Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
09:11

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Published on: September 25, 2014

Streptococcus salivarius acute meningitis with latent petromastoiditis

B Megarbane1, A Casetta, H Esvant

  • 1Department of Medical Emergency, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Clamart, France.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 6, 2000
PubMed

Insights

A woman with a history of brain surgery developed Streptococcus salivarius meningitis. This was linked to latent subacute mastoiditis in the petrous region, identified via MRI.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • A 48-year-old female patient with a prior neurosurgical intervention for trigeminal neurinoma presented with symptoms.
  • The patient exhibited acute meningitis, a serious central nervous system infection.

Observation:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed Streptococcus salivarius as the causative agent of meningitis.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed significant pathological changes in the petrous region of the temporal bone.

Findings:

  • The clinical presentation and imaging findings led to the diagnosis of acute meningitis.
  • Associated latent subacute mastoiditis was identified as a contributing factor, linked to the petrous region changes.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering otologic complications in patients with meningitis, especially those with a history of neurosurgery.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management of mastoiditis are crucial to prevent severe neurological sequelae.
  • Streptococcus salivarius, though typically commensal, can act as an opportunistic pathogen in specific clinical contexts.

More Related Videos

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...