Listeria Monocytogenes Meningitis in an Immunocompetent Adult

Abstract

Listeria is an uncommon cause of acute bacterial meningitis. It usually affects neonates, elderly, immunocompromised,and pregnant women with only a few cases among healthy, immunocompetent adults. Food exposure also representsan important risk factor for infection. Ampicillin administration is paramount to treatment as Listeria is intrinsicallyresistant to third-generation cephalosporins. However, Listeria meningitis is not easily diagnosed in the early stages.It is necessary to obtain an accurate history, and maintain a high index of suspicion in the appropriate setting. Earlyrecognition of susceptibility, risk factors, and exposures can improve the outcomes of patients. Described is a caseof Listeria meningitis in a previously healthy and immunocompetent adult who achieved a favourable outcome as aresult of early recognition and proper treatment despite remaining undiagnosed at first presentation.