P37.2: Neonatal (disseminated) listeriosis

Listeria are certain bacteria. Listeria occur for example in unwashed vegetables, raw milk or raw meat and fish. Infection may also be caused by regular contact with farmed animals.

If the mother initially contracts listeria while pregnant, the listeria can get to the child via the placenta. This can harm the child. The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta. The child can also contract listeria during birth, from the mother’s body fluids.

If the child has contracted listeria, the child can have various health problems. For example, the newborn child may weigh less than other children of the same age. Red blotches or pustules can also appear on the skin. The brain can also become inflamed. Brain inflammation can cause seizures, vomiting or breathing problems, for example. Liver and spleen may be enlarged. The liver and spleen lie in the top right and left of the abdomen. Blood poisoning can also occur.

Blood poisoning is the most severe outcome of a disorder that has been caused by pathogens. With this, pathogens or their toxins may spread throughout the body via the blood. If the body’s immune system does not react properly to this, organs and tissue can become damaged. In the course of the blood poisoning, problems can occur with the breathing or circulation.