Abstract
Background Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic gram-positive, facultative intracellular bacterium that causes
invasive diseases mostly in pregnant women and immunosuppressed patients. Despite
the predilection toward the central nervous system (CNS), it usually causes meningitis
and meningoencephalitis, whereas brain abscesses are very uncommon.
Case presentation We describe the case of a 69-year-old homeless patient with a brain abscess due to
L. monocytogenes who was successfully treated surgically by a guided stereotactic aspiration and antibiotic
therapy with ampicillin and gentamicin. Our patient was discharged after 4 weeks of
therapy without neurologic deficits. Additionally, we provide a review of the literature
of brain abscesses caused by L. monocytogenes.
Conclusions This case highlights the need to drain cerebral abscesses and culture pus to correctly
treat patients with antibiotics, especially given the high mortality rate of this
infectious entity.
Keywords
Listeria monocytogenes
- brain abscess - meningitis - immunocompromised
