Neonatal listeriosis due to cross-infection in an obstetric theatre.

Two cases of neonatal listeriosis following Caesarean section are reported. Evidence is presented which suggests that cross-infection took place in the obstetric operating theatre. The first case shows the features of early-onset disease while the second illustrates the late-onset pattern. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated also from the mother of the first baby. The two neonatal disease patterns are discussed.