Prevention of Listeriosis

Dr. Claude Allouche, Gynecologist Listeria prevention engl
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana
058 726 02 64

  • Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria Monocytogenes, transmitted through food by ingesting contaminated products.

  • The most at-risk groups for listeriosis are pregnant women and their newborns, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people.

  • In pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to a late miscarriage, preterm birth, or neonatal infection (with symptoms such as skin lesions, respiratory distress, or neurological damage).

  • Listeria is commonly found in nature, in water, soil, and plants. It easily contaminates food production sites, especially if the cold chain is compromised. However, the actual infection is not frequent. For food to be contaminated, the bacterial load must be significant.

Prevention
Preventing listeriosis during pregnancy involves:

  • Taking food precautions throughout pregnancy
  • Seeking medical advice if any clinical symptoms suggest an infection
  • There is a simple and effective antibiotic treatment available.

Avoid consuming:

  • Jelly-type deli meats, rillettes, pâtés, foie gras
  • Soft cheeses made from raw milk
  • Smoked fish
  • Raw shellfish, surimi, tarama
  • Raw sprouted seeds (soybeans)

It is recommended to:

  • Cook animal products thoroughly (meat, fish, raw deli meats)
  • Choose prepackaged foods (lower risk of contamination)
  • Remove the rind from cheeses (foods contaminated through contact with the environment)
  • Wash raw vegetables thoroughly
  • Consume deli meats and raw foods quickly
  • Follow expiration dates
  • Practice regular food hygiene, including washing hands and cleaning kitchen tools after use
  • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods
  • Reheat leftovers and cooked dishes before consumption
  • Ensure the refrigerator temperature is low enough (4°C)
  • Clean and disinfect the refrigerator regularly with bleach.

Consult a doctor if any of the following symptoms appear (in pregnant women):

  • Fever ≥ 38°C

  • Flu-like symptoms: feverish rhinitis, chills, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches.

  • If in doubt, an antibiotic treatment will be prescribed to avoid complications in pregnant women.

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