Brain abscess due to Trueperella bernardiae

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) can lead to serious intracranial complications.
• Cholesteatoma is a destructive growth that can exacerbate CSOM and increase infection risk.
• Brain abscesses are uncommon but severe complications of middle ear infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of a brain abscess caused by a specific combination of rare bacteria.
• To describe the clinical presentation and management of this unusual infection.
• To emphasize the importance of considering rare pathogens in complex otogenic brain abscesses.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with CSOM and cholesteatoma.
• Identification of causative organisms via microbiological culture and analysis.
• Review of diagnostic imaging and clinical course.
• Literature review for similar cases.

Main Results:

• A brain abscess was identified in a patient with complicated CSOM and cholesteatoma.
• The abscess was polymicrobially caused by Trueperella bernardiae and Peptoniphilus harei.
• This represents a novel combination of rare pathogens implicated in brain abscess formation.

Conclusions:

• Trueperella bernardiae and Peptoniphilus harei can cause brain abscesses, particularly in the context of otologic disease.
• This case underscores the need for comprehensive microbiological investigation in complex intracranial infections.
• Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing brain abscesses, even those caused by rare organisms.