Listeriosis and Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy: Essentials for Healthcare Providers.
Listeriosis and toxoplasmosis are foodborne illnesses that can have long-term consequences when contracted during pregnancy. Listeriosis is implicated in stillbirth, preterm labor, newborn sepsis, and meningitis, among other complications. Toxoplasmosis is associated with blindness, cognitive delays, seizures, and hearing loss, among other significant disabilities. Healthcare providers who understand the fundamentals of Listeria and Toxoplasma infection will have the tools to identify symptoms and high-risk behaviors, educate women to make safer decisions, and provide anticipatory guidance if a pregnant woman would become infected with either of these foodborne illnesses.
Midwifery and Wellness Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Ms Pfaff and Dr Tillett); and University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (Ms Pfaff and Dr Tillett).
Nicole Franzen
NF
Pfaff
Jackie
J
Tillett
D005260:Female; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D024382:Professional Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy