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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Severe invasive listeriosis--case report
Andra Teodor1, D Teodor, Egidia Miftode
1University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa-Iasi School of Medicine.
Summary
Listeriosis, a rare foodborne illness, can manifest severely with bloodstream, CNS, or focal infections. This case highlights a fatal outcome in a previously healthy individual with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne infection.
- Invasive listeriosis presents with high fatality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Classical invasive forms include bloodstream, central nervous system, materno-fetal, and focal infections.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with fever, headache, ataxia, and diplopia.
- Clinical signs included confusion, meningeal irritation, and laboratory findings of leukocytosis, neutrophilia, pathological cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), elevated liver enzymes, and renal impairment.
- Cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures confirmed Listeria monocytogenes infection.
Findings:
- The patient developed respiratory failure, coma, hypotension, and tachycardia despite antibiotic treatment (ampicillin and ciprofloxacin).
- The case was unique, combining meningitis and bacteremia with acute hepatitis (focal infection).
- The patient experienced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, leading to death 12 days post-admission.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe, multi-organ invasive listeriosis even in seemingly healthy individuals.
- Early recognition and aggressive management are crucial for invasive listeriosis, though outcomes can be poor.
- The complex presentation emphasizes the need to consider Listeria monocytogenes in febrile patients with neurological and systemic signs.
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