Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
Published on: May 6, 2013
Listeria monocytogenes peritonitis: case report and literature review
J J Sivalingam1, P Martin, H S Fraimow
1Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacillus that is pathogenic in both the normal and compromised host. We describe Listeria peritonitis and cerebritis in a patient with cirrhosis due to non-A, non-B hepatitis, and review the 11 other cases of Listeria peritonitis reported in the English-language literature. Listeria is a rare cause of peritonitis in debilitated, older patients, with two-thirds of the cases occurring in patients with chronic liver disease. Listeria peritonitis may also occur in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, or in those with malignancy. Peritonitis due to Listeria is clinically similar to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and is associated with fever, variable abdominal pain, and neutrocytic ascites; bacteremia commonly accompanies Listeria peritonitis. This syndrome can be successfully treated with antimicrobial drugs, although the third-generation cephalosporins commonly used in the therapy of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are not recommended. Ampicillin may be the drug of choice, with combination therapy with an aminoglycoside reserved for cases that do not respond to ampicillin alone.
Insights
Listeria peritonitis, a rare infection in debilitated patients, often affects those with chronic liver disease. Ampicillin is recommended for treatment, avoiding cephalosporins typically used for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium causing illness in healthy and immunocompromised individuals.
- Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, often associated with infection.
- Chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, can predispose individuals to serious infections.
Observation:
- This study details a case of Listeria peritonitis and cerebritis in a patient with cirrhosis.
- A review of 11 additional cases highlights Listeria peritonitis as a rare complication in debilitated patients.
- Commonly affected populations include those with chronic liver disease, undergoing peritoneal dialysis, or with malignancy.
Findings:
- Listeria peritonitis presents similarly to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, with symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, and neutrocytic ascites.
- Bacteremia frequently accompanies Listeria peritonitis.
- Treatment success is achievable with antimicrobial drugs, with ampicillin identified as a potential drug of choice.
Implications:
- The findings suggest ampicillin as a preferred treatment for Listeria peritonitis, contrasting with standard spontaneous bacterial peritonitis therapies.
- Avoidance of third-generation cephalosporins is advised in suspected Listeria peritonitis cases.
- Early and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is crucial for managing Listeria peritonitis, especially in vulnerable patient groups.
