Author: Smith, James L.

Source: Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 62, Number 7, July 1999 , pp. 818-829(12)

Publisher: International Association for Food Protection

Abstract:

The consequences of foodborne illness can be particularly devastating during pregnancy because both the woman and her fetus are at risk. Escalated production of progesterone during pregnancy leads to down-regulation of cellular (cell-mediated) immune functions. Many foodborne pathogens (and other pathogens) are intracellular pathogens, and infections caused by these pathogens are controlled by cell-mediated immunity. The pregnancy-induced decrease in cell-mediated immune functions leads to increased susceptibility of the pregnant woman to certain infections. Hepatitis E virus, Coxiella burnetii, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular pathogens that have a predilection for the maternal–fetal unit and may induce serious disease in the mother and/or fetus. In the United States, T. gondii and L. monocytogenes are the most important foodborne pathogens in pregnancy, and these organisms can induce death or grave disease in the fetus and newborn. The pregnant woman, in order to protect herself and her fetus from the consequences of foodborne illness, must practice a high standard of food hygiene and personal cleanliness.

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: Microbial Food Safety Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA

Publication date: 1999-07-01

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  First published in 1937, the Journal of Food Protection^®, is a refereed monthly publication. Each issue contains scientific research and authoritative review articles reporting on a variety of topics in food science pertaining to food safety and quality. The Journal is internationally recognized as the leading publication in the field of food microbiology with a readership exceeding 11,000 scientists from 70 countries. The Journal of Food Protection^® is indexed in Index Medicus, Current Contents, BIOSIS, PubMed, Medline, and many others.
  
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