Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 27, 2026

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
08:38

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food

Published on: May 6, 2013

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in previously healthy adults: long-term follow-up

M Zúñiga1, J M Aguado, J Vada

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Marqués de Valdecilla National Hospital, Santander, Spain.

The Quarterly Journal of Medicine
|November 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Listeria meningitis can occur in healthy individuals. This study shows that it does not always indicate underlying immunosuppression or lead to a poor prognosis, even without long-term follow-up.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen that can cause meningitis.
  • Meningitis cases in seemingly healthy individuals raise concerns about potential underlying immunosuppressive conditions.
  • Previous literature often lacks prolonged follow-up, complicating prognosis assessment.

Observation:

  • This study presents clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data from four previously healthy patients diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
  • These patients underwent prospective follow-up for a duration of 2 to 6 years.
  • No patients developed immunosuppression-related illnesses, such as HIV infection, during the follow-up period.

Findings:

  • Listeria meningitis in immunocompetent individuals does not invariably signify an occult immunosuppressive disorder.
  • The prognosis for Listeria meningitis in otherwise healthy persons can be favorable.
  • Absence of immunosuppressive disease and mortality observed in this cohort.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider Listeria meningitis in healthy individuals as a distinct entity.
  • A diagnosis of Listeria meningitis in healthy patients does not automatically warrant extensive investigation for immunosuppression.
  • This finding suggests that prompt diagnosis and management can lead to good outcomes, challenging previous assumptions about poor prognosis.

More Related Videos

Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses10:10

Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses

Published on: November 16, 2016

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...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...