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Meningoencephalitis due to Gemella haemolysans
Benjamin T Galen1, David B Banach2, Melissa R Gitman3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|September 28, 2013
Summary
Gemella haemolysans can cause invasive infections. Direct 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing can diagnose G. haemolysans meningitis when cerebrospinal fluid cultures are negative.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Gemella haemolysans is a rare cause of human invasive disease.
- Bacterial meningitis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A case of meningitis caused by Gemella haemolysans is presented.
- The cerebrospinal fluid culture was negative for bacterial growth.
Findings:
- Direct 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing identified Gemella haemolysans in cerebrospinal fluid.
- This technique is valuable for diagnosing culture-negative meningitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the utility of molecular methods in diagnosing unusual bacterial meningitis.
- Suggests considering 16S rRNA gene PCR for suspected meningitis with negative cultures.
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