Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes fecal carriers in HIV-infected and -uninfected pregnant women from Brazil

Braz J Microbiol. 2021 Dec;52(4):2081-2084. doi: 10.1007/s42770-021-00583-3. Epub 2021 Jul 27.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of Listeria spp. in feces of HIV-infected and -uninfected pregnant women in Brazil.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. Women on their second or third trimester of pregnancy were submitted to a clinical questionnaire and feces collection. The feces were inoculated on selective media and identification by biochemical tests combined with PCR.

Results: A total of 213 pregnant women were enrolled: 73 (34%) HIV-infected and 140 (66%) -non-infected. The prevalence of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in feces of HIV-infected women were 8.2% and 2.7%. In the HIV-uninfected were 8.6% and 2.9% (p-values = 0.98 and 0.66, respectively).

Conclusion: The prevalence of fecal carriers of Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes was not associated with HIV infection during pregnancy.

Keywords: Foodborne pathogen; HIV positive pregnant women; Listeria monocytogenes; Listeria spp.; Pregnant women.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feces* / microbiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Listeria monocytogenes* / genetics
  • Listeria* / genetics
  • Listeriosis* / complications
  • Listeriosis* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women*
  • Prevalence