Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection caused by Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii

Richard R Watkins1, Kathy Anthony, Suzanne Schroder

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Akron General Medical Center, Akron, Ohio, USA.

Insights

Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii, a rare bacterium, can cause serious infections like ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections. This case highlights the importance of identifying this organism in clinical settings.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii was previously classified as CDC coryneform group 1.
  • This bacterium is infrequently identified in clinical samples.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection.
  • The infection was caused by Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii.

Findings:

  • This report details a rare case of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection.
  • The causative agent was identified as Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii as a potential pathogen is warranted.
  • Accurate identification of rare bacteria is crucial for effective patient management and treatment.

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