Early-Onset Neonatal Listeriosis - A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Listeriosis is a rare and severe foodborne infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, which manifests as septicemia and central nervous system (CNS) infections with a high fatality rate of around 20 to 30%. However, neonatal listeriosis has rarely been reported in UAE. Case presentation:We describe a case of Neonate female who was born 32 weeks gestational age via emergency LSCS due to fetal decelerations. Mother is a G2P1A0 who had a history of fever 4 days prior to delivery. Birth weight 1.9 kilograms. APGAR 7, 8 and 9, at 1st, 5th and 10th minute of life, respectively. Patient required CPAP at birth in view of respiratory distress. Blood culture collected on the 1st day yielded Listeria monocytogenes. Conclusion:Listeria infections should be considered in infants who present with erythematous rash, respiratory distress and nonspecific findings of early neonatal sepsis. Although an empirical antibiotic therapy including ampicillin and aminoglycoside combination is effective by the means of a probable Listeria infection, the progression of the very early-onset disease may be fatal despite vigorous treatment efforts.