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Treatment of Staphylococcus epidermidis ventriculo-peritoneal shunt infection with linezolid
C J Gill1, M A Murphy, D H Hamer
1Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Abstract:
Gram-positive bacterial meningitis frequently complicates ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts used for hydrocephalus. Linezolid, an oxazolidinone, is active against Gram-positive cocci, and has excellent CSF penetration. We present a 22-year-old woman who was cured of a Staphylococcus epidermidis VP shunt infection via shunt removal and intravenous linezolid.
Insights
Gram-positive bacterial meningitis can infect cerebrospinal fluid shunts. A Staphylococcus epidermidis infection in a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was successfully treated with linezolid, an effective antibiotic.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunts are crucial for managing hydrocephalus.
- Gram-positive bacterial meningitis poses a significant risk for patients with VP shunts.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common pathogen in shunt-associated infections.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old female patient developed a VP shunt infection.
- The infection was caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, a Gram-positive bacterium.
- The patient presented with symptoms indicative of bacterial meningitis.
Findings:
- Shunt removal combined with intravenous linezolid administration led to a complete cure.
- Linezolid demonstrated excellent penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- The patient experienced a full recovery from the infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the efficacy of linezolid in treating Gram-positive bacterial meningitis in VP shunt infections.
- Linezolid represents a viable therapeutic option for complex shunt-related infections.
- Further research into antibiotic management of shunt infections is warranted.