Infect Chemother.  2012 Dec;44(6):458-461. 10.3947/ic.2012.44.6.458.

Liver Abscess Caused by Listeria monocytogenes : A Case Report

• Shin AR
• Moon SY
• Son JS
• Lee MS
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 1806932
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2012.44.6.458

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes has been recognized as a pathogen in elderly and immunecompromised hosts with malignancies, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, transplanted organs, liver cirrhosis, renal failure, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In adults, it usually presents as neuromeningeal infection, such as meningitis, meningoencephalitis, or encephalitis, or as primary bacteremia. Involvement of the liver with L. monocytogenes is uncommon. We report on a case of multiple liver abscesses and bacteremia associated with L. monocytogenes in a 67-year-old diabetic female with concomitant active multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. Blood cultures were positive for L. monocytogenes. In patients with liver abscess with advanced age or who are immune-compromised, including those with diabetes, clinicians should consider Listeria infection as a differential diagnosis.

Keyword

Listeria monocytogenes; Liver abscess; Listeriosis

MeSH Terms

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adult
Aged
Alcoholism
Bacteremia
Diabetes Mellitus
Diagnosis, Differential
Encephalitis
Female
Humans
Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeriosis
Liver
Liver Abscess
Liver Cirrhosis
Meningitis
Meningoencephalitis
Renal Insufficiency
Transplants
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Figure

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  Figure 1 Chest X-ray (CXR) shows segmental atelectasis and consolidation at the right middle lobe (RML).

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  Figure 2 Abdomen computed tomography (CT) shows diffuse multiple tiny low density lesions in both lobes of the liver, accompanied by mild peripheral rim enhancement.

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  Figure 3 Microscopically, section from liver shows rather well preserved lobular architecture with portal and perivenular fibrosis. No evidence of granuloma or malignancy is seen. (A: Masson's trichrome stain, B: H&E stain, ×100)

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  Figure 4 Abdomen computed tomography (CT) shows a completely improved liver abscess at both lobes of the liver.

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