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Brain abscess due to Gemella haemolysans
Mi Ra Lee1, Sang-Oh Lee, Sue-Yun Kim
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Gil Medical Center, Gachon Medical School, Incheon, Korea.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 8, 2004
Summary
This case study highlights a brain abscess caused by Gemella haemolysans and Bacteroides species in an immunocompetent adult following dental procedures. Successful treatment involved 6 weeks of intravenous ampicillin and metronidazole.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brain abscesses are serious intracranial infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Dental procedures can be a source of bacteremia, potentially leading to distant infections like brain abscesses.
- While often polymicrobial, specific bacterial species involved in brain abscesses continue to be elucidated.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old immunocompetent male presented with symptoms suggestive of a brain abscess.
- The patient had recently undergone dental procedures, indicating a potential source of infection.
- Cranial imaging confirmed the presence of a brain abscess.
Findings:
- Cultures revealed the presence of Gemella haemolysans and Bacteroides species as the causative agents.
- The patient was treated with intravenous ampicillin and metronidazole.
- A complete recovery was achieved after a 6-week course of antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering dental health in the etiology of brain abscesses, even in immunocompetent individuals.
- Gemella haemolysans, though less common, should be recognized as a potential pathogen in brain abscesses.
- The successful treatment regimen suggests ampicillin and metronidazole are effective options for brain abscesses caused by these specific organisms.