From the Guidelines
Listeria monocytogenes is a serious foodborne bacterial pathogen that requires immediate medical attention, and the most effective treatment involves antibiotics such as ampicillin plus gentamicin, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.
Key Points
- Listeria monocytogenes can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw vegetables.
- Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, but can progress to more severe complications like meningitis or septicemia.
- Treatment duration is typically 2-3 weeks for uncomplicated cases and 3-6 weeks for invasive infections.
- For those allergic to penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or a combination of meropenem and levofloxacin may be used.
- Prevention involves thoroughly cooking raw food, washing fruits and vegetables, avoiding unpasteurized dairy products, and proper food handling hygiene.
Prevention Measures
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized fruit juices.
- Wash hands, cutting boards, counters, knives, and other utensils thoroughly after contact with uncooked foods.
- Cook leftover foods or ready-to-eat foods until steaming hot before eating.
- Avoid foods from delicatessen counters or heat/reheat these foods until steaming before eating.
- Avoid refrigerated pâtés and other meat spreads, or heat/reheat these foods until steaming.
High-Risk Groups
- Pregnant women, newborns, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing listeriosis.
- Individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive therapy are also at increased risk.
- These groups should take extra precautions to avoid exposure to Listeria monocytogenes, such as avoiding high-risk foods and practicing proper food handling hygiene 2, 3, 4.
From the Research
Listeria Infections
- Listeria infections are mainly food-borne illnesses caused by L. monocytogenes, affecting pregnant women, newborns, elderly, and those with compromised immunity 5.
- The disease is associated with a high mortality rate, making effective antibiotic treatment essential 5.
Treatment Options
- Ampicillin alone or in combination with gentamicin remains the treatment of choice for listeriosis 5, 6, 7.
- Alternative therapies, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, vancomycin, and fluoroquinolones, may be used for patients with allergies or certain disease states 5.
- Gentamicin combination treatment has been shown to be associated with lower mortality in patients with invasive listeriosis 8.
Antibiotic Susceptibility
- L. monocytogenes strains have been found to be susceptible to various antimicrobial agents, including ampicillin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 6.
- The susceptibility pattern of L. monocytogenes strains has not changed significantly over a period of 20 years in Argentina 6.