261. A Rare Case of Meningitis and Symptomatic Hydrocephalus by Listeria Monocytogenes in Dermatomyositis: A Case Report

Background Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacillus common in the intestinal flora of many animals and humans. We describe an unusual case of meningitis by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) complicated by hydrocephalus in a child with dermatomyositis. Methods A 15-year-old girl presented to an outside hospital (OH) after a three-day history of headache, fever and was hospitalized with a diagnosis of meningitis and lumbar puncture performed. CSF sample could not be evaluated clearly due to its hemorrhagic nature. Her past medical history was significant for dermatomyositis for five years. She had received induction of IVIG five days prior. She was also taking cyclosporin A and hydroxychloroquine. She was empirically treated with intravenous cefotaxime, vancomycin, and acyclovir. She was urgently transferred to the theatre for an external shunt placement in the right lateral ventricle. The interval between the first symptoms and the diagnosis of hydrocephalus was around 4 days. CSF from this catheter showed growth of LM with sensitivity to meropenem and resistance to erythromycin, ampicillin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Gram staining of CSF resulted negative for bacteria. Cefotaxime was switched to intravenous meropenem. Immunological screening of cellular and humoral immunity, complement, and blood iron levels were normal. SARS-Cov2 PCR and HIV tests were negative. Herpes virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis real-time PCR, respiratory viral panel studied in the CSF sample were negative. MRI and Angio of the brain showed no abnormality. She is being followed in the pediatric intensive care unit as intubated. Results In patients who received immunosuppressive medication, L. monocytogenes should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis of central nervous system infections. Even if effective antibiotic therapy has been initiated, this case highlights the need of recognizing early hydrocephalus as a consequence of Listeria meningitis in children with neurological deterioration a few days after initial presentation. Conclusion The literature on the management and outcome of Listeria meningitis-related hydrocephalus in children is limited. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Double-Negative T-Cell Reaction in a Case of Listeria Meningitis

Gamma delta T-cells are commonly found in response to Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice, whereas this same immunological response has only been reported a few times in vivo in humans. Moreover, gamma delta T-cell response in cerebral spinal fluid samples in conjunction with Listeria meningitis has never been described in medical literature to date. Thus, we describe a 64-year-old male who presented with altered mental status, fever, and neck stiffness. After lumbar puncture revealed elevated glucose, protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and white blood cell count, further cytologic analysis was indicated. The CSF showed a markedly hypercellular sample with a lymphocytic pleocytosis, including some enlarged forms with irregular nuclear contours, and rare macrophage containing intracytoplasmic bacteria. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping was performed via flow cytometric analysis, which ultimately revealed a prominent CD4/CD8 negative T-cell population, suggestive of a gamma delta T-cell population. Thus, an initial suspicion of malignancy was considered but was ruled out due to the absence of mass lesion on imaging and overall features including heterogenous lymphocyte morphology. Shortly after, gram stain and cultures were obtained revealing Listeria monocytogenes. Unfortunately, the patient rapidly succumbed to disease following the diagnosis of Listeria meningitis. Studies suggest that gamma delta T-cells are activated by the protein components of Listeria and thus have been found to be an important mediator of resistance to Listeria infection. Studies have also discovered that the level of activation for these T-cells appears to be tissue specific and dose dependent, with most cases occurring within visceral organs. Hence, we herein present the first case of gamma delta T-cell activation due to Listeria monocytogenes within the cerebral spinal fluid of a human patient.

Meningoencephalitis case with listeriosis etiology in an immunocompetent female patient

Nervous forms of listeriosis are observed in 5%10% of persons suffering from this disease and in 75% of children with bacteriologically confirmed listeriosis as well. The most widespread clinical variant is Listeria meningitis, making up 15% of all cases of bacterial and serous meningitides. The mortality rate at neurolisteriosis reaches 30%40%. A case of acute meningoencephalitis associated with Listeria monocytogenes 4b in a 37-year-old immunocompetent woman is described. The disease was characterized by subacute onset, manifested intoxication, long-lasting and high-grade fever, cerebral coma, bulbar syndrome, right-side hemiparesis, bilateral hypertonus of the wrist flexors, strabism, anisocoria, manifested leukocytosis with leukocyte formula stab shift, ESR 4559 mm/hour. Cerebrospinal fluid test: cytosis 663 сells in 1 mcl, neutrophils 79%, lymphocytes 21%, protein 1451 mg/l, glucose 3.8 mmol/l. Diagnosis had been confirmed with detection of IgM against Listeria monocytogenes 4b in liquor using the indirect immunofluorescence reaction and Listeria monocytogenes by means of PCR. Antibacterial therapy had been conducted using Meropenem, Ampicillinum, endolumbal administration of 4 mg once daily of Gentamycinum combined with intravenous administration of 24 million of units/day of Penicillin. On day 50, she was transferred for rehabilitation treatment to the Department of Neurology.

Listeria meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus in an immunocompetent child: case report and review of the literature

Background Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacteria transmitted to human by animal stools, contaminated water and food. In children, Listeria monocytogenes typically affects newborns and immunocompromised patients often leading to invasive syndromes including sepsis, brain abscesses, meningitis, meningoencephalitis and rhombencephalitis. In healthy and immunocompetent children, Listeria meningitis is rare, but can progress rapidly and may be associated with severe complications (hydrocephalus, ventriculitis, cranial nerves palsy and cerebrospinal abscesses) and high mortality rate. Case presentation We describe a very uncommon case of meningoencephalitis due to Listeria monocytogenes in a 11-month-old immunocompetent girl. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was positive on the second day. Antibiotic therapy was promptly started but the disease was complicated by neurological deterioration and decompensated hydrocephalus. The child required a very demanding pediatric and neurosurgical management and was discharged after 40 days without major sequelae. Conclusion Listeria is difficult to isolate and it is not susceptible to first-line treatment for bacterial meningitis with extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Early recognition is therefore crucial for a positive outcome. Pediatricians have to perform close clinical monitoring of these children and be aware of possible complications. A review of all cases of Listeria meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus in healthy children has been performed, to provide an overview on clinical features, treatment options and outcome.

Alemtuzumab Associated Listeria Monocytogenes Meningitis

Purpose Describe a case of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis following initiation of alemtuzumab therapy in a patient diagnosed with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Summary A 44-year-old female presented with headache and fever seven days after completion of an initial course of alemtuzumab for the treatment of RRMS. Blood cultures were positive for gram-positive bacilli. A lumbar puncture revealed cell counts, consistent with bacterial meningitis and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal signal enhancement of the left cingulate gyrus. Vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and ampicillin were initiated empirically. Both blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures resulted positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Antibiotics were narrowed to ampicillin for a treatment duration of 21 days, after which symptoms resolved and she was transitioned home. Alemtuzumab is a CD52-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody that has previously been implicated in association with cases of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in other countries. Based on its mechanism of action, previous association, and positive temporal relationship, we hypothesize that alemtuzumab played a substantial role in the development of L. monocytogenes meningitis in this patient. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of alemtuzumab associated Listeria meningitis in the United States. This case highlights the severe lymphopenia associated with alemtuzumab therapy and risk of subsequent opportunistic infection. Heightened vigilance in counseling and monitoring of dietary restrictions is critical both prior to and during alemtuzumab therapy. A greater role of prophylactic antibiotics may also be warranted.