pediatrics
Neonatal Listeriosis
Prevention of Neonatal Listeriosis
Pregnant women should avoid food products that have a higher risk of contamination byL. monocytogenes(eg, unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, raw vegetables, prepared deli meats and salads, refrigerated meat spreads or smoked seafood). Proper food handling, in particular separating uncooked meats from other items during preparation and washing hands, utensils, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods, is critical. If infection during pregnancy is recognized, treatment may then be given before delivery or intrapartum to prevent vertical transmission, but the usefulness of such treatment is unproved. 