Listeriosis and Pregnancy

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that is commonly known to cause food-borne illness (FDA,2022). When products contaminated with Listeria are consumed, individuals can develop a disease called Listeriosis. The bacteria is mainly found in soil, water, and vegetation and can be transmitted to food products during harvesting, processing, and packaging (FDA,2022). According to the CDC, approximately 1,600 people develop Listeriosis each year and those most at risk are pregnant women, infants, and the elderly (Rogalla, 2022).

Listeria is a unique bacteria in that it is able to grow and survive in freezing temperatures, as low as -0.4C. Food products such as raw, unpasteurized milk, cheese, ice cream, raw or processed vegetables, raw or undercooked poultry, deli meats and seafood have all been linked to past listeria outbreaks (FDA,2022). To prevent Listeria growth in food products, it is recommended to wash contaminated cooking surfaces, wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, and to set the refrigerator temperature to 40F and the freezer to 0F. The longer “ready-to-eat” refrigerated foods are kept, the greater the risk for Listeria growth; it is recommended to remain mindful of the half-life of your food products in the refrigerator and freezer (CDC,2022).

According to the CDC, pregnant women are 10x more likely to develop a Listeria infection (CDC, 2022). Women are recommended to limit consumption of unpasteurized milk, cheeses, and deli meats due to the possible risk of developing Listeriosis. Common symptoms are fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, headache, and confusion. Listeria infection can also pose a risk to the unborn fetus leading to miscarriage and premature birth or to the newborn leading to neonatal meningitis (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Listeria, just like any other food-borne illness, can be prevented with taking the proper cautions in using appropriate hygiene, cleaning and cooking methods with raw meats, and being cognizant of what to not consume during pregnancy (Mayo Clinic, 2022). If you’re pregnant and have concerns about what would be safe to consume during pregnancy, please contact your physician for more information.

Citations:

1. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Listeria (listeriosis). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 25). People at risk - pregnant women and newborns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/risk-groups/pregnant-women.html

1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, February 11). Listeria infection. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269

1. Rogalla, D. (2022, January). Listeria monocytogenes - statpearls - NCBI bookshelf. Listeria Monocytogenes. Retrieved January 22, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/