Listeria rhombencephalitis in an alcoholic man; A case report and review of literature

Author: Al-Sadi H, Basu A, Panicker M, Shrestha B, Crawley A. 

Editor's Choice
eNeurologicalSci | Listeria rhombencephalitis in an alcoholic man; A case report and review of literature

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2026.100605

This case report describes a rare presentation of Listeriosis affecting the brainstem (rhombencephalon) in a middle-aged patient who initially presented with non-specific symptoms including confusion, agitation, and seizures following a flu-like illness. Although symptoms were first attributed to alcohol withdrawal, blood cultures identified Listeria monocytogenes, and MRI findings together with lumbar puncture results confirmed a meningoencephalitis affecting the brainstem. The patient survived after prompt treatment despite the high mortality associated with this condition.

Read the full article to explore the case and the importance of considering Listeria in suspected encephalitis or meningitis.