Abstract
A case of Listeria monocytogenes septicemia complicating acute lymphoblastic leukemia was reported. The patient, a 52 years old male, was diagnosed to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia in March, 1977. A complete remission was attained with the chemotherapy consisting of daunorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone. Relapse occurred in September of the year, and he was again given various combination chemotherapies without much success. In February, 1978 when the peripheral leukocyte count was as low as 100 per cmm, a sudden rise in body temperature was observed and blood cultures revealed the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Gentamicin and cephalothin was given immediately following blood samplings for bacteriological studies, and were proved effective to lead to a complete cure of the sepsis. It was shown later that the isolated strain of Listeria monocytogenes was highly susceptible to both of the antibiotics. The patient died in September, 1978 after repeating probable infections without attaining the second remission.
