Listeria monocytogenes Meningitis in an Intensive Care Unit

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Community-acquired bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening condition.
• Listeria monocytogenes is a significant causative agent, particularly in older adults and the immunocompromised.
• Listeria meningitis often necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical features, risk factors, and management of community-acquired Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in ICU patients.
• To describe the outcomes and complications in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted in an ICU.
• Included adult patients admitted with community-acquired Listeria monocytogenes meningitis over nine years.
• Analyzed clinical data, ICU severity scores (APACHE II, SAPS II, SAPS III, SOFA), and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Six patients were admitted to the ICU with a mean ICU stay of 5.8 days and hospital stay of 27.8 days.
• The classic meningitis triad was present in only 33.3% of patients.
• Advanced age and alcohol consumption were identified as primary risk factors. All patients received early antibiotics and survived, though two had neurological sequelae.

Conclusions:

• Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in the ICU, while severe, can have a survivable outcome with prompt treatment.
• Risk factors such as advanced age and alcohol consumption should be considered in diagnosis and management.
• Neurological sequelae can occur despite survival, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up.