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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
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Case Report: Group B Streptococcus meningitis in an adolescent .
Roselle Vittorino1, Joyce Hui-Yuen2, Adam J Ratner3
1Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
F1000Research
|October 24, 2014
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can cause serious invasive infections, even in young adults. This case highlights GBS meningitis in a young woman with lupus and a recent abortion, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) typically colonizes the gastrointestinal and genital tracts asymptomatically.
- Invasive GBS infections are increasing, posing a significant public health concern.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and recent pregnancy complications can increase susceptibility to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of GBS meningitis in an 18-year-old woman with newly diagnosed lupus and a history of spontaneous abortion.
- To emphasize the importance of considering GBS as a causative agent in central nervous system (CNS) infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- To highlight the successful management of GBS meningitis in a complex patient population.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 18-year-old female patient presenting with symptoms of meningitis.
- Diagnostic workup included blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
- Treatment involved prolonged intravenous antibiotics for GBS and aggressive management of underlying lupus.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with fever, altered mental status, and meningeal signs.
- Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS).
- Brain MRI revealed an extra-axial fluid collection, confirming meningitis. The patient recovered after treatment.
Conclusions:
- GBS should be considered a potential pathogen in patients with CNS infections, irrespective of typical risk factors.
- Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, including antibiotics and management of underlying conditions like lupus, are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- This case underscores the evolving spectrum of GBS infections and the need for heightened clinical suspicion.
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