Listeria Monocytogenes: A Case Series and Clinical Insights from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare but serious illness, especially in the immunocompromised patient. It causes invasive infection, such as bacteremia and meningitis with insidious presentation and high mortality without treatment. A cluster of six Listeria monocytogenes bacteremia was noted within 10 months at a tertiary care referral center. Patients were 27-72 years old; four also had concomitant immunosuppressive diseases, including chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. All the infections were confirmed on blood culture performed with the VITEK 2 system. The organisms were all gentamicin and ampicillin-sensitive. Five patients improved on intravenous antibiotic therapy, and one died from multiorgan failure. The series reiterates the importance of maintaining listeriosis as a significant concern in febrile patients with predisposing conditions. Early diagnosis and early treatment with appropriate antibiotics have positive outcomes.