Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
03:42
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: March 15, 2024
1.2K
[A Listeria breast abscess in a man]
E Marsaudon1, J Berthy1, S Mamoune1
1Service de médecine interne, centre hospitalier Brocéliande-Atlantique, site de Ploermel, 7, rue du roi Arthur, 56800 Ploermel, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|January 14, 2018
Summary
A rare breast abscess caused by Listeria monocytogenes infection was observed in an elderly man. This case highlights how listeriosis can reveal underlying immunosuppression, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Listeriosis, a foodborne illness, typically causes bacteremia or CNS infections, rarely localized infections.
- Breast contamination is uncommon in lactating women and exceptionally rare in men.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old male with hypertension, arrhythmia, type 2 diabetes, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia presented with weakness and dehydration.
- Clinical examination revealed a breast abscess attributed to Listeria monocytogenes infection.
- Histopathology confirmed the breast abscess and showed subcutaneous infiltration by chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Findings:
- Listeria monocytogenes can cause localized breast abscesses, even in non-lactating males.
- The case demonstrates that listeriosis can be an indicator of previously undiagnosed immunosuppression, particularly in the elderly.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia infiltration of breast tissue may predispose to localized infections.
Implications:
- Listeriosis may serve as a diagnostic clue for occult immunosuppressive conditions in elderly patients.
- The breast's microbiome, influenced by digestive flora, can harbor pathogens like Listeria.
- Understanding the interplay between host immunity, microbiome, and specific malignancies is crucial for managing localized infections.
