Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
05:02
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Cerebral nocardiosis.
Rohana Naqi1, Humera Ahsan, Muhammad Azeemuddin
1Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|December 30, 2011
Summary
Nocardia Asteroides, a rare opportunistic infection, can cause brain abscesses in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial for recovery and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Commonly involves the lungs, skin, and central nervous system (CNS).
- Rarely occurs in immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressants presented with seizures.
- MRI revealed a ring-enhancing lesion in the right parietal cortex, suggestive of a cerebral abscess.
- Nocardia Asteroides was identified in serum Gram staining and culture.
Findings:
- The patient underwent craniotomy and abscess aspiration.
- Treatment with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim led to significant clinical improvement.
- Long-term antibiotic therapy was prescribed.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Nocardia in CNS lesions mimicking tuberculoma or neoplasms.
- Emphasizes the need for clinical awareness to expedite diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
- Underscores the role of prompt microbiological investigation in suspected Nocardia infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:19Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...