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Meningitis caused by Enterococcus gallinarum after lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid

B Roca1, J V Pesudo, J M Gonzalez-Darder

  • 1Infectious Disease Department, Hospital General of Castellon, University of Valencia, Spain.

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|June 10, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study details a rare case of meningitis caused by Enterococcus gallinarum, a vancomycin-resistant bacterium. The infection, linked to a cerebrospinal fluid drain, was successfully treated with antibiotics and drain removal.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Enterococcus gallinarum is a rare cause of meningitis, often associated with vancomycin resistance.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheters are potential sources of infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of Enterococcus gallinarum meningitis.
  • To highlight the association between cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheters and this type of meningitis.
  • To discuss the successful treatment of this rare infection.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient with meningitis.
  • Identification of Enterococcus gallinarum as the causative agent.
  • Review of previous similar cases.

Main Results:

  • A rare case of meningitis caused by Enterococcus gallinarum was identified.
  • The patient had a cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheter in place.
  • The patient responded well to antimicrobial therapy and removal of the drain.

Conclusions:

  • Enterococcus gallinarum can cause meningitis, particularly in patients with cerebrospinal fluid drainage devices.
  • Vancomycin resistance can be a feature of Enterococcus gallinarum.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including drain removal, are crucial for successful outcomes.

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