Living with Listeriosis
An infection caused by Listeria bacteria that mainly affects newborns, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
Understanding Listeriosis
It mainly affects newborns, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with low immunity. It can spread through unpasteurized milk or contaminated vegetables, or from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery. Pregnant women typically have only fever and flu-like symptoms, but the infection can cause pregnancy complications and severe infection in the newborn.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Muscle aches
- Meningitis (inflammation around the brain)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It is often spread through food, and it can pass from mother to baby. It is not described as an inherited condition.
Also known as: circling disease; infection by listeria monocytogenes; infection caused by listeria; listerellosis; listeria infection; listeria monocytogenes caused disease or disorder
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Listeriosis.
Explore research for Listeriosis
Explore actively recruiting Listeriosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Listeriosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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