Colonoscopy-Associated Listeriosis: Report of a Case

Abstract

We report a case of meningitis due to Listeria monocytogenes that occurred following colonoscopy. The patient had cirrhosis, a portosystemic shunt, and diarrhea for which she was being evaluated. Only one previous report has linked colonoscopy to listeriosis. We review the pathogenesis of listeriosis and, in particular, the evidence that prior fecal colonization is followed by bacteremia in a susceptible host. The findings in this case are consistent with this pathogenetic sequence.