First trimester listeriosis with normal fetal outcome

The case of a pregnant woman who in the 13th week of gestation presented with a non-specific influenza-like illness ultimately proven to be symptomatic of Listeria monocytogenes septicemia, is described. The patient elected to continue the pregnancy and following antibiotic therapy recovered and delivered a normal infant. At 18 months of age the child was healthy with normal psychomotor development. This case underscores the need to consider the possibility of Listeria monocytogenes septicemia at any stage of pregnancy, and suggests that early institution of antibiotic treatment may result in complete recovery of both mother and fetus.