Severe meningitis due to Listeria monocytogenes. A review of 40 cases in adults.

During a 10-yr period, 40 cases of severe Listeria monocytogenes meningitis were observed. All patients showed consciousness disturbances and 27 of them (68%) focal neurologic signs. Cranial nerve palsies were common (57%). Early general seizures (13 patients) and presence of underlying disease (12 patients) were associated with a high mortality rate. Although the management of antibiotic therapy is open for discussion, chloramphenicol (used in 7 patients) seems to be more effective than other drugs.