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Recurrent Lymphocytic Pleural Effusion as a Complication of Ventriculopleural Shunt Meningitis Caused by
Abdelmohaymin A Abdalla1, Ragda Ali2, Mansi Oberoi1
1Internal Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, USA.
Abstract:
Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is part of the normal flora and has been linked to many invasive and pleural infections. Though it is usually considered a contaminant bacterium, full antimicrobial therapy might result in the resolution of foreign body-related infections. In this report, we describe an infection that started as ventriculopleural shunt meningitis but was complicated by a recurrent lymphocytic pleural infection. Ultimately, there was a resolution of pleural effusions after treatment of C. acnes.
Insights
Cutibacterium acnes, normally found on skin, can cause serious infections. Effective antimicrobial therapy successfully treated a complicated ventriculopleural shunt meningitis and recurrent pleural infection caused by C. acnes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a commensal bacterium of human skin, frequently implicated in foreign body infections.
- While often considered a contaminant, C. acnes can cause severe invasive infections, including meningitis and pleural infections.
Observation:
- A patient presented with ventriculopleural shunt meningitis, which subsequently developed into a recurrent lymphocytic pleural infection.
- The pleural infection was attributed to C. acnes, a bacterium typically found on the skin.
Findings:
- Complete antimicrobial therapy targeting C. acnes led to the resolution of the complicated pleural infection and effusions.
- This case highlights the potential pathogenicity of C. acnes in foreign body-related infections.
Implications:
- Aggressive antimicrobial treatment may be necessary for C. acnes-related foreign body infections, even when the bacterium is initially considered a contaminant.
- Understanding the role of C. acnes in neurosurgical device infections is crucial for effective patient management.
- This case underscores the importance of considering C. acnes in the differential diagnosis of persistent or recurrent pleural infections, especially in patients with shunts or other foreign bodies.
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