In simple words: Listerial meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by bacteria found in contaminated food and is especially dangerous for babies, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.Symptoms can include fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and seizures.Doctors diagnose it through tests of blood and spinal fluid and treat it with antibiotics.

Listerial meningitis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, typically ingested with contaminated food. It commonly affects newborns, elderly patients, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and altered mental status. Diagnosis involves physical examination, exposure history, and laboratory tests of blood and spinal fluid. Treatment includes antibiotics such as penicillin, third-generation cephalosporins, and vancomycin.

Example 1: A newborn infant presents with fever, irritability, and poor feeding.Testing reveals Listeria monocytogenes in the spinal fluid, confirming a diagnosis of listerial meningitis., An 80-year-old patient with a history of diabetes develops fever, headache, and a stiff neck after consuming contaminated deli meat.Listerial meningitis is diagnosed based on clinical findings and laboratory results., An immunocompromised patient undergoing chemotherapy experiences fever, confusion, and seizures.A lumbar puncture and subsequent culture identify Listeria monocytogenes, leading to a diagnosis of listerial meningitis.

Documentation should include signs and symptoms, exposure history (e.g., recent food consumption), laboratory results (blood and spinal fluid cultures), imaging findings (if applicable), and treatment details (antibiotic therapy).