Listeria Infection

Listeria Infection

This is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious complications in pregnant women, people aged above 65 and people with weakened immunity. It is a foodborne infection mostly arising from eating improperly pasteurized dairy meat and milk products.

Symptoms

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • High grade fever with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Stiffness of neck
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Problems in balance
  • Convulsions

A newborn can get infection when mother is affected and presents as:

  • Showing little interest in feeding
  • Irritability
  • Problematic breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
Causes

People get infected with Listeria infection when comes in contact with the bacteria which can be found in soil, water and animal feces. Infection can occur by the consumption of foods like raw vegetables, contaminated meat, unpasteurized milk and food, some processed foods or from mother in newborns.

Complications
Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include blood tests and urine analysis.

Treatment

Treatment options include:

  • Mild infection mainly needs no treatment and is self limiting
  • Antibiotics are prescribed in case of severe infection
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