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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
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Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain

Published on: October 2, 2018

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Listeria monocytogenes Meningitis in an Intensive Care Unit

Ana Sofia Alves1, Joana Fernandes1, Maria João Pinto1

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, PRT.

Cureus
|February 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Community-acquired Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is serious, especially in older adults. This study found advanced age and alcohol use were key risk factors, with all patients surviving despite long ICU stays.

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.
Keywords:
community-acquired bacterial meningitiselderlyfeverfocal neurological deficitsimmunocompromised adultsintensive care unitlisteria monocytogenes

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