Published online Aug 6, 2022. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i22.7924
Peer-review started: November 22, 2021
First decision: January 11, 2022
Revised: January 23, 2022
Accepted: June 17, 2022
Article in press: June 17, 2022
Published online: August 6, 2022
Processing time: 241 Days and 15.4 Hours
Intracranial Listeria infections are common in newborns and immunocompromised individuals, but brainstem abscesses are rare.
We report a rare case of brainstem abscesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a previously healthy adult patient. The patient’s magnetic resonance imaging examination showed multiple brain abscesses, and his second cerebrospinal fluid culture test indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Despite early empirical therapy, the patient’s condition progressively deteriorated. Because the patient's abscesses were located in the brainstem and multiple lobes, surgery was not possible. The patient died 40 d after admission.
This case highlights the importance of rational clinical use of drugs to avoid potentially serious infectious complications.
Core Tip: Listeria monocytogenes, an opportunistic pathogen, can be life-threatening when it infects the central nervous system (CNS). Herein, we report the case of a patient presenting with fever, headache, emesis, and perturbed consciousness. His condition rapidly deteriorated after empiric antibiotic therapy. He was finally diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes infection after re-examination. Despite a timely change in his medication regimen, the patient died. This case highlights the importance of rational clinical antibiotic therapy to avoid potentially serious infectious complications. When empiric antibiotic therapy fails, and Listeria infection of the CNS is suspected, bacterial culture should be repeated for timely adjustment of antibiotics.