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Brain abscess caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum in an adult patient

Philipp Deetjen1, Christoph Maurer, Andreas Rank

  • 1Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|January 31, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Ureaplasma urealyticum, typically found in the female genitourinary tract, caused a rare brain abscess. This case highlights a severe infection in an immunocompromised patient.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Ureaplasma urealyticum is a commensal bacterium of the human urogenital tract.
  • Hypogammaglobulinemia is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by low levels of immunoglobulins.
  • Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in treating various autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Observation:

  • A rare case of mastoiditis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum was identified.
  • The infection progressed to a secondary brain abscess.
  • The patient had a history of hypogammaglobulinemia and rituximab treatment 3 years prior.

Findings:

  • Ureaplasma urealyticum can cause severe invasive infections beyond the genitourinary tract.
  • The bacterium's role in central nervous system infections is exceedingly rare.
  • Immunocompromised status, particularly post-rituximab hypogammaglobulinemia, increases susceptibility.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for Ureaplasma urealyticum to cause severe, disseminated infections in susceptible individuals.
  • Highlights the importance of considering atypical pathogens in complex infections.
  • Suggests vigilance for invasive Ureaplasma infections in immunocompromised patients, even years after treatment.

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