Listeria monocytogenes meningitis: an uncommon opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS.
OBJECTIVE
To report an interesting case of meningitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in an HIV seropositive individual.


METHODS
A previously healthy 45 years old HIV seropositive man, presented with atypical clinical features of meningitis. Blood and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were obtained for biochemical and microbiological investigations.


RESULTS
CSF analysis showed pleocytosis with lymphocytic predominance. Gram stain of CSF was negative; however culture yielded growth of gram positive bacilli with tumbling motility. Based on relevant biochemical tests the isolate was identified as Listeria monocytogenes. Patient was treated with i.v. ampicillin and recovered completely.


CONCLUSIONS
Listeriosis is relatively rare in HIV/AIDS among the immunodeficient populations. Atypical clinical and laboratory findings make the diagnosis difficult and these infections may go undiagnosed. Since it is easily treated with readily available antibiotics, it is important to diagnose them at the earliest and thereby prevent treatment failure.
Patil
Asha B
AB
Department of Microbiology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. drashapatil@rediffmail.com
Nadiger
Shobha
S
Chandrasekhar
M R
MR
Halesh
L H
LH
Kumar
Mahesh
M
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003470:Culture Media; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D008584:Meningitis, Listeria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D000667:Ampicillin