[Listeria monocytogenes meningitis (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen that can cause severe illness, particularly in certain populations.
• Obesity can be a risk factor for various infections and complications.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old obese patient presented with symptoms suggestive of meningitis.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis initially suggested beta-haemolytic streptococci group B.
• Further microbiological investigations confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, serovar 4b.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
• Treatment involved a combination of erythromycin (2 g/d) and gentamicin (40 mg three times daily).
• The therapeutic regimen resulted in a swift resolution of the patient's clinical symptoms.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of thorough microbiological identification in meningitis diagnosis, even with initial misleading results.
• Effective antibiotic treatment, including erythromycin and gentamicin, can successfully manage Listeria monocytogenes meningitis.
• Understanding potential risk factors like obesity may aid in early recognition and management of severe infections.