Probable nosocomial transmission of listeriosis in neonates.

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in two neonates born consecutively in the same hospital in France. The isolates had indistinguishable pulsed-field electrophoresis profiles. Retrospective epidemiological investigations found no evidence of a food-borne or environmental source. Infection control protocols and decontamination processes were in accordance with standard recommendations. The timing of onset of these infections within the same maternity unit, and the similarity of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles suggests cross-infection of L. monocytogenes between the two neonates.