Which neurological symptoms may occur with Listeria monocytogenes infection?

• A. Headache, stiff neck, confusion and convulsions
• B. Seizures only
• C. Vision changes
• D. No neurological symptoms

Answer: (A)

Listeria monocytogenes can invade the central nervous system and cause meningitis or encephalitis. When it does, the typical neurologic picture includes headache, neck stiffness (stiff neck), and changes in mental status such as confusion. Seizures can also occur due to irritation of the brain. This combination best matches the usual CNS involvement seen with Listeria, making those symptoms the most characteristic and likely.

Seizures alone are not the only or most typical feature, so “seizures only” is too limited. Vision changes are not a primary or defining feature of Listeria CNS infections, and saying there are no neurological symptoms contradicts the potential for meningitis/encephalitis to occur.