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Detection of Listeria monocytogenes in a patient with meningoencephalitis using next-generation sequencing: a case

Zi-Wei Lan1, Min-Jia Xiao1, Yuan-Lin Guan2

  • 1The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|October 2, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) accurately diagnosed Listeria monocytogenes meningoencephalitis (LMM) when traditional tests failed. This rapid diagnostic method aids in timely and effective treatment of challenging listeria infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a bacterial pathogen that can cause severe neurological infections like meningoencephalitis and brain abscesses.
  • Diagnosing L. monocytogenes meningoencephalitis (LMM) is challenging due to potential false-negative results from traditional methods, especially after antibiotic treatment or with low bacterial loads in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Timely diagnosis and accurate treatment of listeria infections remain critical for patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A case study involving a 66-year-old woman initially suspected of tuberculous meningoencephalitis.
  • Clinical presentation suggested neurological infection, but conventional diagnostics were inconclusive.

Findings:

  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) successfully identified L. monocytogenes, leading to a definitive diagnosis of LMM.
  • The patient received successful treatment with a combination antibacterial therapy, including ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Implications:

  • NGS offers a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic approach for L. monocytogenes detection, improving LMM diagnosis.
  • This advanced molecular technique provides reliable results, significantly aiding clinicians in managing listeria infections.
  • The study highlights the clinical utility of NGS in overcoming limitations of traditional diagnostic methods for bacterial meningoencephalitis.
Keywords:
Cerebrospinal fluidListeria monocytogenesMeningoencephalitisNext-generation sequencing

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