[A fatal case of Listeria monocytogenes sepsis and meningitis in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis].

The bacillus Listeria monocytogenes is widely distributed in the environment. Listeria monocytogenes most often causes infection in the neonates, pregnant women, elderly and immunosuppressed persons. We report on a case of fatal sepsis and meningitis in a 59-year-old woman receiving cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoid therapy for Wegener's granulomatosis over a 10-year period. Listeriosis should be suspected in case of sepsis and/or meningitis in patients who receive immunosuppressive agents. Since meningitis due to Listeria monocytogenes is not distinguishable clinically from other types of bacterial meningitis, antibiotics against Listeria monocytogenes should be included in the initial empirical therapy of bacterial meningitis in immunosuppressed patients, antibiotics against Listeria monocytogenes should be included.