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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
A Case of Listeria monocytogenes Meningitis (Complicated) with Hydrocephalus and Occipital Lobe Infarction
Meiyan Liu1, Yuquan Chen2, Pin Xie1
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Listeria monocytogenes (LM) meningitis is a rare but severe infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients, often leading to complications such as hydrocephalus, markedly increasing treatment complexity and the risk of poor outcomes.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of LM meningitis in an immunocompromised patient. The illness began with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by neck stiffness and altered consciousness. LM was identified via blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). During hospitalization, the patient developed decompensated hydrocephalus and a right occipital lobe infarction, emergent external ventricular drainage (hospital day 4) and subsequent ventriculoperitoneal shunting (hospital day 44) were performed, which were potentially life-saving. After comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation, the patient was discharged on day 85 without significant neurological deficits.
Conclusion:
Clinical presentation of LM meningitis may be atypical, especially in immunocompromised patients. In such patients, aggressive management of hydrocephalus-including timely CSF diversion-is potentially life-saving. Early pathogen detection through combined blood culture, CSF culture, and mNGS, together with prompt, targeted antimicrobial therapy and dynamic management of neurological complications such as hydrocephalus, is essential for improving clinical outcomes.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes (LM) meningitis is a severe infection in immunocompromised individuals. Prompt diagnosis using metagenomic sequencing and aggressive hydrocephalus management are crucial for survival and good outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Genomics
Background:
- Listeria monocytogenes (LM) meningitis is a rare but severe infection.
- It poses significant risks, especially for immunocompromised patients.
- Complications like hydrocephalus increase treatment complexity and poor outcomes.
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