A neonate with very low Apgar scores dies 2 hours after birth. Autopsy reveals disseminated granulomatous lesions throughout; some are caseating, but they are not calcified. During her pregnancy, the mother most likely had a septicemia caused by

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Listeria may cause in utero infections or may infect the baby during delivery. In utero Listeria infections are generally severe and are characterized by caseating, granulomatous lesions. Except for Toxoplasma and parvovirus, the other organisms listed cause infections acquired during birth. Toxoplasma usually manifests with calcified central nervous system lesions in the baby. Parvovirus B19 can cause anemia and hydrops fetalis when it crosses the placenta.

A Neonate with Very Low Apgar Scores Dies 2 Hours