А possible case of a newborn premature baby with Listeria monocytogenes infection

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes may cross and proliferate in the placenta and cause severe infections during pregnancy. In pregnant women, listeriosis usually occurs during the third trimester, when cell-mediated immunity is reduced. Common results are abortion, stillbirth, intrauterine and/or neonatal infections. The patient described here was a newborn male, delivered by urgent cesarean section after chorioamnionitis in 33 weeks' gestation. Soon after the birth, the baby became high oxygen doze dependent with signs of pulmonary insufficiency. The blood tests have shown decreased level of lung perfusion and ventilation, significant hypoxemia and hypercarbia. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from ear secretion, while blood culture and other peripheral samples were negative. The baby was discharged on the 20-th day of his birth with weight of 2000 g and normal lung and heart function. On follow-up visits at the clinic, he showed normal neurological status, cognitive function and vital signs.