Stages in the intracellular lifecycle of L. monocytogenes. Image source wikipedia
A national news media in Indonesia reported on the deaths of four Australians, the cause of death is confirmed by being infected by Listeria bacteria in the melons they consume, it actually makes Indonesians anxious because it is believed that many of the melons circulating in Indonesia come from Australian plantations.
The melons consumed by the four killed are from plantations in New South Wales, and the Australian government has now issued a provisional regulation on the ban on consuming melons.
Mentioned that Listeria bacteria is a bacterium categorized to gram-positive bacteria move with Flagella.
Listeria bacteria are considered harmful to humans who have weak physical conditions such as infants, pregnant women, elderly, sick and people who have low immunity, the worst stage of this bacterial infection is a death.
Director General of disease control of the health ministry of the Republic of Indonesia dr. Subuh. said that 1-10% of human intestines could have Listeria bacteria, besides humans, Listeria bacteria have also been found in several species of mammals, poultry, fish, and shellfish.
What are Listeria bacteria?
Listeria bacteria or Listeria monocytogenes and can live in two places soil, and water, Infection caused by listeria bacteria called listeriosis infection.
EGD Murray first described this bacteria after the discovery of six rabbits that died suddenly in 1924. In accordance with some explanations, expert states that Listeria evolved and attacked the intestinal membrane, initial symptoms are usually the victim of fever and other common symptoms.
Listeria is thought to infect the spinal membrane, brain, and blood of the victim (host) through contaminated food such as meat, fresh milk, and other unheated raw foods, which is heated properly by heating the food until Listeria bacteria die.
What kind of melons caused the four Australians dead?
What should we do to anticipate this bacteria?
Cantaloupe or rockmelon. Image source pixabay
This type of melon was first mentioned in literature in 1736, the cantaloupe itself was Italian (cantalupo) and was introduced to America in 1890.
Cantaloupe is generally served as a handful of fresh fruit, If you are interested to consume cantaloupe you should wash and scrub the surface of this melon because cantaloupe has a rough fruit surface (textured).
The character of Australian rockmelon/cantaloupe.
- Has orange color (contents)
- Sweeter than local melon (Indonesia)
- Not the result of Indonesian plantation (Import)
What is the danger of Listeriosis infection?
In addition to causing death, Listeria bacteria can also affect the condition of pregnant women and fetus in the womb, as it can cause a miscarriage with a potential death of 20-25%. In addition to pregnant women and fetuses, infections can also occur in the elderly and people who have low immunity.
What are the consequences of listeriosis infection?
- Fever
- Nausea
- Dizzy
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Dead (fatal)
What should we do to anticipate this bacteria?
Macro photo of the skin of cantaloupe. Image source wikipedia
This type of bacteria has a high resistance to heat and cold, the results stated that Listeria can continue to grow at a temperature of 40oC, dr. Subuh says that to kill the listeria bacteria, higher heating is required because the Listeria bacteria can only die at 75oC or higher.
You should save your food safely if you freeze your food then make sure to heat it first with a good temperature, 75oC or more.
In addition to washing your raw food ingredients, you should also rinse it with flowing water. Some fruits of agricultural products should also be scrubbed with a clean brush thoroughly.
Make a classification of your ingredients by separating meat, vegetables and other raw foods, make sure your cooking equipment and hands are sterile before cooking.
CONCLUSION
According to dr. Subuh, humans have Listeria bacteria of 1-10% in their intestines, the percentage is still considered normal and would be dangerous if the percentage of bacterial growth increases.
Listeria bacteria can live in soil and water, making it easier to spread the bacteria, research results say that in addition to human listeria bacteria are also found in animals and fruits.
Listeria bacteria can cause listeriosis infection, listeriosis infection is allegedly fatal to humans because it can cause the patient to die because listeria bacteria can infect the brain, blood of the patient and other negative effects.
Some cases suggest that pregnant women, the elderly and people with low immunity are more susceptible to this infection.
To anticipate this bacteria, you should consume foods that have been pasteurized and do not consume food that is indicated to be contaminated by listeria bacteria.
Currently, the government of the Republic of Indonesia has taken a stance on the death of four Australians caused by listeria bacteria, for while the government of the Republic of Indonesia has banned its citizens to eat melons originating from Australia up to an undetermined time.
My advice, keep your health with a healthy life :)
This is the only thing I can write on this occasion, over all the mistakes and lack of unintentional writing as a servant of God, I apologize.
Thanks to friends who have visited this blog and provided constructive comments, as well as scientists who are willing to sacrifice their time for a better civilization.
Active link reference:
www.depkes.go.id
www.wikipedia.com
www.lifestyle.okezone.com
www.theguardian.com
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