Beware of killer bacteria in your fridge targeting leftovers

Author: Unknown, Reviewer: Unknown, Curator: Unknown, Production/Organizational Information: Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital)

Title: Beware of killer bacteria in your fridge targeting leftovers

Introduction: During the Spring Festival, be cautious with leftovers to avoid health risks like Listeria. Proper storage is key.

During the Spring Festival, every household prepares a reunion dinner. Many people intentionally make it more sumptuous, even leaving some food for the next day to symbolize 'having surplus every year.' Some also have the habit of doing large-scale shopping before the festival, putting everything in the refrigerator for later use in cooking.

Many people believe that putting food in the refrigerator is akin to storing it in a safe, but that's not the case. Recently, the Intensive Care Unit of Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital (Provincial Brain Hospital) treated a patient with listeria meningitis. The origin of this 'brain crisis' was likely leftover food stored in the refrigerator.

During this Spring Festival, there was still plenty of leftover New Year's Eve dinner at home. Mr. Li, 64 years old (a pseudonym), couldn't bring himself to throw it away, so he stored it in the fridge and consumed it over several consecutive days. Unexpectedly, on February 21, he suddenly felt dizzy and experienced a headache, thinking it was merely a common cold or due to lack of rest.

However, just half a day later, his condition worsened: he suddenly began having seizures, became disoriented, and could no longer recognize his family. He also developed a high fever. His family quickly took him to the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province (Provincial Brain Hospital), where he was ultimately diagnosed with listeria meningitis.

Lü Xuewen, the chief physician of the Intensive Care Medicine Department, explained that Listeria, known scientifically as 'Listeria monocytogenes,' is a bacterium that is commonly found in nature. It possesses a unique characteristic: it is resistant to cold.

Most bacteria cease to grow or even die in the low temperatures of a refrigerator (4℃), but Listeria behaves differently; it can not only survive but also reproduce slowly in the fridge. Therefore, it is often referred to as the 'refrigerator killer.'

When a person consumes food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, such as non-pasteurized dairy products, refrigerated deli meats, leftovers, or ice cream, the bacteria can enter the body. For individuals with normal immune function, the infection may result in no symptoms, or only mild symptoms resembling a cold or gastrointestinal disturbances like fever, muscle aches, or diarrhea.

However, for specific populations, such as pregnant women (which can lead to miscarriage or neonatal infection), the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or individuals on long-term hormone therapy), Listeria can exhibit a horrifying side. In these groups, Listeria demonstrates a remarkably strong invasive ability.

It can cross the intestinal barrier and penetrate the body's strongest defense mechanism—the blood-brain barrier—allowing it to directly invade the central nervous system and cause listeria meningitis. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, high fever (39°C), vomiting, seizures, and altered consciousness.

Listeria meningitis has a higher mortality rate compared to other types of bacterial meningitis. Once there is suspicion of this condition, doctors must immediately perform a lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing, which is the gold standard for diagnosis. Concurrently, antibiotics that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and are effective against Listeria will be promptly administered. Treatment often spans several months.

If not treated promptly, bacteria can proliferate rapidly within the cranial cavity, resulting in severe cerebral edema and brain herniation, which occurs when brain tissue is pushed into other areas, compressing vital centers. This may even lead to permanent neurological consequences, such as hemiplegia, cognitive decline, and epilepsy.

How to prevent Listeria meningitis?

High-risk groups must remain vigilant: if there are pregnant women, elderly individuals, or patients with chronic illnesses in the household, special caution must be observed.

The refrigerator is not a safety deposit box: leftovers must be thoroughly heated (with a core temperature reaching above 70°C for at least 2 minutes) before consumption. Regularly clean the refrigerator and store raw and cooked foods separately. It is advisable to avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, and inadequately heated cooked foods such as ham and hot dogs.

Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise: If you experience severe headaches, fever, or vomiting, especially if accompanied by changes in mental status (such as drowsiness, confusion, or agitation) or seizures, do not attempt to endure the discomfort at home, thinking it is merely a cold. You must go to the emergency room immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to brain health.

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