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. 2005 Jul;15(3):187-91.
doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2005.tb00519.x.

Neuropathological findings in 9 cases of listeria monocytogenes brain stem encephalitis

Ellen-Ann Antal  1 , Else-Marit Løberg, Espen Dietrichs, Jan Maehlen
Affiliations

Neuropathological findings in 9 cases of listeria monocytogenes brain stem encephalitis

Ellen-Ann Antal et al. Brain Pathol. 2005 Jul.

Abstract

Brain stem encephalitis is a particular manifestation of infection with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Here, we present the neuropathological findings in 9 such cases. In the brain stem, the inflammatory infiltrates were located predominantly within nuclei and tracts of cranial nerves innervating the oropharynx. These findings support the hypothesis that the food-borne bacterium Listeria monocytogenes invades the brain stem along cranial nerves.

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