Listeriosis

Listeriosis: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets Improvement of the symptomatology Elimination of pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy (analgesics/pain relievers, antiemetics/anti-nausea and anti-nausea medications, if necessary). Procedure in a non-pregnant woman: Antibiotic therapy: first-line agents are amoxicillin or ampicillin (high-dose), combined with an aminoglycoside (e.g., gentamicin) In case of ampicillin allergy, cotrimoxazole can be used as an … Listeriosis: Drug Therapy

Listeriosis: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – if complications are suspected. Echocardiography (echo; heart ultrasound) – if endocarditis is suspected. Computed tomography of the skull (cranial CT, … Listeriosis: Diagnostic Tests

Listeriosis: Prevention

To prevent listeriosis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Diet Contaminated foods such as raw meat (raw sausage or minced meat), raw milk (unpasteurized milk); soft cheese made from unpasteurized milk; not infrequently via contaminated plant foods (unwashed fruits or vegetables), smoked fish (e.g., smoked salmon), or inadequately heated … Listeriosis: Prevention

Listeriosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

It is very rare for immunocompetent individuals to develop symptoms of the disease. The following symptoms and complaints may then indicate listeriosis: Uncharacteristic febrile reaction (fever > 38.1 °C). Diarrhea (diarrhea) or other gastrointestinal disturbances (in pregnant women). The following symptoms may occur in immunocompromised individuals: Fever Disturbance of consciousness Cephalgia (headache) Skin lesions – … Listeriosis: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Listeriosis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) Listeriosis is an infectious disease that occurs sporadically in humans and is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This species, which belongs to the Listeria group, are gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. The modes of transmission are diverse: Contamination of food – contamination with infectious excreta. Contact infection Pregnancy or neonatal infections – diaplacental (“transmissible … Listeriosis: Causes

Listeriosis: Therapy

General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! In the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even if fever is only mild; if limb pain and lassitude occur without fever, bed rest and physical rest is also required, because myocarditis/heart muscle inflammation could occur as a result of the infection). Fever below 38.5 … Listeriosis: Therapy

Listeriosis: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [skin lesions (after contact with infected animals or contaminated soil)] Auscultation (listening) of the heart. Palpation … Listeriosis: Examination

Listeriosis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of listeriosis. Family history What is the current health status of your family members? Social history What is your profession? Do you have contact with animals? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you suffer from fever? If so, for how … Listeriosis: Medical History

Listeriosis: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by listeriosis: Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Sepsis (blood poisoning) Psyche – nervous system (F00-F9); G00-G99) Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Meningitis (meningitis) Meningoencephalitis (combined inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and meninges (meningitis)) – with neurological deficits, ataxia and / or … Listeriosis: Complications