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Updated: Jul 13, 2025
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
A case of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess with a clinical presentation mimicking stroke
Ya-Chun Chu1, Nai-Ching Chen2, Chien-Liang Chen3
1Division of Neurology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Purpose:
Kidney transplant recipients are at a high risk of both stroke and infection. We report this case to inform readers of the possibility of the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess despite treatment with low dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Conclusion:
Physicians should monitor unusual stroke symptoms and consider Listeria brain abscess as a differential diagnosis. This case suggests that listeria brain abscesses can potentially cause temporary neurological deficits akin to a stroke, despite trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis, but these symptoms resolve without necessitating surgical intervention.
Insights
Kidney transplant patients can develop Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses, mimicking stroke symptoms, even with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. These neurological deficits may resolve without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- Kidney transplant recipients face elevated risks of stroke and infection.
- Prophylactic antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, are common in these patients.
Observation:
- A case of Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess occurred in a kidney transplant recipient.
- The patient was on low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis.
Findings:
- Listeria brain abscess presented with neurological deficits resembling stroke.
- Symptoms improved without surgical intervention, despite ongoing antibiotic prophylaxis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Listeria brain abscess in transplant patients with stroke-like symptoms.
- Unusual neurological presentations warrant thorough investigation beyond typical stroke etiologies.
- This case highlights the potential for Listeria brain abscess to cause transient deficits in immunocompromised individuals.
