Connatal listeriosis--a case report and the possibilities of microbiological diagnosis

The third most frequent agent of perinatal bacterial meningitis is Listeria monocytogenes, in Hungary, its occurrence is, however, uncommon. This raises the possibility of diagnostical mistakes. A connatal listeriosis case validated microbiologically referred to in this report calls attention to Listeria, as a rare but relevant pathogen of neonatal infections. If clinical background suggests infection, the pathogenic role of L. monocytogenes should be taken into consideration. The etiological significance of the agent has to be verified by a competent clinical microbiology laboratory, since maternal listeriosis should be treated and the serious connatal manifestations should be prevented. Epidemiology of perinatal infection by L. monocytogenes, and its diagnostic tools especially the use of selective media are discussed.