Invasive Listeriosis with COVID-19: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Intern Med. 2026 Apr 21. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6956-25. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We present the case of a young, immunocompromised woman with invasive listeriosis who initially presented with respiratory symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID-19. She had a 6-day history of nasal discharge, malaise, and headache, with positive COVID-19 PCR results. A blood culture revealed Listeria monocytogenes with an elevated initial cerebrospinal fluid pressure, pleocytosis, and reduced glucose levels. On presentation, she was alert and successfully treated with intravenous ampicillin for three weeks, with no neurological sequelae.

Keywords: COVID-19; Listeria monocytogenes; Listeriosis.