Which group is at the highest risk for listeriosis?

Pregnant women and their fetus are at the highest risk for listeriosis due to several physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. The immune system becomes somewhat suppressed in order to accommodate the developing fetus, making it easier for infections to take hold. Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, can be particularly severe in pregnant women, leading to complications such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and severe illness in the newborn.

Additionally, Listeria can cross the placental barrier, putting the fetus at direct risk. This vulnerability highlights the importance of pregnant women taking precautions, such as avoiding certain high-risk foods like unpasteurized dairy products and deli meats. The general population, including healthy adults or children, does have a risk of listeriosis, but pregnant women are specifically identified as the group with the highest susceptibility due to both their own health dynamics and the potential consequences for their unborn child.