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Streptococcus salivarius meningitis and sphenoid sinus mucocele. Case report and literature review

Aristide Conte1, Pierangelo Chinello, Rok Civljak

  • 1Second Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy.

The Journal of Infection
|June 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study presents a rare case of meningitis caused by Streptococcus salivarius in a patient with an undiagnosed cerebrospinal fluid fistula linked to a sphenoid mucocele. It highlights the first known instance of this specific meningitis linked to a sphenoid mucocele.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by various pathogens.
  • Streptococcus salivarius is an uncommon cause of meningitis, typically found in the oral flora.
  • Sphenoid mucoceles, cysts within the sphenoid sinus, can lead to complications if they erode adjacent structures.

Observation:

  • A 49-year-old woman presented with meningitis.
  • The patient had a previously undiagnosed cerebrospinal fluid fistula.
  • The fistula was found to be associated with a sphenoid mucocele.

Findings:

  • The meningitis was diagnosed as being caused by Streptococcus salivarius.
  • This represents the first reported case of Streptococcus salivarius meningitis associated with a sphenoid mucocele.
  • Literature review confirmed the rarity of Streptococcus salivarius as a causative agent for meningitis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in meningitis, especially in patients with predisposing anatomical abnormalities.
  • Sphenoid mucoceles should be investigated as a potential source of cerebrospinal fluid fistulas leading to meningitis.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing meningitis and its underlying causes.

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