A32: Listeriosis

A32.7: Listerial sepsis

You have become infected with certain bacteria. These bacteria are called listeria. Listeria occur for example in unwashed vegetables, raw milk or raw meat and fish. With a listeria infection, it is common to have no symptoms or only a few. But if the defense system is weak, it is possible to become seriously ill with listeria.

Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. Blood poisoning is also known as sepsis. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged. The damage may be extremely severe. It may be impossible to get it under control.

Because many organs can be damaged by blood poisoning, you can have many different symptoms. It is common to feel very sick. For example, you may have a high fever. Your heart may beat very fast, which sometimes results in very rapid breathing. For example, the kidneys or liver may no longer work properly. The brain may also no longer be able to work properly. You might be very tired or even fall unconscious. Sepsis is a severe illness.