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Case Reports
. 2022 May 6;15(5):e243033.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243033.

Neonatal listeriosis: a rare but not-to-be forgotten infection

Gretell Gomez  1 , Shamim Islam  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neonatal listeriosis: a rare but not-to-be forgotten infection

Gretell Gomez et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen, typically associated with contaminated dairy products and deli meats. L. monocytogenes can lead to severe infections in high-risk patient populations; in neonates, listeriosis is rare but carries a high rate of neurological morbidity and mortality. Here a case of neonatal listeriosis, in the newborn of a young Hispanic mother who frequently ate queso fresco (a fresh Mexican cheese), is presented. Pregnant women are commonly counselled to avoid unpasteurised dairy during the pregnancy, but many are unaware that soft cheeses, and other food products, may pose risks for perinatal infection. L. monocytogenes remains a cause of food-related outbreaks and maternal and neonatal sepsis around the world, and healthcare providers should ensure that expectant mothers are carefully counselled regarding potential sources.

Keywords: Global Health; Infectious diseases; Obstetrics and gynaecology; Paediatrics; Public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Patient cranial ultrasound at day 1 of life demonstrating bilateral grade four intraventricular haemorrhage.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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