[Spontaneus abortion caused by Listeria monocytogenes--report of three cases]

This paper describes three cases of spontaneous abortion caused by Listeria monocytogenes which were diagnosed during the outbreak of listeriosis in late 2006. Both clinical and morphological features were highly consistent. The abortion between 19 and 20 weeks of gestation was preceded by high maternal fever. The fetal disease was miliary widespread with involvement of adrenals, liver and lungs in particular. There was always present a pustular rash. Histological examination of the placentas revealed acute chorioamnionitis with massive growth of gram-positive rods in the amnion in all cases. Acute villitis and intervillous microabscesses were additionally noted in one case. The diagnosis in all reported cases was not established until fetal autopsy. The final diagnosis was confirmed by microbiological examination using samples submitted during the autopsy examination.