What severe conditions can listeria lead to?

Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious health complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. When listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, occurs, it can lead to severe conditions like meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and miscarriage, which is a loss of pregnancy that can occur if a pregnant woman contracts the infection.

Meningitis resulting from listeriosis can present with symptoms like fever, headache, and a stiff neck, and can lead to serious neurological complications or even death if not treated promptly. In pregnant women, listeriosis can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm labor. These severe outcomes highlight the significant risks associated with listeria infection, reinforcing the importance of food safety measures to prevent listeriosis, especially in at-risk populations.