Listeria: A small bacterium with big health consequences
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EmailListeriosis can be life threatening to people with weakened immune systems.
Some people will brag that they “haven’t gotten sick yet” from suspect food and beverages, yet there are others that are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. A healthy immune system is needed to fight off all kinds of microorganisms that can cause illnesses ranging from a mild stomachache to more serious conditions such as bacterial meningitis or sepsis, and even death.
Microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses are calledpathogens. The pathogenic bacteria listeria can lead to serious health issues such as sepsis and bacterial meningitis or long-term health issues. Usually, symptoms start after several days from the time of eating contaminated food but can also develop up to two months after eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified several health conditions that may cause a weakened immune system and therefore leave people at higher risk for foodborne illness. Groups that are at risk for listeriosis include older adults; individuals who are pregnant; people with chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS; and individuals on anti-rejection medications after an organ transplant.
The CDC reports that adults 65 years of age and older are four times more likely to become ill from listeria infections than a healthy adult. A helpful guide for preventing foodborne illnesses is available within the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) booklet: Food Safety: For older adults and people with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants and autoimmune diseases.
For another high-risk group, the FDA estimates that people who are pregnant are 10 times more likely to contract listeriosis from consuming contaminated food or drink.
A listeria infection during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or potentially fatal infection for newborns. One family’s devastating story shows some of the health difficulties that are possible from listeriosis. For more information on listeria risks and pregnancy, the FDA also provides valuable information in their reference booklet: Food Safety: For pregnant women, their unborn babies, and children under five.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caution that certain beverages and food have a higher risk of causing listeriosis:
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In order to protect you and your loved ones, Michigan State University Extension recommends washing your hands before, during (when appropriate) and after preparing food. Additionally, rinse all fruits and vegetables with running water before use making sure to scrub firm products, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
The CDC cautions that unlike most bacteria, Listeria can grow and spread in the refrigerator. Regularly cleaning and knowing how long food can be kept in the refrigerator will minimize the risk of listerosis.
Be aware of current food recalls by visiting the FDA and the USDA for a list of food recalls and signing up for email notifications of new food recalls. MSU Extension provides more information with the fact sheet on How to React to Food Recalls.
