Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes
12:50

Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: August 9, 2011

Listeria monocytogenes-induced monomicrobial non-neutrocytic bacterascites

Praveen Jammula1, Rajiv Gupta

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0570, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|November 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). This study details a rare case of monobacterial non-neutrocytic bacterascites (MNB) caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a frequent complication in liver cirrhosis patients.
  • Commonly, SBP is caused by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
  • Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • Monobacterial non-neutrocytic bacterascites (MNB) is a variant of SBP with positive ascitic fluid cultures but low neutrophil counts (<250/mm³).
  • Listeria monocytogenes-induced SBP is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 40 cases reported.
  • Only two prior cases of MNB attributed to L. monocytogenes have been documented.

Findings:

  • This report describes a unique case of MNB in a patient with cirrhosis.
  • The patient presented with an ascitic neutrophil count of 164/mm³.
  • Gram stain and microbiologic cultures confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering L. monocytogenes in MNB, even with low neutrophil counts.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific pathogenesis and risk factors for L. monocytogenes MNB in cirrhosis.
  • Early identification and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing this rare but serious infection.

More Related Videos

Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes09:18

Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: May 27, 2015

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...