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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

[Multiple infectious intracranial lesions of Mycobacterium genavense in an immunocompromised patient]

Haruto Uchino1, Shunsuke Terasaka, Shigeru Yamaguchi

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, and Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Hokkaido, Japan.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|January 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium genavense, a type of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), rarely causes central nervous system infections. This case highlights NTM brain lesions in an immunocompromised patient, emphasizing the need for biopsy in diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an emerging cause of opportunistic infections.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by NTM is rare, with Mycobacterium genavense identified as a significant pathogen.
  • Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for disseminated NTM infections.

Observation:

  • A 50-year-old male with primary immunodeficiency presented with neurological deficits including dysarthria, aphasia, and hemiparesis.
  • He had a known M. genavense infection in lymph nodes.
  • MRI revealed multiple intracranial masses with significant perifocal edema.

Findings:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was negative for disseminated infection.
  • A CT-guided brain biopsy confirmed Mycobacterium genavense infection.
  • The patient showed clinical and radiological improvement following treatment with antimycobacterial agents.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering M. genavense in the differential diagnosis of CNS lesions in immunocompromised patients.
  • Despite risks, brain biopsy is crucial for definitive diagnosis and guiding appropriate antimycobacterial therapy.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in CNS NTM infections.

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