What are the symptoms of listeriosis?
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Symptoms of Listeriosis: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Symptoms of Listeriosis
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, presents a range of symptoms that can vary significantly depending on the affected population. The most frequently reported symptom across various studies is fever, which is observed in a majority of cases . Other common symptoms include muscle aches and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
Neurological Symptoms
When the infection spreads to the nervous system, more severe symptoms can occur. These include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions . In cases of neurolisteriosis, patients often exhibit altered consciousness and higher white blood cell counts, indicating a more severe infection.
Symptoms in Pregnant Women and Newborns
Pregnant women and their newborns are particularly vulnerable to listeriosis. Pregnant women often experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and myalgia, which can lead to more severe outcomes such as premature labor and stillbirth . Newborns infected with listeriosis may present with respiratory distress, fever, and sepsis, and are at high risk for meningitis .
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory tests often reveal elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytosis, and neutrophilia in patients with listeriosis . In pregnant women, increased white blood cell counts and inflammatory markers are common, while in newborns, elevated protein levels and white blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid are indicative of the infection .
Conclusion
Listeriosis is a severe infection with a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological and systemic manifestations. Early detection and treatment are crucial, especially in high-risk groups such as pregnant women and newborns, to prevent serious health outcomes. Understanding the common symptoms and laboratory findings associated with listeriosis can aid in prompt diagnosis and effective management of the disease.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Patients infected by Listeria monocytogenes at a Tertiary Hospital in Hefei City, China
Listeriosis
Listeriosis in pregnancy: under-diagnosis despite over-treatment
[Clinical analysis of 19 pregnancies complicated listeriosis].
Listeriosis: a resurgent foodborne infection.
To the issue of differential diagnosis of listeriosis
Listeriosis: the review of a problem, presentation of a clinical case of listeria sepsis in a 4-month child
An Update Review on Listeria Infection in Pregnancy
A comprehensive analysis of listeriosis in 13 pregnant women and 27 newborns in Xi’an from 2011 to 2020
Listeriosis in Pregnancy: A Review.
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