Listeria Brain Abscess in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

To the Editor.  —Listeria monocytogenes commonly causes disease in the immunocompromised host, yet there are strikingly few reports of listeriosis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).^1,2 Brain abscess due to Listeria is also extremely rare.³ Recently, we took care of a patient in whom Listeria brain abscess was the presenting feature of AIDS.

Report of a Case.  —A 60-year-old right-handed man who was previously in good health was admitted in April 1987 to the Miami Veterans Administration Hospital with right hemiparesis and speech difficulty. Six days prior to admission, he slipped in the bathtub and struck the back of his head without loss of consciousness. The next day, he was unable to write with his right hand and, over the ensuing days, his right arm and then his right leg became progressively weaker. Two days before admission, he had difficulty finding words.The patient smoked