Neonatal Listeria monocytogenes meningitis. A case report

The clinical presentation, bacteriological results, treatment, and outcome of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in a newborn infant are described. The neonatal listeriosis was of the late-onset variety, and the infant survived the infection, but hydrocephalus, which necessitated operative relief, developed. Although 2 cases of Listeria meningitis have previously been described in South Africa, and opportunistic listeriosis is known to occur here, this is apparently the first documented case of neonatal listeriosis in this country.