Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food
08:38

Oral Transmission of Listeria monocytogenes in Mice via Ingestion of Contaminated Food

Published on: May 6, 2013

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in adults. Sixteen consecutive cases 1973-1982

P B Hansen, T H Jensen, S Lykkegaard

    Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Clinical features and initial lab results in adult Listeria monocytogenes meningitis are often indistinguishable from other causes. Early ampicillin treatment is recommended for suspected bacterial meningitis in adults.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Neurology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is a severe infection, particularly in adults.
    • Distinguishing Listeria meningitis from other bacterial meningitis forms based on initial presentation is challenging.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine if clinical features or initial laboratory findings can differentiate Listeria monocytogenes meningitis from other causes of purulent meningitis in adults.
    • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated L. monocytogenes strains.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of 16 adult patients with confirmed Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
    • Analysis of clinical presentations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) microscopy, cytology, and biochemistry.
    • Evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility patterns for isolated L. monocytogenes strains.

    Main Results:

    • Initial clinical presentation and CSF analysis (microscopy, cytology, biochemistry) were largely non-specific and could not reliably distinguish Listeria meningitis from other purulent meningitis.
    • Low leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage in CSF were noted in some Listeria cases.
    • All isolated L. monocytogenes strains were susceptible to ampicillin and aminoglycosides.

    Conclusions:

    • Clinical and initial laboratory findings are insufficient to differentiate Listeria monocytogenes meningitis from other causes of purulent meningitis in adults.
    • Empirical treatment with ampicillin is crucial for suspected bacterial meningitis in adults until an etiological diagnosis is confirmed.
    • Ampicillin is also recommended for febrile encephalopathy with specific CSF profiles (low neutrophils, low glucose).

    More Related Videos

    Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes09:18

    Assessing Bacterial Invasion of Cardiac Cells in Culture and Heart Colonization in Infected Mice Using Listeria monocytogenes

    Published on: May 27, 2015

    Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain05:02

    Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

    Published on: October 2, 2018

    Related Concept Videos

    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

    Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

    Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
    Bacterial Meningitis01:24

    Bacterial Meningitis

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
    Viral Meningitis01:18

    Viral Meningitis

    Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

    Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

    Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
    Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

    Encephalitis l: Introduction

    Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...