What is a potential early life presentation of a baby that survived Listeriosis?

In cases of Listeriosis, particularly in newborns or infants who have been exposed to the bacterium during pregnancy, a potential early life presentation includes pneumonia. Listeria monocytogenes can lead to severe infections in neonates, and pneumonia can manifest as a result of either aspiration of contaminated amniotic fluid or hematogenous spread from maternal infection. This can occur rapidly after birth and may present with respiratory distress, unusual lethargy, or poor feeding, which are critical signs warranting immediate medical attention.

The other potential presentations, while still concerning in various contexts, do not specifically align as early life indicators directly attributable to Listeriosis in newborns. Hypoglycemia, jaundice, and ventriculomegaly could arise from different underlying issues or conditions but are not hallmark presentations of Listerial infection in infants. Thus, pneumonia stands out as the most direct early manifestation related to this specific infection in newborns.