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Listeria monocytogenes, a small gram-positive bacterium, is a foodborne pathogen that can cause life-threatening bacteremia and central nervous system infections. Persons at risk for listeriosis are primarily those with impairments in cell-medicated immune function, including recipients of solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. Although infection with this microorganism is uncommon, it carries a high mortality. CNS infection may have a subacute course and may involve the brain parenchyma as well as the meninges. Diagnosis usually requires isolation of the bacterium from normally sterile body fluids.

DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9034-4_28