Listeria Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Child

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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
05:02

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

13.4K

Giovanna Villa1, Maria Cristina Diana, Nicoletta Solari

  • 1From the *Emergency Department of Paediatrics, Departments of †Clinical Pathology and Microbiology and ‡Hematology and Oncology, and §Infectious Diseases Unit, G. Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|April 8, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is rare in healthy children but can be severe. This case highlights the potential for serious complications and high mortality in pediatric listeriosis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium found in environmental sources.
  • Listeriosis typically affects older adults, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns.
  • Infection in healthy children is uncommon but can lead to severe neurological conditions.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 7-year-old boy presented with meningitis.
  • The patient was diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.

Findings:

  • Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe neurological infections in children, including meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and brain abscesses.
  • Pediatric listeriosis can have a severe and potentially fatal course.
  • Complications like hydrocephalus and spinal abscesses can arise, contributing to high mortality rates.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in the differential diagnosis of meningitis in children, even those who are otherwise healthy.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigate severe outcomes and reduce mortality associated with pediatric listeriosis.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric Listeria infections is warranted.

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