Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
08:25

Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling

Published on: April 7, 2015

Polymicrobial subdural empyema: involvement of Streptococcus pneumoniae revealed by lytA PCR and antigen detection

Thomas Greve1, Dorte Clemmensen, Winnie Ridderberg

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark. thomgrev@rm.dk

BMJ Case Reports
|June 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare subdural empyema (SDE) coinfection with Streptococcus intermedius and Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in an 11-year-old girl. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention were critical for managing this severe brain infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Subdural empyema (SDE) is a serious intracranial infection requiring prompt management.
  • Coinfections can complicate diagnosis and treatment of SDE.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old female presented with symptoms consistent with SDE, rapidly progressing to somnolence despite initial antibiotic treatment.
  • Initial neuroimaging revealed an interhemispheric SDE, with subsequent progression noted on CT scan.
  • Initial cultures identified only Streptococcus intermedius.

Findings:

  • Supplementary testing revealed a coinfection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, detected via lytA PCR and antigen testing.
  • The patient underwent two surgical evacuations of the empyema with positive outcomes.
  • The case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches in severe SDE.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for polymicrobial SDE, emphasizing the need for advanced diagnostic methods beyond standard cultures.
  • Early and aggressive surgical management combined with appropriate antibiotic therapy is crucial for favorable outcomes in SDE.
  • Recognizing coinfections is vital for optimizing treatment strategies and preventing disease progression in pediatric SDE.

More Related Videos

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae09:12

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Published on: January 17, 2014

Polymerase Chain Reaction and Dot-Blot Hybridization for Leptospira Detection in Water Samples06:05

Polymerase Chain Reaction and Dot-Blot Hybridization for Leptospira Detection in Water Samples

Published on: June 14, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
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 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...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...