LISTERIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recent weeks have seen two separate outbreaks of listeria, a food-contaminating bacteria, reported in the United States and Canada.

Listeria

• About: It is a type of bacteria found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage, and even the feces of animals and humans. 

oListeria-contaminated food can lead to an infection called listeriosis.

• Symptoms: Most people who ingest listeria-infected food do not fall sick or develop symptoms. 

oThe bacteria can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months until the symptoms present themselves, making it difficult to establish the connection between what was consumed and the infection.

• Vulnerable People: With compromised immune systems, pregnant persons and their offspring, and the elderly (aged 65 and above) are vulnerable. 
• According to the CDC, pregnant women are 10 times more likely to develop a listeria infection and risk pregnancy loss, premature birth, or even life-threatening infection in the newborn. 
• Risk: Listeria can result in hospitalization and even death for the immunocompromised and the elderly. 
• Treatment: It depends on the extent of the infection. 

oThe treatment is similar to one for a routine stomach infection and could require antibiotics.