Listeriosis and AIDS: case report and literature review

Abstract

Listeriosis is a not uncommon infection in humans, usually associated with immunodeficient states and with newborns. However, relatively few cases have been reported in HIV-infected patients. This scarcity of reported cases has aroused interest in the association of listerosis and AIDS. In this paper we present a case of meningitis and septicemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes in a female patient with AIDS. A review of recent medical literature indicates that association of listeriosis and AIDS may be more common than it seems. Recent research in host-parasite interaction in listerial infection suggests an important role for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and for integralin, a bacterial protein, in modulating listerial disease in AIDS patients. Inadequate diagnosis may be in part responsible for the scarcity of reports.

Acute prostatitis probably due to Listeria monocytogenes in an HIV-infected patient

“…Although L. monocytogenes infections are relatively rare among HIV-infected subjects, 11 an increased risk probably exists in those patients. 12,13 In conclusion, this case illustrates the protean clinical presentations that L. monocytogenes may adopt, particularly in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV infection.…”

Listeriosis: The Dark Side of Refrigeration and Ensiling

“…The estimated risk for contracting listeriosis is 300-1000 times higher for AIDS patients than for the general population. However, relatively few cases have been reported worldwide among HIV positive or AIDS patients; in Austria listeriosis has been observed in HIV-positive patients only once so far (da Silva et al 1992;Kasper et al 2009). The preventive dietary recommendations to avoid the high risk foods in HIV positive persons and the repeated antimicrobial therapy for opportunistic infections may explain the relatively low incidence rate of listeriosis in AIDS patients (Vazquez-Boland et al 2001).…”