Related Experiment Videos
Cerebral listeriosis in adults. Three cases report
Abstract:
The Authors describe three autoptic cases of meningoencephalitis in adults due to an emerging pathogen, the Gram-positive bacillus Listeria monocytogenes. Only one of these was an immunosuppressed patient (recurrent carcinoma of the larynx and bladder papillomas), while no severe cause of debilitation was detected in the other two cases, excluding colonic diverticulosis in both. The post-mortem examination revealed leptomeningitis and encephalitis. Lympho-monocytic tissue reaction with perivascular cuffing was present in all the cases. The etiologic agent, L. monocytogenes, was identified by cultures from clinical or autoptic specimens.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacillus, caused meningoencephalitis in three adult cases. This emerging pathogen affected one immunosuppressed patient and two otherwise healthy individuals, highlighting its potential to cause severe neurological disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathogen Discovery
Background:
- Meningoencephalitis is a serious inflammation of the brain and meninges.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium known to cause foodborne illness.
- Emerging pathogens pose a significant threat to public health.
Observation:
- Three adult autoptic cases of meningoencephalitis were analyzed.
- One patient was immunosuppressed due to laryngeal carcinoma and bladder papillomas.
- Two patients had no significant underlying health issues, excluding colonic diverticulosis.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examinations revealed leptomeningitis and encephalitis in all cases.
- A lympho-monocytic tissue reaction with perivascular cuffing was observed.
- Cultures from clinical or autoptic specimens confirmed Listeria monocytogenes as the causative agent.
Implications:
- Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe neurological disease in adults, including those not severely immunocompromised.
- This study underscores the importance of considering L. monocytogenes in cases of meningoencephalitis.
- Further research into L. monocytogenes pathogenesis and prevention strategies is warranted.