What can be a symptom of Listeriosis in patients?

Listeriosis is primarily caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes and can present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Flu-like symptoms, which include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea, are often the initial manifestations of listeriosis. This symptomatology is particularly common because the infection can mimic symptoms of other viral infections, making it more challenging to diagnose in the early stages.

While other symptoms such as rapid heart rate, severe headaches, and seizures can occur, they tend to be less common or may be indicative of more severe cases or complications associated with the disease, such as meningitis or septicemia. Therefore, flu-like symptoms are considered the most characteristic early presenting features of listeriosis, making this choice the most accurate in the context of typical symptomatology for patients afflicted with the infection.