromised immunity (high-risk patients) since fatality rates, in these groups, are particularly high.

 

Treatment of Listeriosis

In mild cases of listeriosis, the symptoms are usually self-limiting in nature. Mostly, it takes a few weeks for the symptoms to disappear on its own. In case a pregnant woman is detected with listeriosis, she is given antibiotics which are helpful in protecting the fetus from the infection. Doctors strongly suggest against the use of home remedies for treating listeria. However, along with the usual medications, prescribed by the doctor, some remedies such as ipecac syrup, garlic, or activated charcoal might help in treating the food-poisoning.

 

How can you prevent the onset of this infection?

Practising safe food-handling and eating habits will help in minimizing the occurrence of this disease. These include:

  • Packing and storing raw meats separate from other edible items.
  • Eating refrigerated food immediately. The temperature inside the refrigerator should be less than 4 deg Celsius.
  • Heating frozen foods till they are steaming hot.
  • Washing fruits and vegetable thoroughly since they might be contaminated with bacteria from the soil.
  • Avoid eating raw meat. Clams, oysters, and sushi are consumed raw, so people with high-risk should avoid eating these.
  • If the food is contaminated with listeria bacteria, reheating it will not make it safe.
  • Pregnant women should be very careful of the type of food they consume. They should avoid eating deli meats and cold cuts unless they are steaming hot.
  • Usually, soft cheeses like feta or camembert are made from unpasteurized milk. These are more likely to contain listeria bacteria.
  • Don’t consume raw milk.

 

 

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Clean refrigerators frequently. Avoid stacking meats and poultry with raw vegetables.
  • To reduce the probability of cross-contamination of food, wash hands before and after preparing food and unloading groceries.
  • Canned fish and meat are safe but frozen meat spreads and pates are not.
Don'ts
  • Eat luncheon meats unless they are steaming hot.
  • Consume raw seafood, if pregnant, such as clams, sushi, oysters etc.
  • Consume raw vegetable garnishes and certain dips which contain tahini, after a day of manufacture.

 

 

 

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Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
social media adddiction
Your health in the age of Social Media: Why is digital detox a necessity? Did you know that more than 400 million people are dangerously addicted to social media? Are you one…
Bromelain: 11 reasons why you should start adding pineapple to your pizza! If you didn't love pineapples already, here are some of the top health benefits that bromelain can bring…
The right way to prepare Alfalfa sprouts at home Alfalfa or lusan ghas is not just a nutritious animal fodder. This flavonoid-rich herb has some amazing health…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
Fibromyalgia fatigue
HCG Diet: The dangers of using this diet to lose weight HCG is a natural hormone produced by both men and women that corresponds to fertility. But how is…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in professional circles. But…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
BULIMIA NERVOSA vomiting
Can you get addicted to food? Learn everything about food addiction What is food addiction? How can people get addicted to eating? Is it an unhealthy eating habit or…
Period sanitary napkin-menstruaion-blood-colors
Period blood – what it says about your health Your period blood color and consistency indicate what is happening in your body. Is your blood bright red…
Sweeteners-good or bad?
Sweeteners – Are They Good or Bad for Our Health? Sweeteners can be artificial and natural. Learn about the different types of sweeteners and their health benefits and…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does our poop turn…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
edamame
Edamame: How healthy are these green baby beans? Edamame or "immature" soybeans are soft and easily digestable forms of soybeans that are great as an eveyday…
Oil of Oregano: The one-stop essential oil you’ve been looking for Are you plagued by a weak immune system? High body inflammation accompanied by pain and infections? Why not…
Cayenne: The remarkable benefits of these red hot chili peppers These may make you rush for a glass of water, but cayenne pepper is actually a healthy additive…
Did you know drinking alkaline water could be the healthier choice for you? Ever wondered how safe is your drinking water in terms of pH? Recent studies have revealed that Alkaline…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
How seitan proved to be a blessing in disguise for vegans worldwide Can only meat-eaters enjoy delicious juicy steaks and burgers? With seitan, the best meat substitute available today,even vegans…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the most powerful antioxidant…
Goji berry: A traditional Chinese berry that packs the best of antioxidants Goji berry is an ancient berry that is considered to be power-packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Which means…
Appendix pain: Recent findings on this not-so vestigial organ The exact function of the appendix is still not clear. Some consider it as an organ that once…
How to scrub away stress and fatigue with an Epsom salt bath? Epsom salt is a popular home remedy for many skin ailments. Though there is a lack of scientific…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
GGt test
GGT – Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase Test GGT or gammaglutamyl transferase test is a liver function test that is used to detect the extent of…
colposcopy
Colposcopy Colposcopy is a simple, quick and non- invasive diagnostic tool to look closely inside the vulva, vagina, and…
blood elements analysis
Blood Element Analysis Test A blood element analysis is a blood test performed to measure the level of toxic elements such as…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
lipase test
Lipase Test A lipase test is a blood test performed to quantitatively measure the level of the enzyme lipase in…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
Hepatitis A virus infected liver
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV),…
kshar sutra
Kshar sutra treatment for piles, fissures and fistula Read to know the benefits and side effects of kshar sutra to treat anal piles, fissures, and fistula…
Splenda
Splenda Splenda is an artificial sweetener derived from Stevia plant extracts. It is low in calories and a popular…

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