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Suddenly we are hearing of Listeriosis and meat products been taken down from shelves in South African Shoprite stores and we are getting worried, what exactly is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection with severe symptoms especially in elderly, unborn babies and newborns which may lead to lifelong harm and even death. Its symptoms include mild fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions diarrhea and gastroenteritis and may occur in as much as two months after eating contaminated food.

People prone to the infection are mostly older adults, persons with weakened immune systems such as AIDS patients, people with cancer, pregnant women, and newborns.

The primary transmission route is oral ingestion of contaminated food products, after which the organism penetrates the intestinal tract to cause systemic infections. The diagnosis of listeriosis requires the isolation of the organism from the blood and/or the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment includes prolonged administration of antibiotics, primarily ampicillin and gentamicin, to which the organism is usually susceptible.

Listeria has been isolated from raw meat, dairy products, vegetables, fruit and seafood.

Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes the causative agent of listeriosis is found in soil and water which means Vegetables and meat can be contaminated. The bacterium has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing.

The good news is there are advancements in Food processing technology been taught presently in world class institutions which can help curb or prevent an outbreak of listeriosis. Train Nigeria Learn Nigeria project has included food processing in its courses for this year. Find out more on learnnigeria.org