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Streptococcus pluranimalium: A novel human pathogen?
Lasanthi Aryasinghe1, Saweera Sabbar1, Yasmin Kazim1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Rashid Hospital Trauma Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
|December 2, 2014
Summary
This case report details a rare subdural empyema caused by Streptococcus pluranimalium in a healthy teen, likely from undetected sinusitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment led to a full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Subdural empyema is a rare but serious intracranial infection.
- Streptococcus pluranimalium is an uncommon pathogen in human infections, typically affecting animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first case of subdural empyema caused by Streptococcus pluranimalium.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- A 17-year-old male presented with headache and nausea, initially suspected of meningitis.
- Diagnostic imaging included computerized tomography (CT) scans.
- Treatment involved burr-hole evacuation and intravenous antibiotics.
Main Results:
- CT revealed a large subdural fluid collection with significant midline shift, confirmed as intracranial empyema.
- Cultures identified Streptococcus pluranimalium.
- The patient recovered fully without neurological deficits after 7 weeks of antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- Subdural empyema can arise from subclinical sinusitis in immunocompetent individuals.
- Prompt neurosurgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- This case expands the known spectrum of human pathogens causing subdural empyema.
Keywords:
Complicated sinusitisIntracranial abscessStreptococcus pluranimaliumSubclinical sinusitisSubdural empyemaMore Related Videos
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