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Listeriosis
Medical Questions » Listeriosis
| Name: Listeriosis |
| Also known as: |
| A rare form of meningitis (infection of the membranes surrounding the brain) in newborn babies. |
Causes of Listeriosis
Listeria monocytogenes is the bacteria responsible. It can be caught from contaminated food, particularly soft cheeses (eg. brie) and salads. |
Symptoms of Listeriosis
In adults and children, the bacteria usually causes no symptoms and is harmless, but if a pregnant woman is infected, the bacteria may spread through her bloodstream to the placenta and fetus, where it can cause
widespread infection. |
Tests for Listeriosis
Blood cultures are diagnostic. |
Treatment for Listeriosis
Antibiotics can be used in newborn infants, but they are often not successful. Treatment is more successful if started during pregnancy, but the infection is rarely detected before the infant is born.
|
Complications of Listeriosis of its treatment
Often results in a miscarriage, or death of the fetus and a stillbirth. |
Likely Outcome of Listeriosis
Infants that survive birth suffer from a septicemia (blood infection) that soon contracts to a meningitis that is frequently fatal. |
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