Listeria Monocytogenes Meningitis in Neonates

Two cases of perinatal listeriosis.

“…Only 14 cases of neonatal listeriosis have been described in the UK (Edmunds et al, 1957;Barrow and Pugh, 1958;Moore and Whitmore, 1960;Harding and Brunton, 1962;Barber and Okubadejo, 1965;Coleman, 1965;Jellard and Churcher, 1965;Beck et al, 1966;Scott and Henderson, 1968;Kite, 1975), and one other case is known from personal communication (D. Robson and R. N. Peel, 1976). Between 1967 and 1972, 47 cases of listerial infection in children under one year were reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service of which 14 were fatal, but the data do not say how many were neonates.…”

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in adults: a report of two cases

“…Occasionally resistance has been noted to penicillin (Harding & Brunton, 1962;Barber & Okubadejo, 1965) but not to ampicillin.…”

“…Since its first isolation by Murray, Webb & Swann in 1926 its appearances in this role are increasing. It most frequently causes a meningitis in the very young (Edmunds, Nicholson & Douglas, 1957) but may present as a septicaemic condition in the foetus or newborn (Granulomatosis infantiseptica, Harding & Brunton, 1962;Beck, O'Brien & Mackenzie, 1966), as an infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome (Girard & Murray, 1951) or on the genitalia, when it may cause habitual abortion (Toaff, Krochik & Rabinovitz, 1962;MacNaughton, 1962). Pustular conditions of the skin and conjunctivitis are also described, particularly in veterinary workers.…”

“…Healthy individuals are also susceptible and twenty-one cases are recorded in the English literature (Finegold et al, 1954;Binder et al, 1957;Dedrick, 1957;Welshimer & Winglewish, 1959;Whitty & Macaulay, 1965;Librach & Seth, 1961).…”

Listeriosis in association with Esch. coli meningitis.

“…In view of the frequent lack of correlation between clinical response and in vitro antibiotic sensitivity, it is probably wise to institute high dosage therapy for a prolonged period, preferably with two antibiotics. Clinical cure is not an indication to stop therapy as the CSF may still be abnormal and a relapse will occur (Harding and Brunton, 1962).…”