LISTERIA : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS: Cases of
listeriosis, spread by the bacteria known as “listeria monocytogenes”, have led
to four deaths so far in the US and Canada.
WHAT’S IN
THE NEWS?
Listeria Outbreaks and Listeriosis
- Locations: United States and Canada
- Impact: Four deaths and several
hospitalizations
Listeria Overview
- Bacterium: Listeria monocytogenes
- Habitat: Found in soil, water,
vegetation, sewage, animal, and human feces
- Infection: Causes listeriosis
Pathogenesis and Transmission
- Survival: Can survive and multiply at
low temperatures
- Contaminated Foods:
Includes dairy products, raw vegetables, meats, and seafood
- Ingestion: Crosses the intestinal
barrier, enters the bloodstream, and can infect other tissues including
the central nervous system and placenta in pregnant women
Symptoms of Listeriosis
- Incubation Period:
Symptoms can appear up to two months after ingestion
- Symptoms Include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Severe headache
- Constipation
- Fever
- High-Risk Groups:
Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly
- In pregnant women, it can cause pregnancy
loss, premature birth, or severe infection in newborns
Treatment
- Mild Cases: May require routine
antibiotics for gastrointestinal symptoms
- Invasive Listeriosis:
Requires intensive antibiotic treatment for severe symptoms that manifest
two weeks after consuming contaminated food
Source : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/2024-listeria-outbreaks-us-canada-explained-9474916/