Early-Onset Neonatal listeriosis –A Case Report

Abstract

A 25-year-old primigravida in her 30 weeks of gestation presented with fever and some flu-like symptoms. There was minimal vaginal discharge. Keeping in view the possibility of chorioamnionitis a prompt intravenous infusion of antibiotics was instituted with continuous external monitoring of fetal heart rate. An emergency cesarean section was performed 3 hours later for persistent fetal tachycardia suggestive of fetal distress. A preterm baby girl was born with evidence of respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from newborn’s blood culture, tracheal secretions and the placental swab, confirming neonatal listeriosis. Cerebro-spinal fluid examination did not reveal evidence of meningitis. Prompt laboratory diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment led to complete recovery of the infant from septicemia. This represents the first reported case of early-onset neonatal listeriosis in Malaysia