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[Fulminant hepatitis in Listeria septicemia]
A Tschumper1, H Streuli, S Hottinger
1Medizinische Klinik, Zieglerspital und Pathologisches Institut der Universität, Bern.
Abstract:
We report on a 44-year-old male patient admitted with acute severe icteric hepatitis. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from blood cultures. The further course was complicated by meningitis and the patient finally died of multiorgan failure. Autopsy revealed nodular cirrhosis of the liver with cholestatic hepatitis and focal subacute liver dystrophy, as well as granulating meningitis. The case is discussed in the context of five previously published observations on hepatitis due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes infection caused severe hepatitis, meningitis, and multiorgan failure in a patient. This case highlights Listeria monocytogenes as a cause of hepatitis, contributing to a small number of reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative intracellular bacterium.
- While typically causing gastrointestinal illness or listeriosis in vulnerable populations, it can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male presented with acute severe icteric hepatitis.
- Blood cultures confirmed Listeria monocytogenes.
- The patient developed meningitis and succumbed to multiorgan failure.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed nodular cirrhosis, cholestatic hepatitis, and subacute liver dystrophy.
- Granulomatous meningitis was also identified.
Implications:
- This case adds to the limited literature on hepatitis attributed to Listeria monocytogenes.
- It underscores the potential for Listeria monocytogenes to cause severe hepatic and neurological disease in immunocompetent adults.
- Further investigation into the pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes-induced hepatitis is warranted.