What is it about?
Background: Pregnant women are at high risk of acquiring listeriosis, resulting in severe fetal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: All hospitalizations with a listeriosis diagnosis in pregnant women (obstetric listeriosis) and/or newborns (neonatal listeriosis) in Spain from 2000 to 2021 were examined using the National Registry of Hospital Discharges, employing ICD-9 and −10 coding lists. Results: A total of 540 and 450 hospital admissions for obstetric listeriosis and neonatal listeriosis were identified, respectively, with 146 adverse fetal-neonatal outcomes (miscarriage, fetal loss, stillbirth, and neonatal death). The incidence of obstetric listeriosis, neonatal listeriosis, and adverse fetal-neonatal out comes (5.7, 4.7, and 1.5 per 100,000 deliveries, respectively) rose significantly from 2000 to 2021. No maternal deaths were recorded among women hospitalized with obstetric listeriosis. However, 9.8 % experienced miscarriage, related to bacteremia (OR=2.46), 6.3 % fetal loss and 5.9 % stillbirths, associated with chorioamnionitis (OR=3.42), which was identified in 77.7 % of 254 deliveries. Overall, 51.1 % of new borns developed sepsis, 58.9 % prematurity, 26.9 % ARDS, and 9.8 % died. ARDS (OR=2.76) and prematurity (OR=5.07) were associated with perinatal death in newborns with listeriosis. Pregnancy-related listeriosis was associated with increased risks of miscarriage (OR=1.75), intrauterine death (OR=17), preterm labor (OR=8.78), fetal distress (OR=2.10), cesarean section (OR=1.68), and stillbirth (OR=23.57). Conclusions: Admissions for obstetric listeriosis and neonatal listeriosis in Spain have risen significantly from 2000 to 2021. Pregnancy-related listeriosis has a deleterious impact on fetal and neonatal outcomes, including miscarriages, fetal loss, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Surveillance, prevention, and prompt management of pregnant women with listeriosis and newborns with neonatal infection are warranted.
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Why is it important?
It is important because listeriosis during pregnancy significantly increases risks of severe fetal and neonatal complications, including miscarriage, fetal loss, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Understanding its rising incidence highlights the need for surveillance, prevention, and prompt treatment to protect maternal and newborn health.
Perspectives
As an author, I believe this article highlights a growing and critical issue in maternal and infant health, emphasizing the importance of strengthening epidemiological surveillance and clinical protocols for early detection and effective management of listeriosis in pregnant women. The evidence of increasing cases and severe fetal and neonatal outcomes underscores the urgent need for preventive and educational strategies to reduce the impact of this infection and improve perinatal outcomes. This can motivate healthcare professionals and authorities to prioritize resources and specific actions in this area.
Octavio Corral Pazos de Provens
Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Pregnancy-related listeriosis in Spain, Journal of Infection and Public Health, May 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102706.
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