Listeriosis [Causes, Symptoms, Treatment] - UPSC Notes

In May 2023, Cadbury chocolates were recalled in the United Kingdom (UK) due to contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. In this article, we discuss what is the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria, what it causes and other important details for the IAS exam.

What is Listeriosis?

Source: histopathology-india.net

• Listeriosis, a food-borne bacterial illness, is usually caused by consuming contaminated food with Listeria monocytogenes.
• Listeria can cause flu-like symptoms, which is why it is unsafe for consumption by people over the age of 65 and pregnant women.
• Symptoms of Listeriosis: 
  • Nausea, chills, diarrhoea, body aches, muscle pain and high fever. 
  • In some severe cases of listeria and listeriosis, the person can also be hit with meningitis, which causes inflammation in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Causes and Spread of Listeriosis: 
  • Listeria is caused by foods infected with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The bacteria exist in the environment. It is found in some animals’ intestines, soil and water. 
  • The bacteria enter humans through unpasteurised milk and dairy products made from unpasteurised milk and some pre-prepared fruits including melon slices.
  • Through mould-ripened soft cheeses like camembert.
  • By consuming ready-to-eat foods such as cooked shellfish, smoked fish, cured meats and cooked sliced meats and cold.
  • It has also been known to spread from infected humans and close contact with farm animals. 
• The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes it as a serious but treatable and preventable disease.
• The high rate of death associated with this infection makes it a significant public health concern.
• It is a relatively rare disease with 0.1-10 cases per million people a year, depending on the countries and regions of the world.

Listeriosis in the News

• The United Kingdom (UK) Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced an alert on May 1, 2023.
• Müller is a German dairy brand that produces desserts under the Cadbury licence.
• Because of the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Müller has recalled some batches of Cadbury-branded dessert products.
• The concern is on six products produced on 17 or 18th May. 

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