La listeriosi neonatale e materno-fetale

Abstract

Listeriosis is a foodborne condition associated with the ingestion of food contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes that can cause serious health consequences in neonates and pregnant women. In these groups the incidence of the disease is higher due to the relative immunocompromised state and the particular Listeria monocytogenes tropism for the placenta. The paediatrician and the neonatologist must therefore be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease promptly so as to set up an adequate treatment according to the most recent international guidelines. This article provides epidemiological data and describes the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of maternal-foetal and neonatal listeriosis, as well as the therapeutic indications according to very recent recommendations.