Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus

Ming Chia Lee, Yao Kuang Wu, Chun Hsiung Chen, Ta Wei Wu, Chih-hsin Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Listeria meningitis, a rare but life-threatening infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, often represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of its rarity and non-representative manifestations. L. monocytogenes is an intracellular pathogen capable of spreading directly from cell to cell without exposure to the extracellular humoral immune system. With the evolving trend of intense immunosuppressive therapy, patients with SLE usually have abnormal cell-mediated immunity and are susceptible to L. monocytogenes infections. The gastrointestinal tract is usually the portal of entry, and a transient gastroenteritis may precede the full-blown meningitides. Ampicillin and penicillin G are the drugs of choice. For patients who are allergic to penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an eligible alternative. Delay in diagnosis and inappropriate antibiotics are detrimental to the outcome. Herein, we report a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed listeria meningitis. Clinicians are advised to be aware of the clinical presentations of this disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)555-557
Number of pages3
JournalRheumatology International
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Connective tissue disease
  • Convulsion
  • Meningitis
  • Opportunistic infection
  • Septic shock

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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