Pregnancy complicating listeria monocytogenes infection

Abstract

Listeriosis is predominantly a foodborne zoonosis, with sporadic and outbreak-related cases tied to consumption of food contaminated with listeria (Listeria monocytogenes). The incidence of listeriosis in the pregnancies is significantly higher than in the general population. Maternal infection may present as a flu-like illness, minority reveal gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the mortality and morbidity of fetal and neonatal infections are very high. Early diagnosis and early treatment can improve the maternal and infant prognosis of listeria infection. Key words: Listeria monocytogenes; pregnancy