[Invasive listeriosis - a rare and often severe infectious disease]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• Describes a severe meningoencephalitis case in an immunocompromised patient.
• Identifies Listeria monocytogenes as the causative pathogen.
• Highlights invasive listeriosis as a rare, notifiable, and potentially lethal infectious disease in Switzerland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a clinical case of severe meningoencephalitis due to Listeria monocytogenes.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in immunocompromised individuals.
• To discuss the transmission routes and therapeutic outcomes of invasive listeriosis.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with severe infection.
• Identification of Listeria monocytogenes as the pathogen.
• Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment course.

Main Results:

• Successful identification of Listeria monocytogenes in an immunocompromised patient with meningoencephalitis.
• Demonstration of potential for severe neurological complications from Listeria infection.
• Confirmation of antibiotic treatment efficacy in achieving a complete cure.

Conclusions:

• Invasive listeriosis, though rare, poses a significant threat, especially to immunocompromised individuals.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing Listeria monocytogenes infections.
• Foodborne transmission necessitates awareness of food safety practices to prevent contamination.