Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Listeria monocytogenes Infection of the Brain
Published on: October 2, 2018
Anaerobic brain abscess
Sukanya Sudhaharan1, Padmasri Chavali1, Lakshmi Vemu1
1Department of Microbiology, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad Telangana, India.
Background And Objectives:
Brain abscess remains a potentially fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease, especially in developing countries. Anaerobic abscess is difficult to diagnose because of cumbersome procedures associated with the isolation of anaerobes.
Materials And Methods:
This is a hospital-based retrospective microbiological analysis of 430 brain abscess materials (purulent aspirates and/or tissue), for anaerobic organisms, that were received between 1987-2014, by the Microbiology Laboratory in our Institute.
Results:
Culture showed growth of bacteria 116/430 (27%) of the cases of which anaerobes were isolated in 48/116 (41.1%) of the cases. Peptostreptococcus (51.4 %), was the predominant organism isolated in four cases followed by Bacteroides and Peptococcus species.
Conclusion:
Early diagnosis and detection of these organisms would help in the appropriate management of these patients.
Insights
Anaerobic brain abscesses are challenging to diagnose. This study found that anaerobic bacteria, particularly Peptostreptococcus, were present in 41.1% of positive cultures from brain abscesses, highlighting the need for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brain abscess is a severe central nervous system (CNS) infection with high mortality, particularly in developing nations.
- Diagnosing anaerobic brain abscesses is challenging due to difficulties in isolating anaerobic microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the prevalence and types of anaerobic organisms isolated from brain abscesses.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection for effective patient management.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based retrospective microbiological analysis was conducted.
- 430 brain abscess samples (purulent aspirates and/or tissue) were analyzed between 1987 and 2014.
- Focus was on the isolation of anaerobic organisms.
Main Results:
- Bacterial growth was observed in 27% (116/430) of cases.
- Anaerobic organisms were isolated in 41.1% (48/116) of positive cultures.
- Peptostreptococcus was the predominant anaerobic isolate (51.4%), followed by Bacteroides and Peptococcus species.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of anaerobic bacteria in brain abscesses is crucial.
- Prompt diagnosis facilitates appropriate and timely treatment strategies.
- Understanding the microbial profile aids in managing CNS infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Viral Meningitis
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
01:25Arboviral Encephalitis