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Campylobacter fetus meningitis in a diabetic adult cured by imipenem

J Herve1, N Aissa, P Legrand

  • 1Service d'Accueil et d'Urgence, Hôpital Henri Mondor (AP-HP), 51 Avenue du Maréchal Delattre de Tassigny, Créteil Cedex, France.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|August 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This case report details the successful treatment of severe Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus meningitis and septic shock with imipenem in a non-immunocompromised patient. It highlights imipenem as a potential effective therapy for this rare and serious infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Meningitis caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus is rare in adults, particularly in non-immunocompromised individuals.
  • Septic shock is an exceptionally rare complication of C. fetus meningitis.
  • Optimal antibiotic treatment for C. fetus meningitis is not well-established.

Observation:

  • A severe case of C. fetus meningitis complicated by septic shock occurred in a patient without apparent immunosuppression.
  • The patient's clinical presentation was severe, necessitating intensive management.
  • Previous reports of C. fetus meningitis in adults are limited.

Findings:

  • Successful management of severe C. fetus meningitis and septic shock was achieved using imipenem.
  • Imipenem demonstrated high in vitro activity against C. fetus.
  • This case suggests imipenem may be an effective therapeutic option for C. fetus meningitis.

Implications:

  • This report expands the understanding of C. fetus meningitis in non-immunocompromised adults.
  • It provides clinical evidence for the efficacy of imipenem in treating this rare infection.
  • Further research is warranted to determine the optimal antibiotic regimens for C. fetus meningitis.

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