Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

[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
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

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.

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

Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes12:50

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

Published on: August 9, 2011

Related Concept Videos

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,...
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 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 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...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
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...