Listeriosis (patient information)

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 * Associate Editor(s)-in-chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S

Overview
Listeriosis, a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is an important public health problem in the United States. The disease primarily affects older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, rarely, persons without these risk factors can also be affected. The risk may be reduced by following a few simple recommendations.

What causes Listeriosis?
You get listeriosis by eating food contaminated with Listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy. However, healthy persons may consume contaminated foods without becoming ill. Persons at risk can prevent Listeria infection by avoiding certain high-risk foods and by handling food properly.

What are the symptoms of Listeriosis?
A person with listeriosis usually has fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Almost everyone who is diagnosed with listeriosis has "invasive" infection, in which the bacteria spread beyond the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms vary with the infected person:
 * Pregnant women: Pregnant women typically experience only a mild, flu-like illness. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
 * Persons other than pregnant women: Symptoms, in addition to fever and muscle aches, can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Diagnosis
If you develop fever and chills while pregnant or if you are very sick with fever and muscle aches or stiff neck, consult your doctor. A blood or spinal fluid test (to look for the bacteria) will show if you have listeriosis.

Treatment
Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection of the fetus. Even with prompt treatment, some Listeria infections result in death. This is particularly likely in older adults and in persons with other serious medical problems.

Where to find medical care for Listeriosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Listeriosis

When to Contact a Medical Professional
If you develop fever and chills while pregnant or if you are very sick with fever and muscle aches or stiff neck, consult your doctor. A blood or spinal fluid test (to look for the bacteria) will show if you have listeriosis.

Prevention of Listeriosis
You get listeriosis by eating food contaminated with Listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy. However, healthy persons may consume contaminated foods without becoming ill. Persons at risk can prevent Listeria infection by avoiding certain high-risk foods and by handling food properly.