Liver Abscess Caused by Listeria monocytogenes : A Case Report

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.