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Gry Tordrup1, Dennis Back Holmgaard2, Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter1,3
1Børne- og Ungeafdelingen, Københavns Universitetshospital - Slagelse Sygehus.
Abstract:
In this case report, a previously healthy six-year-old presented with fever and altered mental status, and was found to have bacteremia with Listeria monocytogenes, acquired from premade fish balls. Invasive L. monocytogenes infection usually occurs in immunocompromised or newborns but may occasionally occur in healthy children with food-borne gastroenteritis. L. monocytogenes should be considered in patients with severe infection and symptoms of gastroenteritis, particularly since ceftriaxone, the Danish standard treatment for meningitis in children, does not cover L. monocytogenes.
Insights
A healthy child contracted Listeria monocytogenes from fish balls, leading to severe illness. This highlights the risk of invasive Listeria infections in children, even without immune deficiencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Foodborne Illnesses
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Invasive Listeria monocytogenes infections typically affect immunocompromised individuals and newborns.
- Foodborne pathogens can cause severe infections in seemingly healthy populations.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for public health interventions.
Observation:
- A previously healthy six-year-old child presented with fever and altered mental status.
- Blood cultures confirmed bacteremia caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
- The infection was linked to the consumption of premade fish balls.
Findings:
- Listeria monocytogenes can cause invasive infections in healthy children, often associated with foodborne gastroenteritis.
- The case underscores the potential for severe outcomes from common food sources.
- Standard pediatric meningitis treatments like ceftriaxone are ineffective against Listeria.
Implications:
- Listeria monocytogenes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe infections in children, especially with gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Clinicians must be aware of ceftriaxone's lack of coverage for Listeria.
- Public health awareness regarding safe food handling practices is essential to prevent foodborne Listeria outbreaks.