Navigating listeriosis: a case report highlighting swift diagnosis and management in a high-risk patient

Abstract

Listeriosis is a serious foodborne bacterial infection with potentially severe consequences, particularly for pregnant women. A 38-year-old primigravida presented with fever and malaise during her third trimester of pregnancy and a diagnosis of listeriosis was confirmed through blood culture. An emergency caesarean section was performed, and a healthy baby was delivered. The patient had consumed a significant number of dairy products before the onset of fever, highlighting the importance of dietary history. This case report emphasises the need for healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in high-risk patients. This also shows that swift diagnosis and empirically targeted management are essential in combatting listeriosis in pregnancy, and lead to better maternal and foetal outcomes. It also underscores the necessity of raising awareness among pregnant women about safe dietary practices to reduce the risk of listeria infection.

Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes, Listeriosis, Pregnancy, Outcomes.