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Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
14:05

Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: September 20, 2013

Brain abscess due to Listeria monocytogenes: case report and literature review

R R Dee, B Lorber

    Reviews of Infectious Diseases
    |November 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of brain abscess, particularly in leukemia patients and renal transplant recipients. High mortality rates underscore the importance of considering Listeria in differential diagnoses when blood cultures are positive.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Neurology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Brain abscess is a serious condition, and Listeria monocytogenes is an infrequent causative agent.
    • Understanding the specific risk factors and clinical presentation of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

    Observation:

    • This study reviewed 14 cases of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess, including one novel case.
    • Half of the cases occurred in immunocompromised individuals, specifically those with leukemia or who had received renal transplants.
    • A significant proportion (29%) of cases were observed in previously healthy individuals.

    Findings:

    • Clinical symptoms, including fever, headache, and focal neurologic deficits, were similar to other brain abscesses.
    • A notable observation was the high incidence of concurrent meningitis and bacteremia in Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess cases.
    • Blood cultures were positive in all tested cases, indicating systemic infection.

    Implications:

    • Listeria monocytogenes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of brain abscess, especially in patients with leukemia and renal transplant recipients.
    • The high mortality rate (57%) associated with Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess emphasizes the need for prompt recognition and management.
    • Negative blood cultures may suggest that Listeria monocytogenes is an unlikely cause of brain abscess.

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