title: [Listeriosis of the central nervous system: epidemiological and diagnostic aspects--own observations].
abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings and predisposing factors for Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) meningitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  17 intensive care unit patients (12 M, 5 F), aged 54.4 +/- 15.3 yrs, were studied. CNS listeriosis was confirmed by culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or CSF pleocytosis coupled with Lm bacteriemia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of central nervous system (CNS) listeriosis among patients with bacterial meningitis was 5.5%. Meningeal signs were present in all patients. 15 patients had impaired level of consciousness. Possible predisposing factors occurred in 15 patients. The average CSF white blood cell count was 1034 +/- 1064 cells/microl.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symptoms and signs of patients with CNS listeriosis were not different from those usually found in other bacterial meningitis. A trend toward fewer WBC in CSF was revealed. Most patients with Lm meningitis were immunocompromised.
authors: Oddział Intensywnej Terapii Wojewódzkiego Szpitala Zakaźnego w Warszawie. mpaciorek@op.pl
authors: Marcin
authors: M
authors: Paciorek
authors: Witold
authors: W
authors: Przyjałkowski
authors: Dariusz
authors: D
authors: Lipowski
authors: Ewa
authors: E
authors: Czekalska-Lachowicz
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Horban
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008297:Male; D008584:Meningitis, Listeria / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors