Here are the 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Listeriosis And Their Answers
1.What is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a serious bacterial disease caused by the Gram-positive, rod shaped bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes. The bacterium is widely distributed in nature and an be found in soil, water and contaminated food. Animals and food products such as vegetables can become contaminated from these sources. nfection with Listeria usually results in gastro-enteritis with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. However, in persons with weak immunity, Listeriosis can lead to meningitis or septicaemia. In pregnant women, Listeriosis may results in preganancy loss (abortion) along with meningitis of their infant.
2. Who can get Listeriosis?
Anyone can get Listeriosis. However, those at high risk of severe disease are newborns, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and their unborn babies; and those with underlying conditions such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease.
3. Where does Listeriosis occur in South Africa?
The first documented outbreak of listeriosis was from August 1977 to April 1978 where 14 cases from the Johannesburg area were reported. Sporadic cases occur throughout South Africa. In January to September 2015, seven cases were reported from a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape Province. No common source of exposure was found amongst these cases, although at least five of the seven were shown to be related on laboratory examination.
4. How is Listeriosis transmitted?
Listeriosis is usually spread through the ingestion of contaminated food products most frequently with raw or unpasteurised milk and soft cheeses, but also vegetables, processed foods, ready-to-eat meats and smoked fish products. Listeria can survive in normal temperatures associated with refrigeration (4°C). The Listeria bacterium can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby during pregnancy or at the time of birth. Direct contact with the organism can cause skin lesions.
5. What are the signs and symptoms of Listeriosis in humans?
The incubation period varies and can be between 3 – 70 days (median 3 weeks). Up to 10% of people may be asymptomatic carriers. This figure may be higher in abattoir and laboratory workers who work with Listeria monocytogenes cultures. In the average healthy adult, infection is usually asymptomatic. Symptoms are usually mild and may include fever, myalgia, malaise and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. In at-risk patients, spread of infection to the nervous system can cause meningitis leading to headaches, confusion, stiff neck, loss of balance or convulsions. Bacteraemia may also occur.
Pregnant women may present with mild flu-like illness associated with headache, fever and myalgia. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature births, infection of the newborn with permanent disability, and miscarriage or stillbirth.
6. How is Listeriosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by culturing Listeria monocytogenes from clinical specimens such blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), amniotic fluid, placenta or other sterile body fluids. A high index of suspicion is needed for diagnosis as the organisms may be mistaken for skin contaminants (diphtheroids) on Gram stain.
7. How is Listeriosis treated?
Gastro-enteritis due to Listeria usually does not require treatment. Meningitis or septicaemia due to Listeria can be life threatening and should be treated with intravenous antibiotics. Such as ampicillin alone or in combination with other antibiotics such as gentamicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Listeria is resistant to the cephalosporin antibiotics.
8. How can Listeriosis be prevented?
Unlike most other foodborne pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes can grow in refrigerated foods that are contaminated. To prevent this, it is recommended to have fridge temperatures below 4oC; and freezer temperatures below -18oC. Therefore, those at high risk of listeriosis should avoid the following foods:
- Raw or unpasteurized milk, or dairy products that contain unpasteurized milk;
- Soft cheeses (e.g. feta, goat, Brie);
- Foods from delicatessen counters (e.g. prepared salads, cold meats) that have not beenheated/reheated adequately;
- Refrigerated pâtés.There is no vaccine or pre-exposure prophylaxis for preventing infection. The main preventive measure is to always ensure that good basic hygiene is followed. This includes:
Using only pasteurized dairy products;
Thoroughly cooking raw foods from animal sources, such as beef, pork or poultry;
Washing your hands before preparing food, before eating and after going to the toilet;
Washing and decontamination of kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly, particularly after preparing raw meat, poultry and eggs, including industrial kitchens;
Washing raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
9. Where can I find out more information
For more information: contact the Outbreak Response Unit or the Centre for Enteric Diseases (for use by
healthcare professionals only).
- Medical / clinical related queries: NICD Hotline +27 82 883 9920;
- Results inquiries: NICD Specimen Receiving Laboratory: +27 11 386 6404.
