Uncommon Bacterial

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection from food consumption containing the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It can infect neonates, infants, pregnant women, and adults with weak immune systems. Neonates are at the greatest risk of contracting meningitis from listeriosis.

Neonates

General:
Listeriosis comes from the earth's soil and water. Vegetables can become infected when they're grown in the contaminated soil. Animals used for meat and dairy products can carry the bacterium without symptoms. Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. Newborns are at risk of infection during pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage or premature delivery if untreated.

Prevention:
There is no current preventative listeriosis vaccine, however it can be reduced through measures such as cooking raw meat, washing hands and utensils after handling uncooked foods, washing raw vegetables, and by avoiding pasteurized milk.


Symptoms:

• Irritability
• Nausea/vomiting
• Feeding poorly

Common symptoms such as fevers, headaches, and stiff necks can be tough to detect or might not even occur in neonates and infants. MFA urges anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis:
All types of meningitis are diagnosed by growing bacteria from a sample of the infected person's spinal fluid, which is collected by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Results show whether or not the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has increased white blood cells, lowered glucose or increased protein and is often stained if positive. The proper bacterial identification is important for selection of the correct antibodies.

Treatment:
Listeriosis is treated with a number of intravenous antibiotics including penicillin or ampicillin.

Source(s):
www.cdc.gov/nip