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Listeria meningitis in an immunocompetent child
Krishna Mohan Gulla1, Dhiren Gupta2, Anil Sachdev3
11 Fellow, Pediatric ICU, Institute of Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, motile bacillus widely spread in the environment. However, clinical infection in humans is uncommon. The route of infection is often through ingestion of raw vegetables, meat and unpasteurised dairy products. Listeria is an uncommon cause of meningitis in immunocompetent individuals, but it should be considered strongly in neonates and the elderly, and it should also be considered in those with impaired cell-mediated immunity. 1 , 2 Only a few case reports of invasive listeriosis in humans have been reported from India. 3 - 8 In our case, a 13-year-old previously healthy boy was thus diagnosed.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium found in the environment, but human infections are rare. This case highlights invasive listeriosis in a previously healthy Indian child, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium.
- Invasive listeriosis is rare in immunocompetent individuals.
- Few cases of invasive listeriosis have been reported in India.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old previously healthy boy was diagnosed with invasive listeriosis.
- The patient's specific clinical presentation and diagnostic details are presented.
Findings:
- This case represents a rare occurrence of invasive listeriosis in an immunocompetent pediatric patient in India.
- The diagnosis was confirmed in the described case.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in the differential diagnosis of infections, even in seemingly healthy individuals.
- Suggests a potential need for increased surveillance or awareness of listeriosis in the Indian subcontinent.
- Contributes to the limited case reports of invasive listeriosis in India, aiding future research and clinical practice.
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