Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

Streptococcus bovis meningitis associated with colonic diverticulosis and hearing impairment: a case report

C N G Neves da Silva1, R S Carneiro de Araujo, J A Araujo Filho

  • 1Tropical Diseases Hospital, Goiania, Goias, Brazil.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of Streptococcus bovis meningitis in an elderly woman was successfully treated with penicillin G. This highlights the importance of considering gastrointestinal sources for this type of infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus bovis meningitis is a rare but serious infection, often associated with underlying gastrointestinal pathology.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 75-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of meningitis, including fever, headache, and vomiting.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed high leukocytes, low glucose, high protein, and Gram-positive cocci.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid culture confirmed Streptococcus bovis.

Findings:

  • Colonoscopy identified diverticula in the descending and transverse colon, suggesting a potential source of infection.
  • The patient received a 14-day course of penicillin G, a standard treatment for Streptococcus bovis infections.
  • The patient recovered well, with only mild hearing impairment post-treatment.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical link between Streptococcus bovis meningitis and colonic diverticula.
  • Early identification and management of the gastrointestinal source are essential for preventing recurrence and improving prognosis.
  • Effective treatment with penicillin G demonstrates its continued efficacy in managing this specific type of bacterial meningitis.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Diverticular Disease of the Colon01:27

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...
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...
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...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
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...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis01:27

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...