A 2-hour-old girl develops tachypnea and grunting in the newborn nursery. The patient was born via cesarean delivery to a 26-year-old mother, gravida 2 para 2. Respiratory rate is 82/min. The other vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows grunting and subcostal retractions but clear lungs. Blood culture reveals gram-positive rods after 11 hours of incubation. Which of the following pathogens is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

Question

A 2-hour-old girl develops tachypnea and grunting in the newborn nursery.  The patient was born via cesarean delivery to a 26-year-old mother, gravida 2 para 2.  Respiratory rate is 82/min.  The other vital signs are within normal limits.  Physical examination shows grunting and subcostal retractions but clear lungs.  Blood culture reveals gram-positive rods after 11 hours of incubation.  Which of the following pathogens is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive rod associated with outbreaks of gastroenteritis via ingestion of contaminated foods (eg, unpasteurized milk, deli meats).  It can cause sepsis in susceptible patients, including neonates, older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

A 2-Hour-Old Girl Develops Tachypnea and Grunting in the Newborn