Potential Complications:
Listeriosis
Compiled by The Cradle Staff
hat is listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that is usually found in soil and water, making its way into our food chain via unpasteurized dairy products and uncooked meats and vegetables. (It is killed by pasteurization and heat from cooking.) If you ingest food contaminated with these bacteria, the illness that could develop is called listeriosis.
How common is it?
Listeriosis is relatively rare; however, due to their lowered immune systems, pregnant women are 20 times more susceptible to these bacteria. Listeria contaminates some 2,500 people (and kills 500) in the US each year.
What are symptoms of listeriosis?
If you are exposed to the listeria bacteria, you might experience the following (exhibiting itself between 2-30 days after exposure):
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Nausea and vomiting
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Headaches
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Muscle aches
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Fever
Unfortunately, these symptoms can easily be confused with the flu, or… pregnancy!
If the infection finds its way to your nervous system, you might experience:
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Disorientation
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Stiff neck
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Loss of balance
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Convulsions
How is listeriosis diagnosed?
A blood test can confirm the presence of listeria bacteria. (Other testing might include: spinal fluid, urine, amniotic fluid.)
What is the treatment?
The main treatment for this infection is antibiotics.
Could listeriosis affect my baby?
If the infection is not treated early enough, possible problems include:
How can I prevent contracting listeriosis?
Be conscious of what you eat. Avoid soft, unpasteurized cheeses, deli meats (unless they are reheated), pates, and smoked fish (unless it is cooked). Keep your hands – and food – clean.
For more information on food safety and prevention of food borne illnesses you can contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Food Borne Illness Line
(24 hr recorded information)
1-888-232-3228
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition
1-888-SAFEFOOD
This article was compiled using information from the following websites:
American Pregnancy Association
USDA - Listeriosis & Pregnancy: What is Your Risk?
Mayo Clinic
