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Gram-Positive Rods on a Cerebrospinal Fluid Gram Stain

Amelia B Thompson1,2, David Wrubel3, Frank E Berkowitz2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|December 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) devices risk infection. This case highlights removing CSF shunts is vital for treating Listeria monocytogenes infections, especially those involving biofilm.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Device Infections

Background:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) access device placement in children poses risks, including infections and shunt malfunctions.
  • Infections associated with CSF devices can complicate treatment and patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • An unusual pediatric case of Listeria monocytogenes ventriculitis and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) infection was observed.
  • A pseudocyst was associated with the VPS infection.

Findings:

  • The study emphasizes the critical role of VPS removal in eradicating L. monocytogenes infection.
  • Biofilm formation on the VPS contributed to the persistent infection, underscoring the need for device explantation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of prompt VPS removal for managing pediatric L. monocytogenes infections.
  • Understanding biofilm dynamics is crucial for effective treatment strategies in neurosurgical infections.
  • Early recognition and intervention are key to improving outcomes in pediatric shunt infections.

Keywords:
CNS infectionGram-positive rodListeria monocytogenes

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