Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:18
Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: May 27, 2015
[Ruptured mesenteric aneurysm from Listeria monocytogenes]
P Sockeel1, C Bredin, L Allanic
1Service de Chirurgie Digestive, HIA Legouest, 27, avenue des Plantieres, BP 10, 57998 Metz-Armées, France. phsockeel@hotmail.com
Annales De Chirurgie
|June 20, 2006
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes infections are rare in the mesenteric artery, especially mycotic aneurysms. This case highlights a rare complication in an immunocompromised patient, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes typically causes infections in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Mycotic aneurysms, infections of arterial walls, are uncommon, particularly those involving the mesenteric artery.
Observation:
- A case report details an immunocompromised woman hospitalized with meningoencephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
- The patient required surgery for abdominal hemorrhagic shock resulting from a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the inferior mesenteric artery.
Findings:
- Arterial aneurysms caused by Listeria monocytogenes are rare, with only 17 cases previously reported in medical literature.
- This case represents only the second reported instance of a mycotic aneurysm of the mesenteric artery linked to this pathogen.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for Listeria monocytogenes to cause rare vascular complications, even in the mesenteric artery.
- It highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations of Listeria monocytogenes infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and management of Listeria monocytogenes-induced mycotic aneurysms may be warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
01:19Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...