Epidemiological investigations have shown that Listeria monocytogenes can contaminate almost any type of food, but most diseases have as cause the precooked products (e.g. Hotdogs, dairy products such as unpasteurized, inadequately pasteurized or post-pasteurized cheese specialities).

Since L. monocytogenes is a ubicuitar microorganism, it can be encountered and isolated from processed foods, raw meat and even some prepared vegetables. For this reason, the creation of guides that completely prevent exposure to Listeria moncytogenes is almost impossible.

Complying with CDC recommendations for the prevention of infection is an important strategy for reducing the risk of listeriosis, including congenital listeriosis.

CDC recommendations to prevent infection with Listeria monocytogenes in pregnant women:

• The persistent washing of fruit and vegetables, including those to be cleaned and drying;
• Careful washing of tools after preparation of raw foods;
• Keeping a temperature lower than 0 ˚ C inside the refrigerator because Listeria monocytogenes can multiply in food in the refrigerator;
• Immediate cleaning of the refrigerator with hot water and detergent in the case of dirt with raw meat;
• Cooking of beef, pork or chicken at a suitable, high temperature;
• Do not store precooked or ready food in the refrigerator for more than 1 week undone; In the case of sealed preparations, the retention period shall be maximum 2 weeks;
• Use of remaining leftovers in 3-4 days or more;
• Refrigerated foods and unpasteurized foods will not be consumed;
• Cheese specialities will be consumed only if the label says that they are prepared from pasteurized milk;
• Products of chilled smoked fish shall not be consumed;
• Avoid keepping cutted watermelon more than 4 hours at room temperature;
• Foods in the form of canned food may be consumed;
• Persistent hand washing (at least 20 seconds) before and after handling food;
• Avoiding contact with fetuses aborted by farm animals;
• Avoid the use of untreated manure for fertilization of vegetable crops.

Vaccination

As there is no vaccine, hygiene measures are essential in preventing listeriosis.

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