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 cases1 2 3 4 9. Other common symptoms include muscle aches and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea2.
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 convulsions2 5 7. In cases of neurolisteriosis, patients often exhibit altered consciousness and higher white blood cell counts, indicating a more severe infection1.
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 stillbirth3 4 7 8 9. Newborns infected with listeriosis may present with respiratory distress, fever, and sepsis, and are at high risk for meningitis3 4 8 9.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory tests often reveal elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocytosis, and neutrophilia in patients with listeriosis1 4 9. 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 infection4 9.
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 is a rare disease with variable clinical characteristics in Hefei City, China, and early diagnosis requires considering unexplained fever, altered consciousness, hypoproteinemia, anemia, elevated CRP, and D-dimer.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalListeriosis
Listeriosis is a dangerous infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, especially for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis in pregnancy: under-diagnosis despite over-treatment
Fever, premature contractions, and inflammatory markers are important risk indices for listeriosis in pregnancy, prompting workup and adequate empiric treatment.
Observational StudyRigorous Journal[Clinical analysis of 19 pregnancies complicated listeriosis].
Listeriosis during pregnancy has acute onset, quick development, and high morbidity, with empiric antibiotic use potentially not covering listeria.
Observational StudyListeriosis: a resurgent foodborne infection.
Listeria monocytogenes is a resurgent foodborne infection, with increased rates in Europe, particularly in those over 65 years of age, and the importance of isolating the pathogen for accurate epidemiological investigations and transmission prevention.
Highly CitedTo the issue of differential diagnosis of listeriosis
To accurately diagnose listeriosis, it is crucial to evaluate epidemiological, medical history data, and use an extended spectrum of laboratory confirmation.
Case ReportListeriosis: the review of a problem, presentation of a clinical case of listeria sepsis in a 4-month child
Listeria monocytogenes infection in a 4-month child led to sepsis development, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment in this rare infection.
Case ReportAn Update Review on Listeria Infection in Pregnancy
Early detection and diagnosis of pregnancy-associated listeriosis are crucial for improving newborn prognosis, and dietary guidance for pregnant women can reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related listeriosis.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalA comprehensive analysis of listeriosis in 13 pregnant women and 27 newborns in Xi’an from 2011 to 2020
Listeriosis is a rare disease with variable clinical characteristics in Xi'an, and should be considered in cases of unexplained fever, abdominal pain, premature signs, and respiratory symptoms.
Observational StudyListeriosis in Pregnancy: A Review.
Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause severe adverse outcomes, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.
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