How is Listeria monocytogenes infection diagnosed?
If you have symptoms such as fever or stiff neck, consult your doctor. A blood or spinal fluid test (to cultivate the bacteria) will show if you have listeriosis. During pregnancy, a blood test is the most reliable way to find out if your symptoms are due to listeriosis. There is no routine screening test for listeriosis during pregnancy, as there is for rubella and some other congenital infections.