Korean J Transplant.  2022 Nov;36(Supple 1):S311. 10.4285/ATW2022.F-4503.

Listeria monocytogenes endophthalmitis in immunocompromised patient

• Han YS
• Han J
• Kim JD
• Choi DL

• KMID: 2535538
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2022.F-4503

Abstract

Background
Listeria monocytogenes is known for pathogen of enteritis. In severe case, Listeria infection can cause meningoencephalitis, corneal ulcer, pneumonia, endocarditis and intrauterine or cervical infections may result spontaneous abortion in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. L. monocytogenes causing endophthalmitis was reported, the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, the other had previous listeria gastroenteritis history, and the last one had no underlying disease and previous history.
Methods
We experienced L. monocytogenes causing endophthalmitis in liver transplant patient who presented with ocular discharge and discomfort. A 58-year-old male received deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in 2016. He underwent the steroid pulse therapy (SPT) due to hyperbilirubinemia by acute cellular rejection, at 2 year after OLT. At 1 month after SPT, he complained about ocular discomfort with discharge.
Results
In ophthalmology, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed, microbiological result was L. monocytogenes infection. Intravenous antibiotics with intravitreal antibiotics injection was administered for 1 week and immunosuppression was gradually decreased. Oral ampicillin was continued for 2 month after intravenous injection, and he recovered without complica-tions.
Conclusions
L. monocytogenes infection may be invasive in the immunocompromised patients as above. Early diagnosis is key factor in treatment and outcomes of endophthalmitis caused by L. monocytogenes . An appropriate chamber paracentesis is important to diagnose, systemic antibiotics treatment should be considered.