Listeria

Question 1

Define listeria in pregnancy.

Answer 1

Infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes

Question 2

What is the aetiology of listeria in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Found in soil, decayed matter and animals.

Transmission by FOR in soft cheese, pate, unpasteurised cheese, unwashed salads. Vertical via transplacental or delivery.

Question 3

What are the risk factors for listeria in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Increased risk of infection in pregnancy and immunosuppression

Question 4

Summarise the epidemiology of listeria in pregnancy,

Answer 4

1/20k pregnancies in UK

Question 5

What are the symptoms of listeriosis in pregnancy?

Answer 5

D&V, malaise, fever, sore throat, myalgia

May be asymptomatic

Question 6

What investigations would be performed for listeriosis in pregnancy?

Answer 6

Micro: blood culture, amniotic culture, placental culture (Serological test not available)

Gram+ve bacillus

Question 7

What is the management for listeria in pregnancy?

Answer 7

IV Abx (penicillin and gentamycin (penicillin + an aminoglycoside))

Question 8

What are the complications associated with listeriosis? What is the prognosis for listeriosis?

Answer 8

General: Septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis

Pregnancy: Miscarriage, stillbirth, chorioaminonitis, preterm labour, death.

Good prognosis if treated, poor with septicaemia (mortality 50%). Meningitis (70%) or if neonatal infection (80%)