Listeriosis

22.4 Listeriosis Listeriosis was already discussed as a nervous system disease in livestock called Circling Disease. See page 256. It was also mentioned as a cause of abortion and death in people.

Listeriosis is caused by a bacteria (Listeria) that is commonly found in the digestive system of many livestock and people. Usually this bacteria causes disease in babies less than one month of age, and in older people who are weak for various reasons. Sometimes the disease causes pregnant women to become sick, and their babies may be born dead or die shortly after birth. Although the bacteria are found in healthy people, cases of Listeriosis are sometimes associated with drinking unpasteurized milk or eating cheese from infected animals.

Symptoms/Diagnosis  Babies are either born dead or die shortly after birth. Adults that are weakened by cancer or other conditions may develop a serious flu-like condition.

 Diagnosis is made by culturing the organism from the blood or cerebral-spinal fluid (i.e. fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain). A special technique is required to get this type of specimen.

Treatment  If Listeriosis is suspected, people should be given antibiotics. Ampicillin works well.

Control  Good sanitation and pasteurization of milk and cheese products are important. Animals that have aborted should be isolated from other animals. The dead baby and placenta should be buried or burned, and people should avoid direct contact with the fetus or tissues (i.e. wear plastic gloves when touching tissue).