Listeriosis

The bacterial infection which develops in a person due to the bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes is known as Listeriosis. The Listeria monocytogenes is normally found in most of the animals, soil as well as the decayed matter. The condition develops via food that is infected with the germ, especially pâté, certain types of chesses as well as from vegetables and fruits that have not been washed properly.

Even though healthy adults are also subjected to this condition, the symptoms are in noticeable condition only in older people, people who have a weakened immune system as well as in young children.

Pregnant women are subjected to the development of this condition more in her second as well as third trimesters.

Symptoms

The symptoms that develop in the initial stages of the condition are like those which are associated with flu. These include fever, headache, chills as well as muscle pains and aches.

In some cases, people who are infected may develop stomach upsets as well as diarrhoea.

The cases where pregnant women have developed this condition are very rare. But if a pregnant woman is infected with Listeriosis, then the baby can develop severe health problems like meningitis, infections in the eyes, Jaundice as well as Pneumonia.

In many cases, the baby may be born very early (prematurely) or born still. The infection can also lead to miscarriage in women.

Causes

The sole cause of Listeriosis is the Listeria monocytogenes germ. The Listeria monocytogenes is normally found in most of the animals, soil as well as the decayed matter. The condition develops via food that is infected with the germ, especially pâté, certain types of chesses as well as from vegetables and fruits that have not been washed properly. So care must be taken for the maintenance of hygienic standards while cooking as well as storing the food and vegetables.

Treatment

The extreme cases of listeriosis requires the administration of antibiotics. These are given to older people, young children and people whose immune system is very weak.

A pregnant woman who develops the infection or suspects that she has developed the infection must take antibiotics. This will help in the prevention of any damage that the baby may incur if the woman does not take any medication. In such cases, the women is hospitalized and intravenous antibiotics are administered.

If the baby is already infected, then the doctor advises the woman to go in for a premature delivery so that the baby can be administered antibiotics so as to lower the damage levels.

Prevention

Pregnant women should follow the advices given below so as to avoid the developing of this infection:

• Blue-veined and soft mould ripened chesses should be avoided,
• Pâté can be avoided.
• The use of dairy products that are not pasteurised must be avoided.
• The pasteurised probiotic dairy products can be used,
• If a woman is opting to use salads that are pre-packed, then they should be washed thoroughly.
• The vegetables and fruits must be washed thoroughly.
• The hands must be washed before as well as after the food is handled.