Listeria
infections (known as listeriosis) are caused by the bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
.
Infection is rare, but when it does occur it most frequently
affects pregnant women in their last trimester, newborns, and kids
and adults whose immunity is weakened by diseases such as cancer or
HIV. People who have had various types of transplants are also more
at risk for listeriosis.
Listeria
bacteria can be transmitted through soil and water. A person can
also ingest
listeria
by eating certain foods, such as deli meats and cold cuts,
soft-ripened cheese, milk, undercooked chicken, uncooked hot dogs,
shellfish, and coleslaw made from contaminated cabbage. Many cases
of infection, however, have no identifiable source.
Listeria
infections may create symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea,
lethargy, difficulty breathing, and poor feeding. Pregnant women
who develop listeriosis may experience only mild flu-like symptoms,
although they are at risk for premature delivery, miscarriage, and
stillbirth.
People who have weakened immune systems are at particular risk
for developing other more serious illnesses from listeriosis,
including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Cases of listeriosis are relatively rare. In 2004, just 120
cases were reported in the United States. In all cases, the earlier
listeriosis is detected and treated, the better. And particularly
if you are pregnant or in one of the other high-risk groups,
avoiding certain foods and beverages can reduce your risk of
contracting this infection.
Treating Listeriosis
Listeriosis is usually treated with antibiotics administered in
the hospital through an intravenous catheter (IV). Typically,
treatment lasts for about 10 days but that can vary depending on
the body's ability to fight off the infection.
Children whose immune systems are compromised by illness or
infection, such as cancer or HIV, are more likely to develop severe
listeriosis infections and may require additional treatment.
Preventing Listeriosis
Although there are no vaccines against the bacteria that cause
listeriosis, you can help reduce the risk for your family by taking
these food safety precautions:
- Always cook food (especially meat and eggs) thoroughly to the
proper internal temperature.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Only drink pasteurized milk, and make sure that milk is
refrigerated at the appropriate temperature, which is less than
40º Fahrenheit (4º Celcius).
- Avoid foods made from unpasteurized milk.
- If you're in a high-risk group, avoid soft cheeses such
as feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined and Mexican-style cheeses
unless they have labels that clearly state they are made from
pasteurized milk.
- Reheat precooked, prepackaged foods - such as deli meats or
hot dogs - to steaming hot temperatures, especially if you're
pregnant.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if your child develops rapid or
labored breathing, fever, poor feeding, vomiting, a high-pitched
cry, excessive sleepiness (lethargy), or irritability. If your
child has listeriosis, the doctor can rule out any other illnesses
and start treatment.
Reviewed by:
Cecilia diPentima, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.