At What Age Does the Risk of Infant Listeria Infection Decrease?

Discussion Neonatal bacterial infections are commonly caused by Group B Streptococcus, enteric gram-negative organisms such as Escherichia coli, coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Listeria monocytogenes and Haemophilus influenza. Infections are usually because of transplacental infection or ascending infection from the mother’s genitourinary tract. Empiric treatment for suspected sepsis for neonates is usually combined IV aminoglycoside and expanded-spectrum penicillin antibiotic therapy in the US and Canada and this combination specifically covers for Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes was first discovered in 1927 and named in honor of Joseph Lister. It is a ubiquitous, hardy organism that can withstand a wide range of temperatures (multiplying in temperatures from 4-45°C), dessication, low nutrient environments, acidity and salinity. Food borne transmission causes most initial cases as it is obviously difficult to eliminate from the food chain. Healthy individuals may not have symptoms or have mild flu-like or gastrointestinal illness, but can have sepsis or meningitis. The greatest risk is to the elderly, immunocompromised persons, pregnant women and fetuses and newborns of infected women. Listeria infections in these vulnerable populations can affect any organ system including arthritis, conjunctivitis, and endocarditis, but bacteremia/sepsis and central nervous system infections of meningitis and encephalitis and death may occur. For pregnant women, infection...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news