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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

[Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in children in France]

L Crouzet-Ozenda1, H Haas, E Bingen

  • 1Urgences pédiatriques, Hôpital Archet 2, 151 route de St Antoine de Ginestière, 06202 Nice.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|March 10, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Listeriosis meningitis (Lm) is rare in children, with most cases occurring in infants under one year old. Early diagnosis is crucial as direct examination of cerebrospinal fluid is often inconclusive, and mortality is high in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Meningitis Epidemiology
  • Listeria Monocytogenes Pathogenesis

Context:

  • Listeriosis is a severe invasive illness primarily affecting vulnerable populations, including neonates and immunocompromised individuals.
  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide.
  • Surveillance data on childhood bacterial meningitis provides critical insights into disease trends and causative agents.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) in children.
  • To analyze diagnostic methods and outcomes for pediatric Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
  • To assess the incidence and risk factors associated with Lm meningitis in a pediatric cohort.

Summary:

  • A 6-year surveillance study (2001-2006) identified 18 cases of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis among 2539 bacterial meningitis cases in children aged 0-18 years (0.7%).
  • The majority of Lm meningitis cases (56%) occurred in infants under one year, with a significant proportion in newborns, and Serotype 4B was most common.
  • Mortality was 16.7% in patients under one year, with three deaths among 18 cases, highlighting the severity in neonates, and diagnosis was often reliant on CSF and blood cultures rather than direct examination.

Impact:

  • This study underscores the rarity but significant severity of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in children, particularly neonates.
  • Findings emphasize the need for heightened clinical vigilance for Lm meningitis in pediatric populations, especially given diagnostic challenges.
  • The data supports continued surveillance and emphasizes the importance of microbiological culture for accurate diagnosis and management of pediatric bacterial meningitis.

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