The risk involved with Listeriosis
Listeria,
a food-borne bacteria on the prowl, has been making rounds in international
media. Recent outbreaks of Listeriosis in the US claimed three lives after it
was taken into account that a listeria-infected milkshake was consumed.
According to the US FDA, ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, chocolates, yogurts,
and wraps were all under the lens for possible listeria contamination. Reports
have also emerged from the UK and Australia about the recent outbreak of
Listeriosis. There have been recent recalls of chocolates, milkshakes, frozen
corn, etc., in the past, and news has also emerged that people have died while
consuming certain products.
What is listeria?
Listeria
monocytogenes is the causative agent of Listeriosis and is mainly associated
with food-borne outbreaks worldwide. The bacteria can cause sepsis, febrile
gastroenteritis, stillbirth, abortions, and meningoencephalitis. In India,
researchers have found Listeria in foods, soil, vegetables, mangrove swamps,
fish (both seafood and freshwater), and some insects. The bacteria have been
isolated from women with spontaneous abortions, miscarriages, etc. Pregnant
women are more likely to get infected with the disease than healthy adults. The
chances of contracting the infection are high for people with less immunity and
suffer from AIDs, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. The bacterial illness
leads to septicemia, abortion, stillbirth, perinatal infections, meningitis,
gastroenteritis, and meningoencephalitis and is more common in
immuno-compromised individuals and the elderly.
Way to prevent Listeriosis
Listeriosis
is a preventable and curable disease. However, one should remember that raw
food from animal sources such as poultry and red meat should be thoroughly
washed and cooked properly before consumption. The same goes for vegetables,
too. Raw, unpasteurised milk should be avoided. Doctors usually prescribe
antibiotics to treat severe forms of Listeriosis and meningitis.
The outlook
Though
there have been not many reports regarding the outbreak of Listeriosis in
India, one needs to watch the symptoms and report it to their physician
constantly. One reason for the low number of cases may be due to the cooking
pattern of India, where we usually avoid cold refrigerated foods and instead
insist on freshly cooked hot foods.
