Neonatal listeriosis a diagnostic challenge A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Listeriosis is a low-incidence pathology with mild and self-limiting symptoms in the general population; however, maternal-fetal transmission can generate severe conditions in neonates, manifested as sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis. Timely diagnosis by clinical and laboratory data in conjunction with adequate therapy favors the resolution of the disease.

Clinical case: Late preterm neonate of 34 weeks, six days of gestational age, was born by repetitive cesarean section at non-vigorous birth with heavy meconium amniotic fluid and required basic and advanced resuscitation.

Evolution: Based on the birth history, an infection study was carried out, with a favorable report and development of Listeria Monocytogenes in blood cultures, diagnosis of sepsis, meningitis, and conjunctivitis, received intravenous antibiotic therapy, completed treatment, and presented favorable clinical evolution.

Conclusions: In the present case, the listeriosis of maternal-neonatal transmission had a severe presentation with the aspiration of meconium fluid that required intubation and ventilatory support; the patient developed meningitis and conjunctivitis. Chorionitis occurs in the placenta.