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[Listeria monocytogenes meningoencephalitis as a possible differential diagnosis of apoplexy]
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie
|January 1, 1984
Abstract:
A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with the diagnosis of vascular stroke. Fever and an atypical beginning of the patient being disorientated let us suspect an encephalitis. In the CSF grew listeria monocytogenes. Treatment with Ampicillin intravenously was followed by a sudden relief of the neurological signs. Symptoms and treatment are discussed in referring to the literature.
Insights
A patient presenting with stroke-like symptoms was diagnosed with Listeria encephalitis. Prompt intravenous Ampicillin treatment led to rapid neurological recovery, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Vascular stroke is a common neurological emergency.
- Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen that can cause severe infections, including neurological disease.
Observation:
- A 67-year-old male presented with symptoms initially diagnosed as vascular stroke.
- The patient exhibited fever and disorientation, prompting suspicion of encephalitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Findings:
- Intravenous Ampicillin administration resulted in a rapid improvement of the patient's neurological signs.
- The clinical presentation and response to treatment suggest Listeria monocytogenes encephalitis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need to consider infectious etiologies, such as Listeria encephalitis, in patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms.
- Early and appropriate antibiotic therapy, specifically with Ampicillin, is crucial for favorable outcomes in Listeria monocytogenes infections of the central nervous system.
- Further literature review is warranted to understand the spectrum of neurological presentations and optimal management strategies for Listeria encephalitis.