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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
05:02
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Neonatal listeriosis
Shih-Yu Chen1, Frank Leigh Lu, Ping-Ing Lee
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
Neonatal listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is rare in Taiwan but carries high risks. Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial for managing this serious infant infection.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a known neonatal pathogen in Western countries.
- Neonatal listeriosis is infrequently reported in Taiwan, making its presentation and outcomes less understood in this region.
Observation:
- Two cases of neonatal listeriosis occurred between 1990-2005 at a single Taiwanese institute.
- Case 1: Premature infant (31 weeks) with maternal fever, rash, seizures, ventriculitis, and hydrocephalus, treated successfully.
- Case 2: Extremely premature infant (28 weeks) with respiratory distress, ventriculitis, who unfortunately died.
Findings:
- Listeria monocytogenes was identified in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in Case 1.
- Listeria monocytogenes was identified in blood in Case 2, with cerebrospinal fluid showing pleocytosis and brain ultrasonography revealing ventriculitis.
- The study highlights significant mortality and morbidity associated with neonatal listeriosis.
Implications:
- Neonatal listeriosis, though uncommon in Taiwan, necessitates a high index of suspicion among healthcare professionals.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for improving outcomes in affected neonates.
- Further surveillance and awareness are needed to address this potentially devastating infection in the Taiwanese neonatal population.
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