How is Listeria meningitis treated?
Ampicillin with or without an aminoglycoside remains the best treatment for meningitis caused by L monocytogenes.
Does Listeria cause meningitis?
Most listeria infections are so mild they can go unnoticed. However, in some cases, a listeria infection can lead to life-threatening complications, including: Generalized blood infection. Inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain (meningitis)
How is Listeria meningitis diagnosed?
A blood test is often the most effective way to determine whether you have a listeria infection. In some cases, samples of urine or spinal fluid will be tested as well.
Who is at risk for Listeria meningitis?
Listeria is most likely to sicken pregnant women and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Other people can be infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.
How long do you treat Listeria?
In either case, if the diagnostic test comes back positive for a listeria infection, the “standard” treatment is a 14- to 21-day course of intravenous (IV) antibiotics using the drugs ampicillin and gentamicin, which provide more protection against the harmful bacteria than oral doses.
Can Listeria cause birth defects?
How can listeriosis affect my baby? Babies born with listeriosis may have serious infections of the blood or brain. Listeriosis can cause lifelong health problems for your baby, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or problems with the brain, kidneys, or heart.
How common is Listeria meningitis?
Listeriosis is rare. It affects about 1,600 people in the United States each year and causes around 260 deaths. In fetuses, newborns, and others who have a weakened immune system or are at high risk, complications like meningitis can progress rapidly.
How long does it take to get rid of Listeria?
The majority of people with Listeria infections spontaneously clear the infection in about seven days. However, those patients at increased risk, especially pregnant women, usually require immediate IV antibiotic treatment to prevent, halt, or slow the development of more severe disease.
What foods contain Listeria?
Foods at high risk of carrying listeria include:
- foods at ready-to-eat salad bars, sandwich bars and delicatessens.
- ready-to-eat meals.
- soft and semi-soft cheeses.
- unwashed raw vegetables.
- soft-serve ice cream.
- raw shellfish and seafood.
- unpasteurised dairy products.
- cold cured or prepared meats.