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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
[Listeriosis of central nervous system in patients with ulcerative colitis - case study]
Agnieszka Żak-Gołąb1, Krzysztof Dąbrowski2, Antoni Hrycek1
1Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych, Autoimmunologicznych I Metabolicznych, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Katowice, Polska.
Abstract:
In the recently an increase morbidity inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis was observed. The use of purine analogs and their metabolites are associated with a higher incidence of infections in this group of patients. Listeriosis is an infectious disease caused by a relatively anaerobic gram-positive bacteria - Listeria monocytogenes. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but these pathogens can also cause myocarditis, central nervous system infections, including brain abscesses and sepsis. Since the incidence of Listeria monocytogenes is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease than in the general population, it is important to pay special attention to this group of patients (in prophylaxis as well as treatment) as these infections are serious and often fatal among them.
Insights
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face increased infection risks, particularly from Listeria monocytogenes. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing this serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection in IBD patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis, has seen rising morbidity.
- Certain medications used in IBD treatment, like purine analogs, are linked to increased infection susceptibility.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacterium causing listeriosis, a serious infection.
Observation:
- Listeriosis incidence is notably higher in IBD patients compared to the general population.
- Listeria monocytogenes can lead to severe conditions such as sepsis, myocarditis, and central nervous system infections.
- Common symptoms of listeriosis include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Findings:
- IBD patients exhibit a heightened risk of Listeria monocytogenes infection.
- The severity of listeriosis poses a significant threat to the health and survival of IBD patients.
Implications:
- Special attention to prophylaxis and treatment of listeriosis in IBD patients is essential.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are critical due to the potentially fatal nature of these infections in this vulnerable group.
- Further research into preventative strategies and optimized treatment protocols for listeriosis in IBD is warranted.
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