Seroprevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in HIV infected pregnant women from Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and factors associated with serologic response to Listeria monocytogenes in HIV infected and uninfected pregnant women in Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, pregnant women after 14 weeks of gestational age were enrolled. Positive serologic test for L. monocytogenes was defined as titers >1:80 (agglutination test). Comparisons were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 213 women were enrolled, 73 (34%) were HIV infected. 55 women were seroreactive for L. monocytogenes, 27 (37%) HIV-infected and 28 (20%) HIV-uninfected (p < 0.01). Considering the diet record, white cheese consumption was associated with seroreactivity (p < 0.01). In the group of pregnant women living with HIV, the variables associated with L. monocytogenes positive serology were: lower CD4+ cells count at study entry OR=4.8 (95%CI=1.1–19.8) and having neonates admitted to the intensive care unit OR=5.9 (95%CI=1.01–34.9). CONCLUSION: Positive serology for Listeria monocytogenes was associated with HIV infection. Brazilian women should avoid white cheese during pregnancy.