Listeriosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Listeriosis is a serious illness caused by a bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. The disease isn’t quite common, but it can catch you off guard since the bacterium causing it can be found in everyday foods.

If you or a loved one gets sick from contaminated food, you can contact a Listeria lawyer to help you explore your legal options. But first, let’s break down what Listeriosis is, how it can affect you, and most importantly, how to prevent it.

What Causes Listeriosis?

Listeria monocytogenes is mainly found in soil, water, and animal feces. It can find its way into your food during farming, processing, or packaging, and it’s especially tricky because it can survive and grow even in cold temperatures.

What Foods Can Contain Listeria Found?

Listeria bacteria can contaminate different types of food. However, they’re mainly found in foods such as the following:

Unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk, soft cheeses, and yogurt
Deli meats and hot dogs that are not reheated properly
Ready-to-eat foods like pre-packaged salads and smoked seafood
Raw sprouts and unwashed fruits or vegetables

That said, you can also get Listeriosis if you don’t maintain proper hygiene when preparing food. Unlike other bacteria, Listeria is tough, meaning it can survive and grow in cold spaces like your fridge or freezer. Over time, the bacteria can multiply to levels that can make you sick, even if the food smells and tastes normal. This is why you should always follow food safety practices.

Who Does Listeriosis Affect?

Listeriosis can affect anyone. However, certain people are at a very high risk of getting extremely sick or even dying from the disease. These include:

Pregnant women
Unborn babies (developing fetuses)
Older adults (65 and up)
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with conditions like AIDS or cancer or those taking medications that lower immune defenses

If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, then you should take extra care when preparing food.

How Common Is Listeria?

Listeria infections are not very common compared to other foodborne illnesses. In the United States, about 1,600 people get Listeria each year.

Even though these infections are not very common, they can cause severe illnesses, especially in high-risk groups. The illness can also lead to hospitalization in many cases, and about 20% of those infected may not survive.

What Are the Symptoms of Listeriosis?

The symptoms of Listeriosis can vary depending on the person and the severity of the infection. In general, they can be divided into mild and severe symptoms:

Mild Symptoms

Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Nausea
Diarrhea

These symptoms might feel like the flu and are common if the infection stays in your digestive system.

Severe Symptoms

If the bacteria spread beyond the digestive system, the infection can become more serious, leading to:

Stiff neck
Headache
Loss of balance
Confusion
Convulsions (seizures)

Symptoms in Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are much more likely to get infected with Listeriosis compared to the general population. Though the pregnant person might not show any noticeable symptoms, the infection can severely affect the unborn baby.

That said, Listeriosis during pregnancy can have very negative effects, such as premature birth or stillbirth.

If the baby is born, they may suffer from a life-threatening infection in the days or weeks after birth. For newborns, the symptoms of Listeriosis can be subtle but may include:

Irritability
Fever
Vomiting
Loss of interest in feeding

If you notice any of these symptoms in a newborn, you should seek medical help immediately since early treatment is crucial for survival and recovery.

How Is Listeriosis Diagnosed?

Listeriosis can be diagnosed using a combination of lab tests and clinical evaluations. If your healthcare provider suspects that you’ve been infected with the disease, they will take the following steps:

Medical history and symptoms review: They will ask about your symptoms and whether you’ve eaten food that you think might have been contaminated. They will also ask if you’re pregnant or have any underlying health condition.
Laboratory tests: Your healthcare provider will then take a sample of your blood, spinal fluid, or other bodily fluids to test for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Culturing of food samples: In some cases, if contaminated food is suspected, food samples may also be tested for Listeria.
Imaging tests: You might be required to take imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs if they suspect that the infection has spread to the brain or nervous system

Once you’ve been diagnosed with Listeriosis, you should be treated quickly to help reduce the risk of severe complications, especially if you fall under the vulnerable category.

How to Manage and Treat Listeriosis

Antibiotic Treatment

Listeriosis is mainly treated with antibiotics since it’s a bacterial infection. Your physician will prescribe an antibiotic depending on the severity of the infection and whether complications, such as meningitis, are present. Some of the most commonly used antibiotics include:

Ampicillin: Often the first choice for treating Listeriosis
Gentamicin: Sometimes used in combination with ampicillin for severe cases

You will typically be required to take your antibiotics for a few weeks. It’s important to start taking antibiotics earlier to prevent complications, especially if you’re pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

Hospitalization

If your case of Listeriosis is severe, you may need to be hospitalized. In the hospital, your care team will focus on managing the infection and preventing complications. Here’s what you can expect:

Intravenous (IV) antibiotics
Fluid management
Supportive care

Prevention of Future Infections

After you’ve been treated, your healthcare providers will advise you on how to prevent yourself and your loved ones from contracting Listeriosis in the future. They will typically advise you to:

Practice safe food handling
Avoid high-risk foods such as unpasteurized dairy products
Maintain good hygiene when preparing or handling meals

Stay Ahead of Listeriosis

Listeriosis is serious, but knowing how to prevent it and act quickly if you spot symptoms can make all the difference. If you’ve contracted the disease by eating contaminated food, then you can contact a Listeria lawyer to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com