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[Meningitis caused by Enterococcus faecalis during disseminated anguilluliasis]
Jean-Ralph Zahar1, Jacques Tankovic, Emilie Catherinot
1Service de réanimation polyvalente, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif. jean-ralph.zahar@nck.ap-hop-paris.fr
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|February 8, 2006
Summary
Disseminated anguilluliasis can cause serious complications like meningitis, often from Gram-negative bacteria. Early ivermectin treatment is recommended for immunocompromised individuals with potential exposure, even without definitive diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Disseminated anguilluliasis is a severe helminthic infection.
- Bacterial meningitis is a known complication, typically involving Gram-negative bacteria.
- Immunosuppression increases the risk of severe Strongyloides stercoralis infection.
Observation:
- A case of meningitis in an immunocompromised patient previously treated for T-lymphoma.
- Cerebrospinal fluid and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures identified Enterococcus faecalis.
- Strongyloides stercoralis was detected in stool and bronchoalveolar lavage samples.
Findings:
- Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive bacterium, was identified as the causative agent of meningitis.
- Co-infection with Strongyloides stercoralis was confirmed.
- The patient showed a favorable outcome with appropriate treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Strongyloides stercoralis in immunocompromised patients, even with atypical bacterial pathogens.
- Suggests presumptive ivermectin treatment for at-risk individuals with potential exposure, regardless of parasitological confirmation.
- Emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and management of disseminated anguilluliasis to prevent severe complications.