HemoChat

Evidence-Based AI Medical Search

← Back to guidelines
Cardiology1 paper

Listeria meningitis

Last edited: 4/23/2026

Overview

Listeria meningitis is an infectious condition caused by Listeria monocytogenes, characterized by inflammation of the meninges, often leading to severe neurological complications including increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and rhythm disturbances 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status 1.
  • Lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showing elevated white blood cells, protein, and low glucose levels 1.
  • CSF culture is definitive for diagnosis, identifying Listeria monocytogenes 1.

    • Management

  • First-line treatment: Intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin for at least 14-21 days 1.
  • Adjunctive management: Control of increased ICP, including monitoring and supportive care 1.
  • Specific for rhythm disturbances: Persistent bradyarrhythmia refractory to epinephrine may require isoproterenol for hemodynamic support 1.

    • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Children are particularly vulnerable; severe cases can present with bradyarrhythmias requiring specialized management like isoproterenol 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate empirical treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin upon suspicion of Listeria meningitis (Evidence: Strong 1).
  • Closely monitor for and manage increased ICP and associated complications, including rhythm disturbances, with appropriate interventions like isoproterenol if necessary (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Extend antibiotic therapy for at least 14-21 days to ensure eradication of Listeria monocytogenes (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).

    • References

    1 Gee SW, Karsies TJ. Listeria meningitis-associated bradyarrhythmia treated with isoproterenol. The American journal of emergency medicine 2015. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Listeria meningitis-associated bradyarrhythmia treated with isoproterenol. — Gee SW, Karsies TJ The American journal of emergency medicine (2015)
    Share:TwitterRedditLinkedIn

    HemoChat

    by SPINAI

    Evidence-based clinical decision support powered by SNOMED-CT, Neo4j GraphRAG, and NASS/AO/NICE guidelines.

    ⚕ For clinical reference only. Not a substitute for professional judgment.

    © 2026 HemoChat. All rights reserved.
    Research·Pricing·Privacy & Terms·Refund·SNOMED-CT · NASS · AO Spine · NICE · GraphRAG