[A case of neonatal listeriosis]

Abstract

The AA describe a case of neonatal sepsis caused by Listeria monocytogenes observed in their Intensive Care Unit. The preterm neonate, born at the 30th week of gestational age, died after three days, showing clinical signs of sepsis and severe respiratory distress. Although the anamnesis of the mother revealed an episode of fever one month before delivery, the origin of which was not identified, it was not possible to isolate the Listeria in the mother. The AA discuss some clinical and therapeutical aspects of listeriosis; this infection is not very frequent in Italy, nevertheless it should not be underestimated either in the mother or in the neonate.