About Listeria Bacteria in Enoki Mushrooms That Cause Listeriosis

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About Listeria Bacteria in Enoki Mushrooms That Cause Listeriosis
About Listeria Bacteria in Enoki Mushrooms That Cause Listeriosis
Anonim

There was news that some enoki mushroom products were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This bacterium itself is known to cause an infectious disease known as listeriosis

The emergence of news related to the withdrawal of several imported enoki mushroom products from circulation by the Indonesian government surprised the public. The reason is, Indonesia is one of the countries that use.

About Listeria Bacteria in Enoki Mushrooms That Cause Listeriosis - Alodokter
About Listeria Bacteria in Enoki Mushrooms That Cause Listeriosis - Alodokter

There are studies showing that imported enoki mushrooms have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which can cause listeriosis. However, the listeriosis case has not been declared an epidemic in Indonesia.

About Listeria Bacteria and Listeriosis Disease

Listeria bacteria are found in moist environments or certain objects, such as soil, water, rotting fruit or vegetables, and animal or human feces.

The process of storing or processing food that is not hygienic is also at risk of causing food to be contaminated by L. monocytogenes bacteria. If these foods are consumed and enter the body, people who eat them can be at risk of developing listeriosis.

Listeriosis or Listeria bacterial infection can cause mild and severe symptoms. In mild cases, listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Meanwhile, in severe cases, Listeria bacteria can cause sepsis and meningitis.

If the infection is severe, here are the symptoms of listeriosis that can appear:

  • Headache
  • High fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of body balance
  • Seizure

Symptoms of listeriosis can appear within 3–70 days after a person consumes enoki mushrooms or other food and drink that has been contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

Listeriosis tends to be more dangerous if it infects infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or are undergoing chemotherapy.

In he althy pregnant women, the symptoms of listeriosis are generally mild. However, this bacterial infection has the risk of causing several pregnancy problems, such as infection in the fetus, premature delivery, or the baby dies in the womb. In certain cases, listeriosis in pregnant women can even cause miscarriage.

Listeriosis Infection Treatment

Treatment of listeriosis depends on the severity of the disease or the symptoms experienced by the sufferer. Listeriosis with mild symptoms generally goes away on its own. It is enough for the sufferer to undergo treatment at home with adequate rest, eat nutritious food, and drink more water.

However, if the symptoms are severe enough, further treatment by a doctor needs to be done. To treat severe listeriosis, the patient must undergo treatment in a hospital so that the doctor can monitor the patient's condition and give antibiotics and fluids through an IV.

The length of the recovery process can vary, depending on how severe the infection is. Minor infections usually clear up in about 7 days, while severe infections may require longer treatment.

Prevention of Listeria Bacterial Infection

Please note that Listeria bacteria are not only found in enoki mushrooms, but also in other types of food and beverage ingredients, such as processed meat, seafood, and unpasteurized milk and other dairy products.

The risk of Listeria bacteria contamination in enoki mushrooms or other food and drink will be higher if the food or drink is processed unhygienicly.

To prevent Listeria bacterial infection, you are advised to follow the following tips:

  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
  • Try to cook all ingredients until cooked.
  • Avoid storing raw meat or seafood in the same container as vegetables or fruits.
  • Avoid consuming raw milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk.
  • Wash hands before cooking and eating food.
  • Wash and clean cooking utensils after use.

Although cases of listeriosis due to consuming enoki mushrooms have not been detected in Indonesia, there is nothing wrong if you take preventive steps to avoid the disease.

If you experience symptoms of listeriosis within a few days after consuming certain foods or drinks, including enoki mushrooms, you should see a doctor for an examination and get the right treatment.

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