What Is A Culture-LVS Test?
The Culture LVS (Listeria Vegetative State) test is a laboratory test performed to determine the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to Listeriosis. This infection that is mainly associated with contaminated food can lead to severe health complications, and more so among pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The test involves culture of bacteria from the patient’s blood, urine or other secretions to establish the presence of Listeria bacteria.
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that is rod shaped in its appearance and is known to be present in foods such as dairy products, vegetables, meats and processed foods. It can grow in refrigerated conditions. Sometimes, Listeria infections may cause symptoms similar to influenza while in other cases may result in meningitis, sepsis or miscarriage.
How is the Test Performed?
The sample is taken from various bodily fluids such as blood, urine, CSF, stool, and amniotic fluid and then sent to the laboratory, the sample is then allowed to grow in the culture media and examined under a microscope to identify the presence or absence of the pathogen.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
The Culture LVS test is usually advised when a health care professional thinks that a patient has Listeria infection based on the symptoms they are experiencing, especially if the symptoms are related to those of the bacterium. Symptoms that may require the test include;
General Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Convulsions
- Muscle aches
- Balance loss
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
Unlike many other laboratory tests there are no ‘normal’ ranges for the Culture LVS test because the only purpose of the test is to look for the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
Positive – Presence of Listeria monocytogenes
Negative – Absence of Listeria monocytogenes
**Always consult your healthcare provider for correct interpretation of results.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
A positive result for Listeria monocytogenes indicates Listeriosis and the next steps depend on the severity and location of the infection. However, for many people, especially those who are pregnant, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, the next steps may involve the need for treatment to prevent the worsening of the symptoms.
Treatment for Listeria infection is usually with antibiotics. The following are the antibiotics that are usually used for the treatment of Listeriosis:
- Ampicillin
- Penicillin
- Gentamicin (used in combination with ampicillin for severe disease)
- Pregnant women who have Listeriosis will need special management as the infection can cause preterm labor or abortion. Using
- antibiotics during pregnancy can greatly decrease the risk of complications.
- Immunocompromised individuals need immediate treatment to avoid developing life-threatening complications such as sepsis or meningitis.
- Hospitalization
