2023-09-24 09:58:00
Listeria is one of the most dangerous food bacteria. ©Freepik
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium widely distributed in the environment, particularly in soil, water and various food products. Although most healthy people do not develop serious symptoms if infected with Listeria, it can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems such as pregnant women and newborns.
Listeria is the bacteria that causes the disease listeriosis. It is usually spread through eating contaminated food. Foods most commonly associated with this bacteria include unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, cold meats, fish products, pre-prepared vegetables, and meat products.
Maintaining proper cold storage of foods is crucial because Listeria can survive and multiply at refrigeration temperatures. Additionally, this bacteria can grow at temperatures up to 37°C, making it resistant to many cooking methods. As the bacteria is killed by high heat, it is recommended to cook or reheat dishes likely to be contaminated above 75°C.
Do I have a Listeria infection?
If you are wondering, here are some clues to better understand your symptoms. Listeria infection can cause multiple symptoms, which can appear anywhere from a few days to several weeks following consuming the contaminated food. Common symptoms of listeriosis include:
Fever Muscle pain Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Headache
In more severe cases, Listeria can spread to the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion and seizures. This bacteria can cause sepsis. Infected pregnant women may develop listeriosis without obvious symptoms, but the infection can cause serious complications for the fetus, including miscarriage, premature birth, and serious neonatal infections.
What treatments?
If you have symptoms of listeriosis, consult a healthcare professional immediately. The earlier the bacteria is treated, the less likely the adverse effects will be. The proposed treatment is medicinal: people with listeriosis are generally treated with antibiotics. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Prevention is better than cure…
To prevent Listeria infection, it is essential to follow safe dietary practices. Here are some important precautionary measures:
Wash your hands well before handling food. Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Refrigerate perishable foods quickly and keep the refrigerator clean. Avoid eating ready-to-eat foods that are past their use-by date.
TO KNOW
In Europe, Listeria is responsible for 2000 cases of listeriosis each year. This is the fifth zoonosis, a disease transmitted from animals to humans, the most frequently reported in humans in the EU.
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