A 21-YEAR-OLD PRIMIGRAVID WOMAN PRESENTS WITH FEVER, BACK PAIN, PRETERM LABOR, AND BROWN-STAINED AMNIOTIC FLUID. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANISMS SHOULD BE SUSPECTED AS A POTENTIAL CAUSE OF FETAL INFECTION

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Listeria monocytogenes ✓
• C. Group B streptococci
• D. Trypanosoma cruzi
• E. Campylobacter fetus

When a 21-year-old primigravid woman presents with fever, back pain, preterm labor, and brown-stained amniotic fluid, the potential cause of fetal infection can be attributed to various organisms. In this scenario, one of the organisms that should be suspected as a potential cause of fetal infection is Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in pregnant women and their fetuses. It can lead to conditions such as listeriosis, which poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus.

Listeria monocytogenes is particularly concerning during pregnancy because it has the ability to cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to severe consequences such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns. The symptoms of listeriosis in pregnant women may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, it can result in septicemia or meningitis.

It is crucial for healthcare providers to consider Listeria monocytogenes as a potential pathogen in cases where pregnant women present with symptoms such as fever, back pain, preterm labor, and abnormal amniotic fluid. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.