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Published on: February 23, 2014
A child with recurrent otitis media due to Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
Rimjhim Kanaujia1, Swati Gupta1, Navneet Singla2
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Abstract:
Brain abscess remains a life-threatening condition. Here, we are reporting a case of brain abscess due to Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron in a previously known case of recurrent otitis media. A 15 years old boy with a history of recurrent otitis media presented with the complaints of right otalgia, headache and fever. Computed Tomography (CT) brain and neck revealed fluid filled right middle ear cavity with bony destruction along the inner cortex of right temporal bone. The abscess was drained and culture showed growth of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. This report illustrates the importance of MALDI-TOF MS in the species level identification of anaerobes thereby facilitating the selection of appropriate and prompt adjuvant antibiotic therapy. This timely identification thus led to a favourable outcome in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
A brain abscess caused by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a rare anaerobic bacterium, was successfully treated in a patient with recurrent otitis media. Rapid identification using MALDI-TOF MS guided effective antibiotic therapy, crucial in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brain abscess is a severe intracranial infection with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Recurrent otitis media can be a predisposing factor for intracranial complications, including brain abscess.
- Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is an anaerobic bacterium rarely implicated as a cause of brain abscess.
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