Multiple cortical brain abscesses due to Listeria monocytogenes in an immunocompetent patient

Trop Doct. 2018 Apr;48(2):160-163. doi: 10.1177/0049475517728670. Epub 2017 Aug 29.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular organism which is well recognised for its ability to cause meningeal infections in neonates, immunosuppressed, debilitated and elderly individuals. 1 Other less common central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by Listeria spp. include rhomboencephalitis, cerebritis and abscesses in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. The neuroradiological appearance of Listeria brain abscesses is similar to other types and may also mimic primary or metastatic brain tumours. 2 , 3 We report a case of Listeria brain abscesses in a patient who was being treated for atypical parkinsonism. A good clinical outcome was achieved after appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Keywords: Listeria brain abscess; Listeria monocytogenes; multiple brain abscesses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Abscess / diagnosis
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Infectious Encephalitis / diagnosis
  • Infectious Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Infectious Encephalitis / microbiology*
  • Listeria monocytogenes / genetics
  • Listeria monocytogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Listeriosis / diagnosis
  • Listeriosis / drug therapy
  • Listeriosis / microbiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination