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Brain abscess — SCE Neurology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardCNS infectionsBrain abscessSCE Neurology

A 72-year-old taking long-term prednisolone has culture-confirmed Listeria monocytogenes meningitis and no beta-lactam allergy. He is haemodynamically stable after initial resuscitation. Which organism-directed regimen best matches current NICE guidance?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — IV amoxicillin or ampicillin for 21 days, considering IV co-trimoxazole for the first 7 days

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C

A is the recovered meningococcal duration, not Listeria therapy. B is not NICE first-line organism-directed treatment. C is correct: NICE specifies IV amoxicillin or ampicillin for 21 days and specialist advice about adding IV co-trimoxazole for the first 7 days. D is an allergy pathway assembled incorrectly. E uses an inappropriate route, routine aminoglycoside addition and excessive duration.

Reference: NICE NG240: bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng240/chapter/Recommendations