Can Listeria be transmitted from mother to child during breastfeeding?

It is not clear whether the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is transmitted through breast milk. If you have been diagnosed with listeriosis and are breastfeeding, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider or pediatrician to discuss the available options [4].

Listeriosis is a foodborne infection, typically occurring after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria [4]. Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to develop listeriosis than other healthy adults because their immune systems change during pregnancy, making them less able to fight off infections [3].

Listeria Transmission Before Birth

Although transmission via breast milk is unclear, Listeria can be transmitted to the fetus in the uterus if the mother becomes infected during pregnancy [3]. This transmission can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, preterm labor, stillbirth, or the death of the infant [3].

Even if the mother's symptoms are mild and flu-like, or if she experiences no symptoms at all, the infection can cause serious health problems for the infant, including intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or impairment of the brain, heart, or kidneys [3]. In newborns, Listeria can cause blood infections and meningitis [3].

Listeria Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Symptoms of listeriosis in the mother may appear days or weeks after exposure and include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions [3]. If any of these symptoms appear in a pregnant woman, she should consult a doctor immediately [3].

For newborns infected with Listeria, the bacteria can cause blood infections and meningitis [3]. Urgent medical care is essential if these symptoms appear in an infant.

Preventing Listeria Infection

Due to the danger of Listeria to pregnant women and fetuses, prevention is crucial. Listeria can be prevented by following strict food safety guidelines [2]. These guidelines include:

• Avoiding raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products [1].
• Heating ready-to-eat foods and leftovers until they are steaming hot [1].
• Washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly [1].
• Avoiding undercooked meats and refrigerated smoked seafood, unless they are cooked in a prepared dish [3].
• Avoiding hot dogs and deli meats unless they are heated until steaming hot [3].
• Keeping the refrigerator temperature at 4°C (40°F) or lower [3].
• Using ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible, as Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures [3].
• Cleaning the refrigerator regularly and wiping up spills immediately [3].

For additional information on Listeria infection and food safety, you can visit the article: Listeria Infection: Dangerous Food Bacteria for Pregnant Women and the Elderly (Arabic).

Managing Breastfeeding When Infected with Listeria

If you have listeriosis, it is essential to consult your doctor or pediatrician to determine the best course of action regarding breastfeeding [4]. They can provide advice based on your health status and the health of your child. Invasive listeriosis is treated with antibiotics determined by a doctor; the decision regarding breastfeeding requires a separate discussion that considers both the mother's and the child's condition [2].

Medical references

• Listeria Infections
• About Listeria Infection
• Listeria (Food Safety for Moms-to-Be)
• Listeria infection (listeriosis) - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI Bookshelf