Ibrutinib and Neurolisteriosis: Simple Coincidence?

Abstract

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen that can cross the blood–brain barrier and infect the central nervous system, causing potentially life-threatening neurolisteriosis, including brain abscess. Ibrutinib is a potent and irreversible small-molecule inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. It has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of various lymphoid cancers, and its use has increased exponentially in recent years. We describe here a case of neurolisteriosis in a patient treated with ibrutinib for chronic lymphoid leukemia and discuss the potential pathogenesis.