Pregnancy-associated listeriosis in England and Wales Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Microbes
Microbes
Microbes are microscopic organisms living in and on the human body, shaping health through digestion, vitamin production, and immune protection. When microbial balance is disrupted, disease can occur. This guide explains key microbe types—bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and archaea—plus major pathogenic and beneficial examples.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
The study focused on pregnancy-associated listeriosis in England and Wales, investigating the incidence, outcomes, and associated risk factors of Listeria monocytogenes infections in pregnant women and neonates over a 21-year period (1990–2010). It examined clinical and epidemiological data from 462 pregnancy-related listeriosis cases, analyzing variables such as maternal symptoms, gestational age at symptom onset, and the impact on the fetus and infant.
Who was studied?
The study involved pregnant women and newborn infants in England and Wales who were diagnosed with pregnancy-associated listeriosis. Data were collected from cases where Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from maternal or neonatal blood, placenta, or cerebrospinal fluid.
What were the most important findings?
The study revealed that 68% of pregnancy-associated listeriosis cases resulted in live births, while 22% resulted in stillbirths or spontaneous abortions. Maternal symptoms, particularly during the first and second trimesters, were linked to poorer outcomes, including higher rates of stillbirths and spontaneous abortions. The timing of infection also influenced outcomes: infections occurring in the third trimester were associated with higher rates of survival. Moreover, the study found that gestational age at the onset of maternal illness played a significant role in the likelihood of infant survival, with third-trimester infections leading to a better prognosis. The study also identified that the presence of maternal symptoms correlated with early onset of illness in neonates, while asymptomatic mothers were more likely to have infants with late-onset listeriosis, which presented more severe symptoms, such as meningitis or sepsis.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study underscores the critical importance of early detection and treatment of listeriosis in pregnant women to improve outcomes for both mother and child. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and clinical vigilance, especially for asymptomatic mothers, as delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe outcomes for the infant. The study also suggests the potential benefits of routine screening for Listeria monocytogenes in pregnant women, particularly to prevent premature births and neonatal infections. Furthermore, it calls for public health measures to provide targeted advice to pregnant women, particularly regarding the consumption of high-risk foods, such as chilled ready-to-eat products.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen capable of surviving in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying vegetation. L. monocytogenes has the unique ability to evade the immune system by moving directly from cell to cell within the host. This intracellular lifestyle allows the bacterium to avoid extracellular immune detection, contributing to its ability to cause invasive diseases like meningitis and septicemia, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised.