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Published on: July 14, 2023
A Cupriavidus Pauculus Infection in a Patient with a Deep Brain Stimulation Implant
Mahesh B Shenai1, Ramsey Falconer2, Sean Rogers2
1Neurosurgery, Inova Neuroscience Institute, Falls Church, USA.
Abstract:
While deep brain stimulation (DBS) is now standard therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, infections remain one of the most common perioperative complications. In this report, we describe a 58-year-old female with a history of medically refractory Parkinson's disease, who underwent magnetic resonance (MR)-guided bilateral subthalamic DBS. While the initial surgery and programming were successful, she returned in follow-up with signs of a generator pocket infection. She was taken to surgery for hardware explantation, and cultures revealed multispecies growth which included the rare Cupriavidus pauculus species. This is the first report of C. pauculus infection in conjunction with a neuromodulation device. We provide a literature review and discussion of C. pauculus, and its implications in the context of DBS surgery.
Insights
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a standard Parkinson's treatment, but infections are common. This case report details the first known infection with Cupriavidus pauculus following DBS surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a vital therapy for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.
- Perioperative infections are a significant complication associated with DBS procedures.
- Managing infections is crucial for patient outcomes in neuromodulation therapy.

