Neurolisteriosis in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient
<i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> is an opportunistic pathogen that predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, neonates, and the elderly. Here, we describe a rare case of meningitis caused by <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> in an immunocompetent but otherwise healthy 30-year-old male. This was further complicated by a brain abscess and hydrocephalus, needing an external ventricular drain (EVD). This report outlines the diagnostic challenges encountered in general medicine, the treatment challenges, and the outcomes. Neurolisteriosis, though common in individuals with known risk factors, is nevertheless possible in immunocompetent, healthy patients. A high degree of suspicion and early treatment are important in patients who fail to respond to standard empirical antibiotics.
Authors
- Paul Graham Morris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8467-1669)
- B Gurung (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7572-1644)
- Ali Tarar
Institutions
- Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2025-12-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98452
- Primary Topic
- Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00