A rare presentation of Listeria monocytogenes infection: Perianal abscess associated with lumbar spine osteitis

Highlights

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  Listeria monocytogenes can cause infections in humans and animals.

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  Symptoms depend on the infection site and the integrity of the host’s immune system.

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  Skin and soft tissues infections by Listeria are rare.

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  The authors present the first Listeria monocytogenes infection involving skin and bone.

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous, rapidly growing, gram-positive bacterium causing infections in humans and animals. It is responsible for a variety of symptoms depending on the infection site and the integrity of the host’s immune system. Case reports of skin and soft tissues infections by Listeria are rare.

The authors present a case of a 65-year-old diabetic male with recurrent skin abscess diagnosed with a perianal abscess due to Listeria monocytogenes associated with lumbar spine osteitis.

At the time of this publication and to our knowledge, this case represents the first Listeria monocytogenes infection involving skin and bone in a diabetic man with recurrent skin abscess.