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Multiple brain abscesses due to Actinomyces species
Oluwadamilola A Adeyemi1, Numa Gottardi-Littell, Kenji Muro
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. o-adeyemi@northwestern.edu
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|July 8, 2008
Summary
This case study details a rare instance of multiple brain abscesses caused by Actinomyces species in an otherwise healthy adult. Diagnosis involved identifying sulfur granules and Gram-positive rods in brain tissue samples.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Actinomyces species are rare causes of brain abscesses, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Brain abscesses can present with non-specific neurological symptoms, complicating early diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old immunocompetent male presented with a two-month history of headache, diplopia, fever, and weight loss.
- Symptoms persisted despite a month of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention, including right anterior temporal lobectomy and abscess evacuation, was performed.
- Histopathological examination revealed sulfur granules and Gram-positive filamentous rods, confirming Actinomyces infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Actinomyces in the differential diagnosis of brain abscesses, even in immunocompetent patients.
- Prompt histopathological analysis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of rare infectious etiologies.
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