An Unusual Case of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>-Associated Rhombencephalitis Complicated by Brain Abscesses in Italy, 2024.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an extremely rare cause of brain abscesses, accounting for 1-10% of neurolisteriosis cases reported in the literature, associated with high mortality (approximately 23%). Data on diagnosis, management, and treatment is scarce. We report a case of listerial brain abscesses in an elderly patient in Italy who experienced progressively worsening bilateral ptosis.

Methods

Diagnostic evaluation included neuroimaging, blood cultures, and microbiological investigations, followed by antimicrobial treatment according to available evidence. The isolated Lm strain underwent whole genome sequencing. Dietary history was also collected.

Results

Positive early blood cultures were pivotal in identifying Lm as the aetio

SUBMITTER: Gori M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821487 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature