Beware Of Listeria Bacterium Which Can Be Really Deadly; Know Ways Of Preventing It

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Listeriosis is an infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. The infection can even lead to death,besides causing illness,and is a widespread ailment. Listeria infection is caused bythe consumption of contaminated foods.

The bacterium is present in soil and environment andit can further multiply invegetables and in fruits grown on contaminated soil or by the use ofmanure fertilisersthat get contaminated by Listeria.

Causes For Listeria Infection:
Besidesconsuming meats of animals that carry the bacterium,this condition does notexhibit any symptom that can lead to theassociated infection,especially if the meat is not cooked. Foods made from unpasteurized dairy products like milk can also cause suchaninfection.

Once one consumes the food contaminated with Listeria, the bacterium travels through the gastrointestinal tract and into the bloodstream. The toxins that produce Listeria can damage the cells.
The bacterium can hit the nervous system in our body, causing ailments like meningitis or encephalitis. The bacterium has the ability to fox the immune cells to locate it and that makes it all the more deadly.

Symptoms Of Listeria Infection:
Symptoms of Listeria infection include headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc. But the infection can be really bad for those withaweak immunity, elderly people and pregnant women. The bacterium can cross the placenta in the womb,which protects the baby and can result in stillbirth or risky infection for the newborn.

Listeriosis is generally diagnosed through blood test,besides spinal fluid and urine tests.

Treatment And Prevention Of Listeria Infection:
The best way to treat this infection is bystrengthening the immunity by eating healthy foods. Besides of course, there are medicines to treat the problem.

But more than treating the infection, it is better to prevent it by taking care of the cooking. Here are some tips on how to prepare food:

• Meat should be cooked properly

• Put cooked food intherefrigerator within two hours of preparing it

• Use only pasteurised milk products,so that the possibility of contamination is minimum

• Do not keep outside food in the refrigerator for more than 2weeks

• Sanitise your hands while dealing with food

• Don't use the same cutting equipment to treat vegetables after using it to cut raw meat and vice versa

• Clean your refrigerator periodically,since Listeria bacterium can also grow in it

• The basic rule: Wash all eatables before consuming them

• Do not eat leftovers after several days. Even leftovers that are a day old should be heated at a very high temperature before consumption

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.