Listerosis is a type of food poisoning. Listerosis occurs from the intake of food which has been contaminated by listeria monocytogens. Listeria monocytogens being the causative agent of Listerosis is a bacteria that can survive both in the presence and absence of oxygen. It was first recognise as a animal pathogen but over the years there has been severe outbreak of listerosis affecting man either by ingestion of contaminated foods or from transmission of this infection. The transmission of listeria monocytogens to man can only occur from mother to fetus, other ways man can get the infection listerosis is only by the intake of contaminated foods. The bacteria Listeria monocytogens is mainly found in the air,soil and it is a opportunistic pathogen(causes an infection when the opportunity arises).In almost 80-90% of infected individuals the disease doesn't show a pathogenic effect unless a large proportion of the pathogen is being ingested except for those with weak immune system and in pregnant women.
Foods like dairy products(foods gotten from animals) examples: cheese,milk and yogurt can get contaminated with Listeria monocytogens from animals who have been infected with Listerosis. Other food products like meat,eggs and fish gotten from animals can be contaminated too if the animal was infected with Listeria monocytogens. Processed foods like sardines,jam and corned beef can be affected by Listeria monocytogens while in a processing facility. Foods can also be contaminated in the refrigerator when preserved with contaminated foods the bacteria can transfer to uncontaminated foods.Vegetables can get contaminated through the soil.
SYMPTOMS OF LISTEROSIS
Symptoms of Listerosis can occur at any time from two(2) to seventy(70) days after contaminated food is being taken in. Symptoms of listerosis include
•Diarrhea
•Fever
•Nausea
•Muscle aches
•Vomiting
•Some GIT(gastro-intestinal tract) infections
•Meningitis
TREATMENT OF LISTEROSIS
Babies can contaminate Listerosis from their mother's through the placenta or during childbirth
A child born with Listerosis
Source
Cancer patients are of high risk to the infection,listerosis especially those having cancers relating to blood. Pregnant women, the elderly and those with immune compromise system are also highly susceptible to listerosis. Infections during pregnancy can lead to still birth or miscarriage.Cases of listerosis in HIV patients is more higher and severe
Treatment of listerosis in high risk patients is very critical and should be done properly with care cause complications can become fatal.
Antibiotics such as ampicillin,gentamacin,penicillin G and Trimethoprim can be use
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF LISTEROSIS
•The refrigerator should be well cleaned before foods should be stored in it
•Listeria monocytogens can survive temperatures between (3-3.5)ºC so it is advisable for food products to be refrigerated at a temperature of 4ºC.
•Foods should be washed properly with water before eating or cooking.
•Foods should be well cooked.
•Pregnant women should try as much a possible to avoid the intake of salads made in the stores, unpasteurized milk, refrigerated sea foods.
•Food preparation surfaces and utensils should be properly washed.
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