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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

Acute symptomatic hydrocephalus in Listeria monocytogenes meningitis

Chun Chieh Yang1, Chao Hung Yeh, Tsung Chia Tsai

  • 1Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan County, Taiwan.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|June 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis can lead to acute hydrocephalus, a rare complication. Prompt cerebrospinal fluid drainage via an Ommaya reservoir can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is increasingly reported.
  • Central nervous system involvement is common in listeriosis, but neuroimaging is often normal.
  • Hydrocephalus is a known complication of tuberculous meningitis, prevalent in Taiwan.

Observation:

  • A patient with Listeria monocytogenes meningitis experienced persistent altered consciousness despite antimicrobial treatment.
  • Brain computed tomography revealed acute hydrocephalus, a rare complication in this context.
  • Symptomatic hydrocephalus is uncommon in Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent Ommaya reservoir implantation for daily cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
  • Gradual clinical improvement and complete mental status recovery occurred within 4 days.
  • This case highlights the potential for hydrocephalus in Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider hydrocephalus as a possible complication of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
  • Early recognition and intervention, such as cerebrospinal fluid drainage, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for neurological complications in bacterial meningitis.

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