Neonatal listeriosis with central nervous system involvement: a case series and review of the literature

Background: Listeria monocytogenes infection during pregnancy remains an underrecognized cause of severe neonatal disease, frequently leading to central nervous system (CNS) involvement with high mortality and long-term neurological sequelae. Case presentation: We report a case series of four neonates with confirmed neonatal listeriosis and neurological complications, managed in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Clinical features, microbiological findings, neuroimaging, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. Our cases presented with early-onset disease and severe clinical courses, including sepsis, meningitis, ventriculitis, hydrocephalus, and seizures. Neuroimaging revealed extensive CNS injury, ranging from intraventricular hemorrhage to multiloculated hydrocephalus. Outcomes varied from near-normal neurodevelopment to profound neurological impairment, despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy. A narrative review of previous cases of neonatal listeriosis was also performed to contextualize our findings. Conclusions: Neonatal listeriosis remains associated with severe neurological morbidity. Early recognition, advanced neuroimaging, multidisciplinary management, and preventive maternal strategies are essential to improve outcomes.