Is Listeria rare in pregnancy?
What is listeria?Listeria is a bacterium (Listeria monocytogenes) that is common in the environment, and is carried by many farm animals and pets. You can be infected by listeria if you eat contaminated food. Some foods are riskier than others the riskiest are those eaten raw or inadequately cooked. Show Listeriosis the name of the infection caused by listeria. It is rare, but potentially serious, especially for a fetus or newborn. Each year in Australia, about 150 people are hospitalised due to listeriosis, and a small number die. Listeriosis symptomsMany people exposed to listeria remain healthy. Some have no symptoms, while others have vomiting and diarrhoea, which is normally resolved without medical treatment. But listeria can pass from the gut to other parts of the body such as the placenta and the brain. This type of listeria infection has a long incubation period (meaning it can take weeks or months after exposure for any symptoms to show). Symptoms can be mild, including:
In rare cases, listeria can cause serious and life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia), meningitis (inflammation around the brain) or encephalitis (infection of the brain). Symptoms of these serious conditions include:
Listeriosis in pregnancy and newborn babiesWhile listeriosis can affect anyone, it's particularly worrying for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Newborn babies infected with listeria from their mother can become seriously ill with meningitis, blood poisoning or other infections. There are no records of women passing listeria to their babies through breastfeeding, however. Listeria diagnosisYou should see your doctor if you think you might have listeriosis. For example, if you:
Your doctor will discuss the foods you've eaten and probably take a sample of blood. Listeriosis is confirmed if laboratory tests find listeria growing in the sample. Listeriosis treatmentIf you do develop listeriosis, you'll be treated with antibiotics. Prompt treatment can stop the infection from passing to your unborn baby. Listeriosis preventionThe best way to avoid listeria infection is to avoid high-risk foods, and to follow hygienic food handling techniques. Foods at high risk of carrying listeria include:
Click here for more information on food to avoid when pregnant. Here are some tips on how to handle food to reduce your risk of infection.
You should also:
When to seek helpRemember that even if you have only mild symptoms, listeria can have a serious effect on your baby. See your doctor if you have any concerns about listeria while pregnant. You can also call Pregnancy Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse. You should also seek medical advice if you have any concerns about the condition of your baby. |