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Updated: Feb 23, 2026
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Listeria Monocytogenes Septicemia and Meningitis Caused by Listeria Enteritis Complicating Ulcerative Colitis
Takahiro Inoue1, Toshinao Itani1, Noriko Inomata1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Nishi-Kobe Medical Center, Japan.
Abstract:
An 80-year-old man, who had been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, was admitted due to a fever and bloody diarrhea and was treated with a glucocorticoid and azathioprine. After 5 days, he developed an impaired consciousness, headache, and neck stiffness. A sample of the colonic mucosa, blood cultures, and cerebrospinal fluid revealed Listeria monocytogenes infection. Intravenous ampicillin improved the symptoms of fever, bloody diarrhea, and headache without any neurological sequelae. Physicians should consider that Listeria enteritis complicating ulcerative colitis can cause septicemia and meningitis in immunosuppressed patients. A patient's central nervous system can avoid the effects of Listeria meningitis by an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause severe illness, including meningitis, in immunosuppressed patients with ulcerative colitis. Early diagnosis and ampicillin treatment are crucial for recovery and preventing neurological damage.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- Immunosuppressive therapy, including glucocorticoids and azathioprine, is common in UC management.
- Immunosuppression increases the risk of opportunistic infections.
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