Relevance of microbiological cultures of cord blood and placental swabs in the rapid diagnosis of preterm newborn infection due to Listeria monocytogenes: A case report

Autor: Francesco D'Aleo, Attilio Tuscano, Tarcisio Servello, Marcello Tripodi, Carmela Abramo, Roberta Bonanno, Ferdinando Antonio Gulino, Sara Occhipinti, Giosuè Giordano Incognito, Luigi Principe
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Case Reports in Women's Health, Vol 43, Iss , Pp e00638- (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2214-9112
DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2024.e00638
Popis: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a Gram-positive bacterium causing listeriosis, a rare but severe foodborne infection, particularly impactful during pregnancy. Maternal-fetal transmission can lead to adverse fetal outcomes, yet symptoms in mothers may be nonspecific, delaying intervention. Despite the severity, the mechanisms of vertical transmission remain unclear. This report describes a case of rapid Lm diagnosis in a preterm newborn using cord blood and placental swabs. A 31-week pregnant woman presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and reduced fetal movements after consuming raw sushi. Laboratory findings indicated infection, and she vaginally delivered a live infant with placental and fetal abscesses. Cultures confirmed Lm, with swift diagnosis aided by molecular syndromic testing. The neonate received appropriate antibiotics and was asymptomatic by the end of treatment. This case underscores the need for the rapid diagnosis of maternal-fetal listeriosis, as it poses significant risks during pregnancy, including preterm birth and neonatal complications. Current diagnostic methods often delay treatment. This report emphasizes the use of innovative molecular techniques for early diagnosis, which is crucial in managing neonatal infections, especially in preterm newborns.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals