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Neuronavigation and Laparoscopy Guided Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Insertion for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
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Kytococcus schroeteri infection of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a child

Sarah Jourdain1, Véronique Yvette Miendje Deyi, Karine Musampa

  • 1Infectious Diseases and Infection Control Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Brussels, Belgium. sajourda@ulb.ac.be

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|November 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Kytococcus schroeteri, a rare pathogen, caused a pediatric ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and shunt replacement led to successful recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Kytococcus schroeteri is a recently identified bacterial species, primarily linked to endocarditis cases since 2002.
  • Opportunistic infections by K. schroeteri are uncommon, with only six cases reported globally.

Observation:

  • This report details the first pediatric case of Kytococcus schroeteri infection involving a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.
  • The patient initially presented with symptoms suggestive of a shunt infection, with the causative agent misidentified by standard methods.

Findings:

  • Accurate identification of Kytococcus schroeteri was achieved through 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, overcoming limitations of automated and biochemical testing.
  • The pediatric patient received a successful treatment regimen comprising rifampin, vancomycin, and surgical replacement of the infected VP shunt.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Kytococcus schroeteri to cause serious infections in pediatric patients with indwelling devices.
  • Accurate and timely identification of Kytococcus schroeteri is crucial for effective treatment strategies, emphasizing the role of molecular methods.
  • The successful management underscores the efficacy of a combination therapy approach for K. schroeteri shunt infections.

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