Abstract: Objective To better understand the clinical characteristics of central nervous system Listeriosis. Methods The clinical data of adult patients with CNS Listeriosis admitted to PUMCH from 1999 to 2018 were collected. The clinical features were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 34 adult patients with CNS Listeriosis were enrolled in this study. The average age of all patients was (43±15) years, from which female patients took 68%. 94% patients had at least one underlying disease. All patients had fever, and 71% of patients appeared altered consciousness. Peripheral blood leukocytes and neutrophils were significantly increased while the level of lymphocytes was decreased; 85% of those patients had elevated C-reactive protein levels. 26% had poor clinical outcomes. Conclusions Adult patients with CNS Listeriosis are often associated with autoimmune diseases, and the clinical manifestation usually turned to be heavier. When patients have symptoms of central nervous system infection, we should consider Listeriosis, and empirical medication should cover Listeria.

Key words: Central nervous system infection, Listeriosis, Adult