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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Persistent Severe Cerebral Edema with Neutrophil Infiltration Following Listeria Meningitis
Asako Ueno1,2, Masamichi Ikawa1,3, Kenichiro Maeda1,2
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Japan.
Abstract:
A 51-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis. Diffuse cerebral edema appeared after improvement of meningitis with appropriate treatment and worsened for two months. Due to brain herniation, brain tissue leaked through the incision made during the drain insertion in a hydrocephalus surgery. We found pathological evidence of significant neutrophil infiltration with a few lymphocytes without bacterial detection in the degraded brain tissue. The present case indicates that fatal cerebral edema with significant neutrophil infiltration may develop even after appropriate treatment for L. monocytogenes meningitis.
Insights
Fatal cerebral edema can occur after Listeria monocytogenes meningitis treatment. This case highlights significant neutrophil infiltration in brain tissue, even without detectable bacteria, leading to brain herniation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is a serious infection.
- Cerebral edema is a known complication of meningitis.
- Delayed complications after treatment require further investigation.
