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[Brain abscesses due to Listeria monocytogenes]
M T Adeva-Bartolomé1, F J de Castro-García, F Castellanos-Pinedo
1Unidad de Neurología, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Virgen del Puerto. mtfj@eresmas.com
Revista De Neurologia
|March 15, 2005
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe central nervous system infections, including brain abscesses, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics like ampicillin are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium known to cause central nervous system infections in immunocompromised hosts.
- These infections can manifest as meningitis, rhombencephalitis, or brain/spinal cord abscesses.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male with chronic lymphatic leukemia presented with meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses caused by L. monocytogenes.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and hypoglycorrhachia.
- Brain MRI demonstrated cerebritis and multiple abscesses in the right frontal lobe.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with a 13-week course of ampicillin, combined with gentamicin and vancomycin initially.
- Radiological evidence confirmed the resolution of brain lesions following treatment.
Implications:
- Listeria monocytogenes infections warrant investigation in immunocompromised patients with febrile illnesses, especially with neurological symptoms.
- The central nervous system can be the primary site of infection.
- Early and appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as ampicillin with aminoglycosides, is vital for a better prognosis.