[Brain abscess due to Listeria monocytogenes in adults: six cases and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive bacillus, with special tropism for the central nervous system (CNS). Brain abscess caused by Listeria has not been extensively studied, although it accounts for 10% of CNS infections due to this microorganism.


METHODS
We present 6 patients with Listeria brain abscess consecutively admitted to Bellvitge University Hospital over the last 7 years. A literature review covering 40 years retrieved 70 patients with Listeria brain abscess. The epidemiologic, clinical, microbiological, and radiological findings related to this entity, and the outcome features are described.


RESULTS
Brain abscess due to Listeria has a poor prognosis and is associated with elevated mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
A high index of suspicion is needed to reach an early diagnosis and establish appropriate antibiotic treatment, which will improve the outcome of this condition. Suspicion is based on the presence of fever and neurological symptoms, particularly in immunodepressed or diabetic patients.
Servicio de Neurología, IDIBELL, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Universidad de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. 38435mmg@comb.cat
Mireia
M
Moragas
Sergio
S
Martínez-Yélamos
Oscar
O
Murillo
Pedro
P
Fernández-Viladrich
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003399:Craniotomy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004172:Diplopia / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents