Listeria monocytogenes-associated acute hepatitis in a liver transplant recipient

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Transplant Surgery

Background:

• Listeria monocytogenes infections can cause severe illness, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Liver involvement in Listeria infections is rare, especially in liver transplant recipients.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing invasive Listeria infections.

Observation:

• A liver transplant recipient presented with symptoms mimicking acute viral hepatitis, including fever, jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes.
• Blood and liver biopsy cultures confirmed Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia with hepatic involvement.
• Liver biopsy revealed signs of acute hepatitis and granulomas.

Findings:

• Listeria monocytogenes was successfully isolated from both blood and liver biopsy samples.
• The patient showed complete clinical and biochemical recovery after a three-week course of ampicillin and gentamicin.
• This case represents a rare instance of Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia with liver involvement in a liver transplant patient.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering Listeria monocytogenes in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis in liver transplant recipients.
• Early identification and appropriate antibiotic therapy (ampicillin and gentamicin) are effective in treating Listeria-related liver disease.
• Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms of liver involvement in Listeria infections among transplant patients.