Brain abscess due to listeria monocytogenes: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Listeria monocytogenes infective encephalitis is a rare phenomenon, which is more common in people with changed eating habits and immunodeficiency. To the best of our knowledge, listeria brain abscess is even more rare. In this case report, we summarized the clinical characteristics of listeria brain abscess, in order to explore the diagnosis and treatment of Listeria brain abscess, and raise awareness and attention to the disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-years-old female patient presented to our institution with 4 days of right arm and leg weakness, the salient past history of the patient was nephrotic syndrome, membranous nephropathy diagnosed 6 months prior, for which she was prescribed glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide. DIAGNOSIS: Listeria monocytogenes was cultured in the blood of the patient. Comprehensive medical history and imaging features, she was diagnosed as listeria brain abscess. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent ampicillin combined with meropenem but not surgery. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered without complications. At a 3-month follow-up visit, the condition was better than that before treatment. LESSONS: Listeria brain abscess is an unusual form of listeriosis, its clinical manifestations lack specificity. Early accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment can effectively promote the recovery of neurological function as well as reduce the morbidity and mortality and improve the prognosis.