Infection in infants and children
A. M. Visintine, J. M. Oleske and A. J. Nahmias
Infection with Listeria monocytogenes is demonstrated over a 141/2 year
period in 24 newborns, three infants 1 to 2 months of age, and two
children. Comparison of the 22 cases of Listeria meningitis in newborns
with 118 cases of neonatal meningitis due to other bacteria indicates a
later onset of symptoms in cases of Listeria meningitis with a more
favorable outcome than with most other agents. Treatment with ampicillin
sodium appears effective. Monocytic cell increases in peripheral blood or
CSF may be helpful in suspecting this diagnosis. The cases of Listeria
meningitis in the older children were unusual. In one child it occurred as
a concomitant infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis of a ventricular
shunt. In the second case in an otherwise healthy child the acquisition of
the bacteria from gerbils was suggested, but could not be confirmed.
