Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
08:03

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Published on: June 23, 2020

Staphylococcus caprae meningitis following intraspinal device infection

Paolo Benedetti1, Giampietro Pellizzer1, Francesca Furlan2

  • 1Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|June 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus caprae meningitis was diagnosed in a patient with an infected intraspinal analgesia pump. The infection

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Medical Device Infections

Background:

  • Intraspinal analgesia pumps are used for chronic pain management.
  • Device-related infections can lead to serious complications.
  • Staphylococcus caprae is a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species.

Observation:

  • A case of meningitis caused by Staphylococcus caprae is presented.
  • The infection originated from a contaminated intraspinal analgesia pump.
  • The clinical presentation was subclinical and pauci-symptomatic.

Findings:

  • Chronic device contamination likely led to the meningitis.
  • Subclinical presentation can mask serious infections.
  • Staphylococcus caprae can cause meningitis in the context of indwelling devices.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of chronic device contamination in intraspinal pump infections.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering subtle clinical signs in device-related infections.
  • Suggests vigilance for Staphylococcus caprae in meningitis cases associated with implanted devices.

More Related Videos

Implantation of Optoelectronic Devices in the Rodent Spinal Cord04:35

Implantation of Optoelectronic Devices in the Rodent Spinal Cord

Published on: July 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...