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Updated: Apr 27, 2026
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Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
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Central nervous system infection caused by vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (SCCmec type IV, ST8)
Hiroyoshi Kino1, Hiromichi Suzuki2, Tetsuo Yamaguchi3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
Summary
This study reports the first case in Japan of brain and subdural abscesses caused by vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA). The patient successfully recovered after treatment with linezolid.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurosurgery
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Subdural and brain abscesses are serious intracranial infections requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen, and the emergence of vancomycin-intermediate strains (VISA) poses a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary for abscess drainage.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old Japanese male presented with symptoms of subdural and brain abscesses.
- Pus cultures from both abscesses yielded vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA), confirmed by population analysis (MIC = 4 μg/mL).
- The identified VISA strain belonged to SCCmec type IV and sequence type ST8.
Findings:
- The VISA isolates demonstrated susceptibility to levofloxacin, clindamycin, minocycline, and linezolid.
- Successful treatment was achieved using linezolid, leading to patient discharge on day 51.
- This case represents the first documented instance of VISA causing both subdural and brain abscesses in Japan.
Implications:
- Highlights the clinical significance of VISA in neurosurgical infections.
- Emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Staphylococcus aureus, especially in cases of treatment failure or unusual presentations.
- Suggests linezolid as a viable treatment option for VISA-associated brain and subdural abscesses.
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