$Unique_ID{BRK00834}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Meant by "Listeriosis"?}
$Subject{listeriosis infection bacteria bacterium Infections infection
bacterium Listeria monocytogenes meningitis inflammation meninges tissue
spinal cord brain meningoencephalitis pregnancy pregnancies pregnant infect
fetus miscarriages contaminated food antibiotics}
$Volume{A-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Meant by "Listeriosis"?


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QUESTION:  It sounded like the name of a mouth wash, but our doctor assured us
that "listis" something was nothing to kid about.  Can you figure out what he
meant?  It is very important to many members of our family and we hope you can
help.

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ANSWER:  I believe he spoke of Listeriosis, a serious disease caused by the
bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.  In adults, it can cause meningitis
(inflammation of the meninges, the tissue around the spinal cord and brain),
meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the meninges and brain), a flu-like
illness, or even death.  In a pregnant woman, it can also infect the fetus and
kill it, causing miscarriages.  Listeriosis occurs mostly in adults over 40,
pregnant women, and people who have a poor immune system.
     The bacteria that cause listeriosis is all around us normally, and many
people carry it in their intestinal tract with no harm.  However, several
outbreaks of the disease have been linked to contaminated food products,
notably soft unpasteurized cheeses.  In a 1985 outbreak in California, 86
cases and 29 deaths resulted.
     Listeriosis can be treated effectively with antibiotics and prompt
treatment of a pregnant woman can keep her baby from becoming infected.  To
keep from catching the disease, pregnant women and people with poor immune
systems should stay away from people known to be infected with listeriosis and
from potentially infected materials.  Pay strict heed to your doctor's
recommendations.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.