Central nervous system Listeria monocytogenes infection mimicking central nervous system idiopathic inflammatory...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• * Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an opportunistic pathogen.
• * Central nervous system (CNS) infections by Lm can be life-threatening.
• * CNS Lm infections can present with diverse neurological symptoms.

Observation:

• * A patient presented with headache, dizziness, facial numbness, and hoarseness.
• * Initial diagnosis was central nervous system idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease (CNS IIDD).
• * Subsequent findings revealed CNS Lm infection, specifically affecting the brainstem and cervical cord.

Findings:

• * CNS Lm infection can mimic CNS IIDD.
• * Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment.
• * Accurate identification of Lm CNS infection is critical for effective management.

Implications:

• * Clinicians must consider Lm CNS infection in patients with neurological symptoms, even if mimicking demyelinating disease.
• * Early and accurate diagnosis of CNS Lm infection is vital to initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
• * Differentiating between CNS Lm infection and CNS IIDD is essential to avoid therapeutic errors and improve patient outcomes.