Listeriosis in a Stillborn Fetus (An Autopsy Case)

Abstract

Listeriosis is an infectious disease of animals and man that is characterized by a wide specturm of clinical manifestations. Miliary granulomatosis is unique features of listeria infection in deadborn fetuses and enwborn infants. This report deals with an autopsy case of miliary granulomatosis in a deadborn fetus, which was thought to be due to listeria infection. The liver and spleen were enlarged and showed disseminated miliary speckles. Microscopically these nodules were composed of necrotizing granulomas showinq central necrosis with nuclear debris and peripheral epithelioid cell collections. In the centers of the lesions there were numerous micro-organisms in clusters or isolated, that showed gram-posivity on Brown-Brenn stain and dark elongated structures on Warthin-Starry satin. These miliary granulomas were also seen in the lungs. intestinal tract, liver, adrenals, spleen and bone marrow.