Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Isolated bacterial meningitis as the key syndrome of infective endocarditis

K Angstwurm1, E Halle, K Wetzel

  • 1Dept. of Neurology, Charité, Humboldt-University, D-10098, Berlin, Germany. klemens.angstwurm@charite.de

Infection
|March 10, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infective endocarditis can present as bacterial meningitis, even with unusual bacterial isolates. A thorough endocarditis workup is crucial for patients with meningitis, especially when Staphylococcus aureus is identified.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis is an uncommon initial presentation of infective endocarditis.
  • Infective endocarditis is a significant complication that can lead to bacterial meningitis.

Observation:

  • Three cases of isolated bacterial meningitis in patients with infective endocarditis are presented.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was identified in blood cultures for all patients, but only one had it in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Findings:

  • Histological confirmation of underlying endocarditis was established in all three cases.
  • Two patients achieved full recovery, while one patient unfortunately died.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider infective endocarditis in all bacterial meningitis cases with unusual isolates.
  • An in-depth investigation for endocarditis is recommended, regardless of whether the isolate is from blood or CSF.

More Related Videos

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells10:12

Neisseria meningitidis Infection of Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Brain Endothelial Cells

Published on: July 14, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
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...
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...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...