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Cerebral malakoplakia associated with Escherichia coli infection
C H Rickert1, C August, M Brandt
1Institute of Neuropathology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany. rickchr@uni-muenster.de
Abstract:
Malakoplakia is an unusual chronic inflammatory disease occurring predominantly in the bladder and only rarely affecting other organs. For the urinary tract, its aetiology has been ascribed to the presence of Escherichia coli, while the very few cases of cerebral malakoplakia which have been reported so far, have mostly occurred in infants in the clinical setting of neonatal herpes virus infection or otherwise in adults in areas of cerebral infarction. We here report a case of E. coli-associated malakoplakia of the brain. It occurred in a 53-year-old man who had undergone long-term corticosteroid therapy and had previously been operated on a cerebral E. coli-associated abscess. This case indicates that malakoplakia of the brain might also be a histiocytic reaction against bacterial antigens of the E. coli family.
Insights
Malakoplakia, a rare inflammatory condition, can affect the brain. This case highlights Escherichia coli as a potential cause of cerebral malakoplakia, suggesting a histiocytic response to bacterial antigens.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Malakoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder typically affecting the urinary tract, predominantly the bladder.
- Cerebral malakoplakia is exceptionally rare, with reported cases primarily in infants with neonatal herpes virus infection or adults with cerebral infarction.
Observation:
- A case of brain malakoplakia is presented in a 53-year-old male.
- The patient had a history of long-term corticosteroid therapy and a prior cerebral abscess caused by Escherichia coli.
Findings:
- The cerebral malakoplakia was associated with Escherichia coli.
- This suggests malakoplakia of the brain may represent a histiocytic reaction to bacterial antigens, specifically from the Escherichia coli family.
Implications:
- This case expands the known organ involvement of malakoplakia.
- It underscores the potential for Escherichia coli to trigger malakoplakia in the central nervous system.
- Further research into the immunopathogenesis of E. coli-associated malakoplakia is warranted.