Listeriosis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - UPSC Notes | Testbook.com

Understanding Listeriosis

Source: histopathology-india.net

• Listeriosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
• This bacterium can cause symptoms similar to the flu, making it particularly dangerous for people over 65 and pregnant women.
• Symptoms of Listeriosis:
  • Symptoms may include nausea, chills, diarrhoea, body aches, muscle pain, and high fever.
  • In severe cases, the bacterium can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Causes and Spread of Listeriosis:
  • Listeriosis is caused by the ingestion of food contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. This bacterium is naturally present in the environment and can be found in the intestines of certain animals, as well as in soil and water.
  • The bacterium can infect humans through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as well as certain pre-prepared fruits like sliced melons.
  • It can also be contracted from soft cheeses like camembert, which are ripened with mould.
  • Ready-to-eat foods like cooked shellfish, smoked fish, cured meats, and sliced meats can also be sources of infection.
  • In some cases, it can spread through direct contact with infected humans or farm animals.
• The World Health Organization has classified it as a serious but treatable and preventable disease.
• Despite its high mortality rate, Listeriosis is considered a significant public health concern.
• It is a relatively rare disease, with an incidence of 0.1-10 cases per million people per year, depending on the region and country.

Listeriosis in the News

• On May 1, 2023, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of the United Kingdom issued an alert.
• Müller, a German dairy brand that manufactures desserts under the Cadbury licence, has been implicated in this case.
• Müller has recalled certain batches of Cadbury-branded dessert products due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
• The recall specifically pertains to six products produced on May 17 or 18.