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. 2006 Apr 5;15(3):187–191. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2005.tb00519.x

Neuropathological Findings in 9 Cases of Listeria Monocytogenes Brain Stem Encephalitis

Ellen‐Ann Antal 1,2,✉, Else‐Marit Løberg 1, Espen Dietrichs 3, Jan Mæhlen 1
PMCID: PMC8096051  PMID: 16196384

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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