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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Cerebral Abscess Caused by Listeria monocytogenes: Case Report and Literature Review
Debora Cipriani1, Michael Trippel2, Klaus-Jürgen Buttler1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Background:
Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic gram-positive, facultative intracellular bacterium that causes invasive diseases mostly in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients. Despite the predilection toward the central nervous system (CNS), it usually causes meningitis and meningoencephalitis, whereas brain abscesses are very uncommon.
Case Presentation:
We describe the case of a 69-year-old homeless patient with a brain abscess due to L. monocytogenes who was successfully treated surgically by a guided stereotactic aspiration and antibiotic therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin. Our patient was discharged after 4 weeks of therapy without neurologic deficits. Additionally, we provide a review of the literature of brain abscesses caused by L. monocytogenes.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the need to drain cerebral abscesses and culture pus to correctly treat patients with antibiotics, especially given the high mortality rate of this infectious entity.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses are rare but treatable with surgical drainage and antibiotics. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in patients with this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic pathogen causing invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement by L. monocytogenes typically manifests as meningitis or meningoencephalitis.
- Brain abscesses due to L. monocytogenes are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A case of a 69-year-old homeless patient presenting with a L. monocytogenes brain abscess is detailed.
- The patient underwent successful surgical treatment via guided stereotactic aspiration.
- The patient received a combination antibiotic therapy of ampicillin and gentamicin.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of a rare L. monocytogenes brain abscess was achieved through surgical aspiration and targeted antibiotic therapy.
- The patient experienced a full recovery with no neurological deficits after a 4-week treatment course.
- A review of existing literature on L. monocytogenes brain abscesses was conducted.
Implications:
- Cerebral abscesses require surgical intervention, including pus culture, for effective antibiotic treatment.
- Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are vital due to the high mortality associated with L. monocytogenes CNS infections.
- This case underscores the importance of considering less common presentations of L. monocytogenes infections.
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