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Brain abscess induced by Propionibacterium acnes in a patient with severe chronic sinusitis

Lorenzo Zaffiri1, Rasha Abdulmassih, Shafik Boyaji

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Western Michigan University Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The New Microbiologica
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Propionibacterium acnes, once a contaminant, is an emerging pathogen causing central nervous system infections, particularly after neurosurgery. This case highlights a cerebral abscess from chronic sinus disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) was historically viewed as a skin contaminant.
  • Recent clinical challenges involve the isolation and identification of P. acnes as a pathogen.
  • Central nervous system (CNS) infections by P. acnes are increasingly linked to neurosurgical interventions.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a cerebral abscess.
  • The abscess was attributed to a severe, chronic sinus disease.

Findings:

  • This case illustrates a Propionibacterium acnes cerebral abscess.
  • The abscess developed secondary to chronic sinus disease, not directly from neurosurgery.

Implications:

  • Highlights P. acnes as a significant pathogen beyond typical contaminant roles.
  • Underscores the importance of considering P. acnes in CNS infections, even with non-neurosurgical origins.
  • Suggests chronic sinus disease as a potential predisposing factor for P. acnes CNS infections.

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