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Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: September 19, 2013
Acute cholecystitis with Listeria monocytogenes.
J Descy1, P De Mol, M P Hayette
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium. Julie.Descy@chu.ulg.ac.be
Acta Clinica Belgica
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Listeria monocytogenes can cause rare cases of acute cholecystitis, particularly in elderly individuals. Successful treatment involves cholecystectomy and antibiotics, as demonstrated in this case report.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is an opportunistic foodborne illness.
- It typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and the very young or old.
- Commonly presents as maternofoetal infections, invasive disease (bacteremia, CNS involvement), or self-limited gastroenteritis.
Observation:
- This case report details an unusual instance of acute cholecystitis.
- The patient was an 82-year-old woman.
- The causative agent was identified as Listeria monocytogenes.
Findings:
- Listeria monocytogenes was diagnosed as the cause of acute cholecystitis in an elderly patient.
- The patient underwent successful treatment comprising cholecystectomy and antimicrobial therapy.
- Recovery was prompt following the intervention.
Implications:
- This case highlights Listeria monocytogenes as a potential, albeit rare, cause of cholecystitis.
- It underscores the importance of considering atypical pathogens in elderly patients with cholecystitis.
- The successful management strategy provides a clinical reference for similar rare presentations.
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