Listeria infections (listeriosis) can occur from eating food that is contaminated with thelisteria monocytogenesbacteria.
The infection can cause a stomach upset and flu-like symptoms.
Listeria infections are usually diagnosed based on the symptoms, but laboratory tests can confirm it.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
This infection can cause complications, so treatment with antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention is key when it comes to listeriosis and other food-borne infections likeE.
Symptoms
Children and adults can get listeriosis.
This infection has anincubation period,which means that you may have a delay between exposure and symptoms.
Symptoms of listeriosisgenerally start with gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Meningoencephalitis, an infection of the meninges and the brain, can occur as well.
It is not directly contagious from one person to another.
You may develop mild symptoms of the infection, and it can improve on its own without treatment.
There are risk factors that make it more likely to develop serious effects of listeriosis.
However, anyone can have a prolonged infection that requires treatment.
And anyone can develop the complications of a listeria infection (including death).
Sometimes outbreaks are reported, and the contaminated food source may be traceable, potentially resulting in a recall.
And a sample from the placenta can be obtained when there is concern about an in utero infection.
Despite the fact that it commonly causes GI involvement,listeria monocytogenesdoes not grow in stool culture.
Molecular food testing techniques are done in a laboratory to isolate thelisteria monocytogenesgenetic material.
Treatment
If you experience any of the symptoms of listeriosis you should seek medical attention.
Listeria infections are treated with antibiotics.
Complications may require additional treatment approaches as well.
Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) is usually considered if you have an allergy to ampicillin.
In some instances, antibiotic resistance can develop,necessitating the use of second-line antibiotics, such as erythromycin.
Major complications require prescription medical treatment and may entail hospitalization.
Listeriosis can result in death, even when treated.
Almost all listeria-related deaths are associated with having a profoundly weakened immune system.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a listeria infection is to use proper food safety precautions.
Thoroughly wash food:Contaminated produce can spread listeria.
ensure you thoroughly wash all of your fruits and vegetables (especially those that will not be cooked).
Even if produce will be peeled, it should be washed first.
Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Fully cook meat: Undercooked meats are popular, but they increase the chances of foodborne illness.
Store leftovers at proper temperatures:Storing food at proper temperatures can help prevent the growth oflisteria monocytogenes.
Refrigerators should be kept below 40 degrees and freezers below 0 degrees.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms ofListeriainfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial meningitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of listeriosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.PreventingListeriaInfection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at increased risk forListeriainfection.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Listeria (listeriosis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeriainfection.
2019 Aug 7;4(4).
doi:10.1128/mSphere.00252-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Surveillance.
2017 Jun;14(6):357-363. doi:10.1089/fpd.2016.2248.
Epub 2017 Mar 29.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Caring for patients with listeriosis.
FoodSafety.gov.4 steps to food safety.
FoodSafety.gov.Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature.
