Which of the following organisms is known to be a foodborne pathogen that can impact pregnancy?

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This bacterium can cause listeriosis, which poses serious risks to pregnant individuals and their unborn children. Infection with Listeria during pregnancy can lead to severe complications such as spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection in the newborn, manifesting as sepsis or meningitis.

Listeria is particularly notable because it can survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures, making it a unique threat compared to other foodborne pathogens, which are typically eliminated when food is cooked properly. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid certain high-risk foods, such as unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and soft cheeses, where Listeria is more commonly found.

In contrast, while Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter are also foodborne organisms that can cause gastrointestinal distress and complications, their direct impact on pregnancy is less significant compared to Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella, for instance, can cause serious illness but has less of an association with specific pregnancy outcomes than Listeria. Thus, Listeria monocytogenes is recognized as the primary foodborne pathogen of concern during pregnancy.