Severe meningitis due to Listeria monocytogenes. A review of 40 cases in adults.
During a 10-yr period, 40 cases of severe Listeria monocytogenes meningitis were observed. All patients showed consciousness disturbances and 27 of them (68%) focal neurologic signs. Cranial nerve palsies were common (57%). Early general seizures (13 patients) and presence of underlying disease (12 patients) were associated with a high mortality rate. Although the management of antibiotic therapy is open for discussion, chloramphenicol (used in 7 patients) seems to be more effective than other drugs.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008584:Meningitis, Listeria / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents