Neuroinfections caused by Listeria monocytogenes

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2023, 59(3), 5-10.

P. Argirova, M. Stoycheva

Department of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv

Abstract. Bacterial neuroinfections are life-threatening infectious diseases that remain a serious health problem, despite vaccine prophylaxis and medical progress. The changing epidemiology of bacterial neuroinfections imposes permanent monitoring due to the opportunity а new etiological agents occurrence and incidence rate changes. However, not all meningitides are vaccine-preventable. Listeria monocytogenes is a microorganism against which no vaccines developed. In this review, we present data on the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of neurolisteriosis. Nowadays, its importance is growing due to the aging of populations in some countries. Moreover, the increasing number of immunosuppressed people and those with chronic diseases influenced the neurolisteriosis incidence. Moreover, the severe course of the disease, frequent complications, poor prognosis and treatment difficulties increase its health and social importance.

Key words: Listeria monocytogenes, immunosuppression, meningitis, complications

Address for correspondence: Chief Assist. Prof. Petya Argirova, MD, PhD; e-mail: petia_med6@abv.bg