Listeriosis in pregnant women is often characterized by which symptom?

• A. Flu-like symptoms
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Severe rash
• D. High blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Listeriosis in pregnancy most often presents as a mild, nonspecific flu‑like illness—fever, fatigue, body aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. This non-specific presentation is common in pregnant women, which is why the symptom described as flu-like is the best clue. Yet the infection can have serious consequences for the fetus, including miscarriage or preterm delivery, so clinicians remain vigilant when pregnant patients have fever with malaise after potential exposure. The other options—shortness of breath, a severe rash, or high blood pressure—are not typical of uncomplicated listeriosis in this setting and point toward different conditions.