Clinical management of late-stage Listeria monocytogenes infection with complete placenta previa: a case report of conception in a natural cycle following stillbirth

Objective Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium that poses a serious threat to pregnant women and their fetuses. This case report aims to highlight the management and outcomes of such an infection in a pregnancy with multiple complications.Methods We describe the clinical management of a 33-year-old woman who conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and presented in the third trimester with Listeria monocytogenes infection, complicated by complete placenta previa, a succenturiate placenta, and breech presentation.Results Despite prompt medical intervention, intrauterine fetal demise occurred. Following prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE), successful vaginal delivery was achieved. Three months postpartum, her menstrual cycle returned to normal. After monitoring her follicles during natural cycles, she successfully conceived again within one cycle, experienced a smooth pregnancy, and ultimately delivered a healthy baby boy at term.Conclusions This case underscores the importance of increased awareness regarding the risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection during pregnancy. It discusses the potential of applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) to amniotic fluid samples obtained via amniocentesis for early diagnosis and highlights that performing uterine artery embolization when necessary can help maximize the preservation of fertility.