Encephalomyelitis with seroconversion to Listeria monocytogenes
Article Abstract:
Acute meningoencephalitis is the inflammation of the brain and meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Infection with the parasite Listeria monocytogenes may lead to the development of acute meningoencephalitis in adults, particularly affecting the brainstem. A case is described of a 10-year-old girl who developed inflammation of the brain, spinal cord and spinal nerve roots as a result of infection with L. monocytogenes. Her initial symptoms included headache, discomfort, fever, cold sores, neck stiffness, and mild confusion. She had neurological abnormalities, including an inability to respond to commands, muscle paralysis, and abnormal eye responses and movements. The girl was unable to breathe four days after admission to the hospital. Throughout her illness, she was treated with various antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, benzylpenicillin, and chloramphenicol, and the antiviral agent acyclovir. The patient had normal glucose and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, normal findings on brain imaging tests, and no evidence of bacterial or viral infection. However, high levels of antibodies directed against L. monocytogenes suggested an infection with this microorganism. After treatment with the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone, the patient's level of consciousness, ability to respond to commands, and movement and neurological functions improved. At 95 days after admission, she showed only slight paralysis on the left side. Infection with L. monocytogenes in children usually causes meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain. This is the first reported case of L. monocytogenes infection in a child leading to inflammation of the brain, including the brainstem, spinal cord, and spinal nerve roots. The nervous system-related complications of L. monocytogenes infection in the adult are discussed. L. monocytogenes infection complicated by brainstem and spinal cord disorders should be treated with the antibiotics ampicillin and gentamicin until the infection is eliminated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1991
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A profitable proposition
Article Abstract:
Seven members of the American Business Women's Assn. (ABWA) have taken it upon themselves to combine professional work with enlarging their chapter organizations. This enables them to enlist new members at the same earning potential clients. Their campaigns cover new community members, relocating businesswomen, clients and client's clients or associates. This voluntary as well as financially advantageous act by ABWA members stemmed from their desire to extend to other businesswomen the same gains they have had from ABWA.
Publication Name: Women in Business
Subject: Women's issues/gender studies
ISSN: 0043-7441
Year: 1996
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Self-confidence pays
Article Abstract:
Catherine Childow learned valuable business skills from the American Business Women's Assn. (ABWA). Childow joined ABWA because networking and interacting with other women appealed to her. ABWA instilled in her the courage and confidence to change jobs. As an office manager at Chadsey, Childow is able to apply lessons on customer service and diplomacy she learned from ABWA. ABWA also taught Childow how she can manage her time more effectively.
Publication Name: Women in Business
Subject: Women's issues/gender studies
ISSN: 0043-7441
Year: 1996
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