Diagnostic predictive factors in listeria meningitis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the diagnostic predictive factors of listeria meningitis. Subjects and Method: Twenty-eight patients with bacterial meningitis (age; 65.9 ± 14.8 years, 11 female) who were admitted to Chikamori Hospital from October 1, 2006 to December 31, 2021 were included. Bacterial meningitis was defined as cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) pleocytosis with evidence of bacterial infection in CSF or blood. The blood and CSF data were reviewed for analysis. Results: 9 patients were diagnosed as listeria meningitis, 19 patients were in non-listeria meningitis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher CSF lymphocyte ratio was significantly associated with listeria meningitis (Odds ratio 1.123, 95% Confidence interval 1.006–1.2155, P = 0.039). CSF lymphocyte ratio of 30% or more was found to predict listeria meningitis with a sensitivity of 55.6% and a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: CSF lymphocyte ratio may be useful for differentiating between listeria meningitis and non-listeria meningitis.