What can Maternal Listeriosis lead to in newborns?

Maternal listeriosis is an infection caused by consuming food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. When a pregnant individual contracts this infection, it can lead to severe consequences for the baby. One of the most critical outcomes is the potential development of meningitis in newborns, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This condition can lead to serious neurological issues, including intellectual disabilities and other long-term cognitive impairments. The risk of these serious complications highlights the importance of taking preventive measures against listeriosis during pregnancy, including proper food handling and avoiding certain high-risk foods. Therefore, the association between maternal listeriosis and the risk of meningitis and intellectual disabilities is well-established in medical literature.