Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: September 19, 2013
Diagnosis and Treatment of Listeria monocytogenes Endophthalmitis: A Systematic Review
Matthew F Chersich1, Johanna Takkinen2, Caroline Charlier3,4
1a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.
Purpose:
Describe patient characteristics, treatment, and vision outcomes of Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis, an exceedingly rare form of listeriosis.
Methods:
L. monocytogenes endophthalmitis cases in human adults, located through Medline (32) and from disease surveillance centers (11). L. monocytogenes conjunctivitis and keratitis were excluded.
Results:
Most cases occurred in 2000-2015 (22/43), and almost all in Europe or North America (40/43). Patients were a median 61 years, 57% male (24/42) and half were immunosuppressed. Median days from entering care to diagnosis was 8 (IQR = 5-17). Only four were exogenous infections. L. monocytogenes was identified in 31/35 of anterior eye fluid samples (89%). Antibiotic regimens varied markedly (mostly ≥3 drugs). At diagnosis, most were blind in the affected eye (85%, 28/33), only a third regained normal vision (12/36). Older patients had poorer outcomes.
Conclusions:
Cases increased over time. Diagnostic delays were common and visual impairment often refractory to treatment, especially in older adults. The condition's rarity and variation in treatment makes it difficult to identify optimum therapy.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis is a rare infection causing severe vision loss, particularly in older adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial but often challenging due to varied therapeutic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Listeriosis is a serious infection, and Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis is an extremely rare manifestation.
- Understanding this condition is vital due to its potential for severe visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize patient demographics, treatment strategies, and visual outcomes in cases of Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis.
- To identify factors influencing prognosis in this rare ocular infection.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis cases in adults was conducted using Medline and disease surveillance data.
- Cases of conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by L. monocytogenes were excluded.
Main Results:
- The majority of cases (2000-2015) occurred in Europe and North America, with a median patient age of 61, predominantly male and often immunosuppressed.
- Diagnosis was delayed (median 8 days), and most patients presented with blindness (85%); only one-third regained normal vision, with older patients experiencing worse outcomes.
- L. monocytogenes was frequently identified in ocular fluid (89%), and antibiotic regimens were diverse, typically involving three or more drugs.
Conclusions:
- Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis cases appear to be increasing, often associated with diagnostic delays and poor visual prognoses, especially in the elderly.
- The rarity and heterogeneity of treatment approaches complicate the determination of optimal therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to establish standardized treatment protocols for this sight-threatening infection.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
01:18Endocarditis III: Medical Management
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:22Microbiome of the Eye