Listeria monocytogenes brain abscess in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a case report

Brain abscesses caused by Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) are very rare and lead to high mortality risk. To our knowledge, no prior studies have been reported in Malaysia on the brain abscess caused by L. monocytogenes.

In this case report, we present 33-year-old female patient with known case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) whom developed fever and left-sided body weakness. Initially, she was suspected to have high-grade glioma or lymphoma because the imaging shows multiple irregulars peripherally enhancing intra axial lesions with marked vasogenic edema. However, tissue biopsy confirmed L. monocytogenes infection. This report also presents the CT and MRI findings of this SLE patient with unusual L. monocytogenes brain abscesses. The patient was then treated with IV ampicillin, IV meropenem and IV amphotericin.

Brain abscess caused by L. monocytogenes is uncommon and lethal. Therefore, it should be carefully examined in patients who are at high risk of listeriosis.