Listeria monocytogenes following orthotopic liver transplantation: central nervous system involvement and review of the literature.

Authors

Mizuno S, Zendejas IR, Reed AI, et al. 

Institution

Division of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100286, Gainesville, FL 32610-0286, United States.

Source

World J Gastroenterol 2007 Aug 28; 13(32) :4391-3.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogene is a well-recognized cause of bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals, including solid organ transplant recipients, but has been rarely reported following orthotopic liver transplantation. We describe a case of listeria meningitis that occurred within a week after liver transplantation. The patient developed a severe headache that mimicked tacrolimus encephalopathy, and was subsequently diagnosed with listeria meningitis by cerebrospinal fluid culture. The infection was successfully treated with three-week course of intravenous ampicillin. Recurrent hepatitis C followed and was successfully treated with interferon alfa and ribavirin. Fourteen cases of listeriosis after orthotopic liver transplantation have been reported in the English literature. Most reported cases were successfully treated with intravenous ampicillin. There were four cases of listeria meningitis, and the mortality of them was 50%. Early detection and treatment of listeria meningitis are the key to obtaining a better prognosis.

Mesh

Ampicillin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Central Nervous System
Humans
Listeria monocytogenes
Liver Transplantation
Male
Meningitis, Listeria
Middle Aged

Language

eng

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports Journal Article Review

PubMed ID

17708617