Antepartum treatment of Listeria monocytogenes septicemia.

Maternal septicemia with Listeria monocytogenes is becoming a more prevalent problem for those dealing with obstetric patients. A flu-like illness is often present in the mother prior to delivery of the infected infant. Treatment regimens have included intravenous antibiotic therapy for the mother and induction of labor. The infant often dies of respiratory distress syndrome due to prematurity. Data from the literature tend to support the concept of antepartum therapy without delivery, unless the fetus shows signs of pulmonary maturity or has died in utero. It is believed that this approach to maternal Listeria septicemia will improve perinatal morbidity and mortality.