[Local epidemic of neonatal listeriosis in Upper Austria--report of 20 cases]

Abstract

In an 8 month period, 20 cases of listeriosis among neonates were seen in the Federal District of Upper Austria. The majority of mothers reported influenza-like symptoms at the end of pregnancy. 19 cases were early-onset-infections, 6 infants developed meningitis. Serotype 1/2a was isolated in 7 cases. All were of the same phage type. 15 neonates were successfully treated with aminopenicillin or penicillin. Treatment with cephalosporin was ineffective. 4 mainly premature infants died, 1 was stillborn. There is a strong likelihood of common origin for this prenatal epidemic infection. Because of this epidemic, we recommend a listeria-effective therapy for the early-onset sepsis of the neonate.