Prevotella brain abscess in a healthy young patient with a patent foramen ovale

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Brain abscesses are typically polymicrobial infections.
• Abscesses caused by Prevotella species are uncommon.
• Right-to-left cardiac shunting, such as through a patent foramen ovale, can increase infection risk.

Observation:

• A healthy young male presented with an isolated brain abscess.
• The patient had an undiagnosed patent foramen ovale.
• No clear dental or distant infection source was identified.

Findings:

• The brain abscess was confirmed to be caused solely by Prevotella species.
• The patent foramen ovale was identified as a potential predisposing factor.
• The patient responded well to treatment.

Implications:

• This case highlights Prevotella as a potential pathogen in brain abscesses, even in healthy individuals.
• Patent foramen ovale should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cryptogenic brain abscesses.
• Successful management can be achieved with targeted antibiotics and surgical intervention such as stereotactic aspiration.