Listeriosis

Listeriosis: disease, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Listeriosis is an infectious disease belonging to the group of zoonoses. This disease is characterized by a variety of clinical manifestations. Acute forms of listeriosis can manifest as purulent meningitis, meningoencephalitis, sepsis, and chronic forms most often occur as recurrent inflammation of the urinary tract. The main route of infection is nutritional, that is, through the digestive tract.

Listeria is a short, gram-positive rod that is aerobic and stable in the external environment. They are sensitive to certain antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracyclines, erythromycin and chloramphenicol. The causative agent of listeriosis enters the body through the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.

Some people become carriers of listeria, in which they carry the bacterium but do not develop overt infection. The development of the manifest form of listeriosis is facilitated by conditions that suppress the immune system, such as long-term therapy with glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, the presence of neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, AIDS and other immunodeficiency conditions. When Listeria enters the blood, an acute febrile state occurs, and then the pathogen is fixed in the cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system and in the nervous system, which leads to the development of meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Listeria can also persist in the kidneys for a long time, which is important for pregnant women, since intrauterine infection of the fetus is possible.

Symptoms of listeriosis can manifest in a variety of ways. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 70 days. Acute forms begin suddenly with chills, fever, headache, irritability and muscle pain. A rash often occurs and may be macular or erythematous. The rash worsens in the area of ​​large joints and can form a “butterfly” shape on the face. In some forms of the disease, enlargement and tenderness of the peripheral lymph nodes are also observed. If the disease affects the nervous system, meningeal symptoms and signs of encephalitis, such as headache, neck stiffness, seizures and changes in consciousness, may occur.

To diagnose listeriosis, laboratory tests are carried out, including inoculation of biological material (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, etc.) on special nutrient media, followed by identification of the pathogen. Serological diagnosis can also be carried out, based on the determination of antibodies to Listeria in the blood.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Penicillins are the drug of choice, but if you are allergic to penicillins, other antibiotics such as tetracyclines or erythromycin can be used. The duration of treatment depends on the form and severity of the disease, usually from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Prevention of listeriosis includes maintaining good hygiene when preparing and storing food. It is recommended to thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consumption, and avoid eating undercooked meat products, dairy products from unverified sources, blue cheeses and other potentially hazardous products. It is also important to avoid contact with animals, especially pregnant animals, which may carry listeria.

In conclusion, listeriosis is a serious infectious disease that can have a variety of clinical manifestations. It is important to observe the rules of hygiene when preparing and eating food, and also to consult a doctor if appropriate symptoms appear for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can be spread through food, water and contact with an infected person. Listeriosis can affect people of all ages, but it most often affects pregnant women, the elderly and children.

Symptoms of listeriosis can vary depending on the form of the disease. Common symptoms include headache, fever, muscle pain, weakness and loss of appetite. In some cases, listeriosis can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, endocarditis and sepsis.

To prevent listeriosis, it is necessary to maintain good hygiene and eat only safe food. It is also important to monitor your health and consult a doctor if symptoms of the disease appear.

Listeriosis mainly affects farm animals and birds, especially pigs, sheep and goats, as well as cats, dogs and rodents. The source of listeriosis for humans can be meat, meat products, milk of animals and birds, and canned meat. Infection can occur through contact with infected material, including secretions of rodents and animals, as well as through the use of contaminated instruments for cosmetic, medical, veterinary and other procedures. Listeriosis is characterized by natural focal circulation among animals with a herd lifestyle, on farms, especially on pig farms. The disease can occur either sporadically or in endemic outbreaks.