Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infections generally include which set?

• A. High fever, severe abdominal pain, urticaria, bloody diarrhea and occasionally hemolytic uremic syndrome
• B. Fever, muscles aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, with some cases proceeding to headache, stiff-neck, confusion and convulsions
• C. Self-limiting diarrhea and mild abdominal pain
• D. Profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting 48 hours after ingestion

Answer: (B)

Listeria infections typically start with fever and general malaise, often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and in some people the illness can become invasive, affecting the nervous system. When Listeria spreads beyond the gut, it can cause meningitis or encephalitis, which brings neurological signs such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, and even seizures. So the described pattern—fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea with possible progression to headache, stiff neck, confusion, and convulsions—best fits listeriosis. Other options describe symptoms more typical of different pathogens or milder, self-limiting GI illness, which are not characteristic of Listeria infections.