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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: May 27, 2015
Recurrent Listeria monocytogenes aortic graft infection: confirmation of relapse by molecular subtyping
Holger Rohde1, Matthias A Horstkotte, Siobhan Loeper
1Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrabetae 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. rohde@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Abstract:
Based on molecular typing methods, we identified a rare case of a recurrent L. monocytogenes infection resulting from an infected aortic prosthesis as detected by 18-F-Fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET). Our case highlights the usefulness of molecular typing and nuclear imaging methods for understanding L. monocytogenes pathogenesis and epidemiology.
Insights
A rare recurrent Listeria monocytogenes infection was linked to an infected aortic prosthesis, confirmed by 18-F-Fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) imaging. This case shows molecular typing and nuclear imaging are vital for studying Listeria pathogenesis and spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Recurrent Listeria monocytogenes infections pose significant clinical challenges.
- Identifying the source of recurrent infections is crucial for effective treatment and preventing further transmission.
- Aortic prosthesis infections are serious complications requiring accurate diagnostic approaches.
Observation:
- A rare case of recurrent Listeria monocytogenes infection was identified.
- The infection was definitively linked to an infected aortic prosthesis.
- 18-F-Fluoro-d-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) was instrumental in detecting the infected prosthesis.
Findings:
- Molecular typing confirmed the recurrent nature of the Listeria monocytogenes infection.
- FDG PET imaging successfully identified the infected aortic prosthesis as the source.
- The combination of molecular and imaging techniques provided a comprehensive understanding of the infection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the value of advanced molecular typing for tracking infectious disease outbreaks and recurrence.
- Nuclear imaging, specifically FDG PET, is a powerful tool for diagnosing deep-seated infections like those involving prosthetic devices.
- Integrating molecular epidemiology and advanced imaging enhances our ability to elucidate pathogen pathogenesis and transmission dynamics.
