A fatal case of Listeria monocytogenes sepsis in a newborn

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes most often causes infection in the neonates, pregnant women, elderly and immunosuppressed persons. We report a case of Listeria monocytogenes sepsis, also with signs of endophthalmitis and respiratory tract infection in a newborn. The microorganism was isolated from blood culture, from eye’s swab and from tracheal aspirate. The infection was treated with crystalline penicillin and gentamicin, but despite the treatment, the newborn baby boy had developed a severe sepsis and died after 24 hours of life.