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Updated: May 7, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

[A case of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes]

Byung Sihk Kim1, Tae Yeob Kim, Ji Yeoun Kim

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea.

The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe Chi
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious liver disease complication. This case highlights Listeria monocytogenes as a rare SBP cause, requiring awareness for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a severe complication in patients with advanced liver disease and ascites.
  • Commonly caused by Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, SBP necessitates prompt antibiotic treatment.
  • Listeria monocytogenes is a rare but significant pathogen in SBP cases.

Observation:

  • This report details the first case of SBP caused by Listeria monocytogenes in Korea.
  • The patient had advanced alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed through ascitic fluid culture.

Findings:

  • Empirical treatment with third-generation cephalosporins is inadequate against Listeria monocytogenes.
  • Delayed diagnosis is common due to the need for microbiological confirmation.
  • Listeria monocytogenes represents an atypical pathogen in SBP.

Implications:

  • Clinicians must consider atypical pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes in SBP cases.
  • Inadequate response to empirical antibiotics warrants investigation for unusual causative agents.
  • Increased awareness of Listeria monocytogenes in SBP can improve patient outcomes.

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