Fatal neonatal listeriosis following L. monocytogenes horizontal transmission highlights neonatal susceptibility to orally acquired listeriosis.

Published on 24 June 2023 Updated on 3 July 2023

We report a case of fulminant fatal neonatal listeriosis due to horizontal transmission of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in a neonatal double room. Genomic analyses reveal a close genetic relationship between clinical isolates, supporting cross-contamination. Oral inoculation experiments in adult and neonatal mice show that neonates are susceptible to a low Lm inoculum and that this susceptibility results from the immaturity of the neonatal gut microbiota. Infected neonates should therefore be isolated for as long as they shed Lm in their feces to avoid horizontal transmission and its dire consequences.

Author(s): Charlier Caroline, Noel Coralie, Hafner Lukas, Moura Alexandra, Mathiaud Claire, Pitsch Aurélia, Meziane Chakib, Jolly-Sanchez Lydie, de Pontfarcy Astrid, Diamantis Sylvain, Bracq-Dieye Hélène, Disson Olivier, Thouvenot Pierre, Valès Guillaume, Tessaud-Rita Nathalie, Tourdjman Mathieu, Leclercq Alexandre, Lecuit Marc

Publishing year: 2023

Pages: 101094