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Brain abscess due to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
Srdjan Stepanović1, Tanja Tosić, Branislava Savić
1Department of Bacteriology, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. stepan@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.yu
Summary
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a common oral bacterium, can rarely cause brain abscesses. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and suggests its underestimation in non-oral infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a known component of the oral flora.
- Brain abscesses are serious intracranial infections, often polymicrobial.
- The etiology of brain abscesses can be diverse, including odontogenic sources.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male presented with multiple brain abscesses.
- The causative organism was identified as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
- The presumed source of infection was the patient's poor dentition.
Findings:
- Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is an uncommon cause of brain abscesses.
- Isolation and identification of this organism from non-oral sites can be challenging.
- The case suggests potential underestimation of A. actinomycetemcomitans in non-oral infections.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering oral pathogens in brain abscess etiology.
- Diagnostic difficulties in isolating A. actinomycetemcomitans may lead to underdiagnosis.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the true incidence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in serious infections outside the oral cavity.