Immune-guided calibration of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) results in a pregnant patient with Listeria infection: a case report.
Yun Zhong, Lan Peng
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 25-year-old pregnant woman at 37 weeks gestation presented with persistent high fever after induced labor due to intrauterine fetal death. Initial cultures suggested Staphylococcus capitis and Ureaplasma urealyticum, but treatment targeting these pathogens was ineffective. An immune profile indicating elevated IFN-γ and IL-10 led to a diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes infection. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin resulted in rapid recovery.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the integration of host immune profiling with AI-assisted decision-making to diagnose Listeria infection, despite misleading results from standard microbiological tests.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the role of immune profiling and AI-assisted analysis when faced with diagnostic challenges in cases of suspected rare infections.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, particularly in pregnant patients where timely identification of infections can significantly impact maternal and fetal outcomes.