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Diagnosis of Listeria monocytogenes Meningitis Using the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel in a Patient With

Yu Miyazaki1, Koki Tominaga2, Takuya Adachi1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Toshima Hospital, Tokyo, JPN.

Cureus
|August 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) Panel rapidly diagnosed Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in a patient with prior antibiotic exposure. This molecular test enabled timely treatment and full recovery, even with delayed testing availability.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis presents a critical diagnostic challenge due to high mortality and potential complications.
  • Conventional methods like Gram staining and cultures have limitations in speed and pathogen identification.

Observation:

  • A case of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in a 79-year-old male is presented.
  • The patient had received prior antibiotic treatment, complicating initial diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis was delayed due to weekend unavailability of the FilmArray ME Panel.

Findings:

  • The FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) Panel identified Listeria monocytogenes despite negative cultures.
  • Molecular diagnostics facilitated a timely and accurate diagnosis.
  • The patient received effective ampicillin and gentamicin treatment.

Implications:

  • The FilmArray ME Panel is valuable for diagnosing bacterial meningitis in complex cases, including post-antibiotic exposure.
  • Ensuring availability of rapid molecular diagnostics during off-hours is crucial for prompt patient management.
  • Rapid diagnosis and treatment led to complete recovery without long-term complications.
Keywords:
bacterial meningitisfilmarrayinfectious disease medicinelisteria monocytogenesmultiplex pcr

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