The CSF from a 2-week-old infant with meningitis shows rods with tumbling motility. These bacteria are found to be Gram-positive and do not form spores. What is the most likely agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Listeria is the correct answer. Both Bacillus and Clostridium can be eliminated because they are spore-formers. Actinomyces and corynebacteria are both Gram-positive and nonmotile and are not common causative agents of neonatal meningitis. Listeria has a tumbling motility when grown in broth, in this case CSF.

The CSF from a 2-Week-Old Infant with Meningitis Shows Rods