Listeria infection
Overview
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the gram-positive motile bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis is relatively rare and occurs primarily in newborn infants, elderly patients, and patients who are immunocompromised.
Symptoms
Listeriosis presents in the same manner as other more common neonatal pathogens, such as group B streptococci and Escherichia coli. Respiratory distress - Tachypnea, grunting, apnea, and retractions Temperature instability Poor feeding Lethargy/irritability Seizures
Causes
L monocytogenes is acquired via the ingestion of contaminated food products. Newborns acquire Listeria transplacentally, by ascending infection via ruptured amniotic membranes or upon exposure during vaginal delivery.
Diagnosis
Bacteremia Congenital Pneumonia Fever in the Young Infant Meningitis, Bacterial Neonatal Sepsis Pneumonia