Listeria Flashcards
Define listeria in pregnancy.
Infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes
What is the aetiology of listeria in pregnancy?
Found in soil, decayed matter and animals.
Transmission by FOR in soft cheese, pate, unpasteurised cheese, unwashed salads. Vertical via transplacental or delivery.
What are the risk factors for listeria in pregnancy?
Increased risk of infection in pregnancy and immunosuppression
Summarise the epidemiology of listeria in pregnancy,
1/20k pregnancies in UK
What are the symptoms of listeriosis in pregnancy?
D&V, malaise, fever, sore throat, myalgia
May be asymptomatic
What investigations would be performed for listeriosis in pregnancy?
Micro: blood culture, amniotic culture, placental culture (Serological test not available)
Gram+ve bacillus
What is the management for listeria in pregnancy?
IV Abx (penicillin and gentamycin (penicillin + an aminoglycoside))
What are the complications associated with listeriosis? What is the prognosis for listeriosis?
General: Septicaemia, pneumonia, meningitis
Pregnancy: Miscarriage, stillbirth, chorioaminonitis, preterm labour, death.
Good prognosis if treated, poor with septicaemia (mortality 50%). Meningitis (70%) or if neonatal infection (80%)