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Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes
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Measuring Bacterial Load and Immune Responses in Mice Infected with Listeria monocytogenes

Published on: August 9, 2011

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Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in immunocompetent children: A retrospective single-centre study

Zeynep Gokce Gayretli Aydin1, Nihal Yıldız2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|December 22, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is rare in healthy children but can occur. This study highlights the importance of considering this infection even without typical risk factors in pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes meningitis typically affects vulnerable populations.
  • Infections in immunocompetent children are infrequently reported and considered unusual.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze cases of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in immunocompetent children.
  • To identify clinical features, diagnostic findings, and treatment responses in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records.
  • Inclusion of seven previously healthy children aged 4 months to 15 years.
  • Review of clinical courses, laboratory findings, medical imaging, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Common symptoms included fever, seizures, vomiting, headache, and altered consciousness.
  • Cerebral edema signs were noted in three patients; cranial nerve involvement in two.
  • Leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI was observed in four patients.

Conclusions:

  • Listeria monocytogenes meningitis should be considered in children presenting with meningitis symptoms, even without apparent risk factors.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
Immunocompetent childListeria monocytogenesMeningoencephalitis

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